This summer has been challenging for Jasper. It started with a massive wildfire on July 22 that forced 25,000 people to evacuate the park. Just 48 hours later, the fire destroyed nearly 30% of the Jasper townsite.
The town and national park have now begun the recovery process. On August 16, residents and business owners were allowed to return to Jasper to assess the damage and plan their recovery efforts.
The next step in Jasper’s journey to rebuild is to welcome visitors back.
Beginning this Friday, September 6, Parks Canada will reopen some facilities and trails to the public. However, certain areas of the town and the national park will remain closed. Parks Canada has emphasized that these closures are legally enforced to ensure safety, reduce congestion, protect residents’ privacy, and support recovery efforts.
The following areas of the park have been assessed for fire damage and hazardous trees and are considered safe to reopen on Friday:
Along Miette Road:
- All pullouts and viewpoints are open.
- Frontcountry trails, including Miette Mine and Sulfur Skyline, are open.
- Miette campground and the connector trail between Mine Trail and the campground remain closed.
- Access to the backcountry from all these trails is prohibited.
Along Highway 16, from the East Gate to Jasper:
- All highway pullouts, day-use areas, and trails are open.
- Talbot Lake and Jasper Lake are open.
- The popular climbing area at Morro Slabs is open.
- Access to the Overlander Trail is closed. Please respect all barriers and signage, as this area is unsafe to enter.
Along Highway 16, west of the town of Jasper:
- All pullouts and viewpoints are open.
- Dorothy and Christine Lakes trails are open to provide access to Elysium Pass and Devona trails.
Please note that all campgrounds will remain closed for the 2024 season.
If you have campground reservations in Jasper National Park for this fall, Parks Canada will automatically cancel them and fully refund your money.
Most hotels, cabins, and hostels in Jasper National Park remain closed, except for Miette Hot Springs Bungalows & Restaurants and the Glacier View Hotel.
For a complete list of businesses and services currently available in Jasper, please check this link for regular updates.
