In July 2024, the a wildfire swept through Jasper National Park, causing widespread damage and prompting large-scale evacuation efforts. The fire left a significant impact, but also sparked a remarkable recovery that has drawn global attention. As we move into 2025, many are asking: What will a trip to Jasper be like now? This article explores the current state of Jasper, highlighting the community’s resilience and the ongoing restoration of its natural beauty.
Click here to stay up to date on events related to the wildfire and restoration efforts.
Please keep in mind that this post was written in December of 2024.
Current Scenario
The Jasper Wildfire Complex has been fully contained since September 7, 2024. Parks Canada continues to monitor previously affected areas to ensure there are no flare-ups. With winter setting in, conditions have stabilized, and there is no longer any active fire activity in the park. Visitors can explore most areas safely, though some restoration zones remain restricted.
Current Area Closures (December 2024):
Maligne Canyon: Access is prohibited from the First Bridge parking lot to the Fifth Bridge junction. This includes adjacent areas within the wildfire perimeter, such as the Rock Gardens climbing area, the Old Man scramble, and Two Valley Canyon.
Highway 93A Corridor: Access to Whistlers Road and Highway 93A south of Marmot Road remains closed. The area south of Highway 16 and west of the Icefields Parkway is also closed to both frontcountry and backcountry use, extending south to the Fryatt Trail (Trail 120). Exceptions include day-use areas and roadside facilities on the Icefields Parkway, as well as Marmot Basin Ski Resort.
Skyline Trail Area: The Skyline Trail (Trail 100) is open from the Maligne trailhead for both frontcountry and backcountry use. However, access from the Signal trailhead (Trails 100 and 7i) and Wabasso Lake–Curator (Trail 101) remains closed. The Signal backcountry campground is also closed.
The Palisades Centre: Access to the Palisades Centre is currently prohibited.
Frontcountry Campgrounds: All frontcountry campgrounds remain closed until further notice.
Accessibility and Amenities
Major roads, including Highway 16 and all access routes to Jasper, are fully operational. The majority of businesses, including grocery stores and restaurants, have reopened, although a few still operate on reduced hours. Essential services are running smoothly, and residents have returned to normal routines. Visitors are encouraged to plan their accommodations in advance as demand remains high.
Looking forward to 2025, many hotels in the area have begun the process of taking in bookings.
Jasper Hotels that are open:
- Glacier View Lodge
- Miette Mountain Cabins
- Forest Park Hotel
- Chateau Jasper
- Tonquin Inn
- Jasper Park Lodge
Hotel Closures (subject to change):
- Sunwapta Falls Rocky Mountain Lodge will be closed until May 2025
- Maligne Lodge
- Mount Robson Inn
- Tekarra Lodge
- Jasper Inn and Suites will remain closed until April 2025
- Click here for updates regarding the town of Jasper.
Safety Essentials
Air quality in Jasper has significantly improved since the summer, with winter weather helping to clear lingering smoke, making it safer for visitors, though those with specific health concerns should check real-time updates. While most trails and attractions are open, some areas remain closed for restoration efforts; find out more through official channels like Parks Canada and Alberta 511. Jasper’s wilderness is also showing signs of regeneration, with new vegetation emerging in burned areas and wildlife increasingly returning to their habitats. To support conservation efforts, visitors should respect restoration zones and stay on designated trails.
Reopening of sites
As of December 5, 2024, Jasper National Park has made significant progress in reopening its attractions following the July wildfires. The Columbia Icefield and Miette Hot Springs have been welcoming visitors since August. Pyramid Lake reopened in late August, signaling a positive trend for the season. Notably, Maligne Lake and Maligne Canyon, which were previously closed, reopened on October 11, 2024, along with Maligne Road and its surrounding day hiking trails. Visitors are encouraged to consult the Parks Canada website for the latest updates on trail and area statuses to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.
Can I join by tour?
Looking ahead to 2025, both the Rocky Mountaineer Train and VIA Rail are taking in bookings for their Rocky Mountain routes, and therefore expected to operate. To learn more about these two trains, click here.
Additionally, bus tours to Jasper are set to continue, though travelers should remain aware of potential changes due to ongoing restoration and weather conditions.