Jasper Hot Springs in Winter?
 

The Miette hot springs near Jasper look really fantastic. Unfortunately my girlfriend and I are visiting in the winter when the official swimming pool-style facilities are closed.

I hear the access road is closed too, making it a 17km hike from the Trans-Canada. Would any Jasper locals be willing to share tips on ways to get at the hot springs in winter?

What are you hoping to hike to? I don't think there are any "unofficial" springs you could hike into and use. Also, usually road closures in winter are due to dangerous conditions, for example a high-risk avalance area.

The road up Roche Miette to the hot springs is scary as heck in the summer, much too dangerous to have open to traffic during winter driving conditions. Thus, no hot springs availability during the winter (we're talking until at least May) months.

I believe the hot springs in Banff are open year-round, though - although it's been many years since I was in them in the winter.

Oh, and though I'm not a Jasper local, we consider it to be our second home, since we live in Edmonton and go up there 2-3 times a year. There are lots of trails that are great hikes even in winter - check with the Parks Office, they can tell you which ones are open & safe.

You can't get up to Miette in the Winter. Parks Canada keeps the road locked with a gate a couple of kilometres up the road.
I understand they usually keep the pool full all Winter and there is a skeleton staff there too I think.
Maybe you just have to meet the right person!

We saw people enjoying the hot springs in Banff , with snow all around, and steam rising. It looked great.
Think it was early spring. We also were in Jasper, and all the normally turquoise lakes looked the same - white! We tried to get to the sights (waterfalls, lookouts etc) and managed a few, walking in or rather slipping and sliding and falling. Still fun - doing it again next year!