In July 2024, the Jasper Wildfire swept through the rugged landscapes of 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 August of 2024.
Current Scenario
Jasper National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has faced severe damage due to the 2024 wildfires. The town of Jasper itself was significantly impacted, with approximately 30% of the town’s buildings destroyed or damaged by the fire. A park-wide evacuation was ordered, resulting in 25,000 people being safely evacuated.
As of now, efforts are still ongoing in regions such as the Maligne Valley, where flames continue to pose a threat. The park’s landscape and the town bear the marks of this natural disaster, with ongoing recovery efforts aimed at stabilizing and regenerating the affected areas. Visitors in 2025 will witness a town and park in transition, where the scars of the wildfires are still fresh, but the resilience of both the community and the natural environment is beginning to shine through.
Accessibility and Amenities
The infrastructure in Jasper is beginning its recovery, with key roads like Highway 16 fully operational.
Essential services, including grocery stores and emergency facilities may still operate under adjusted hours or limited capacity. Visitors should stay informed about ongoing recovery efforts and any remaining restrictions to ensure a smooth and safe experience.
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
Hotel Closures (subject to change):
- Whistler’s Inn will remain closed until September 27, 2024
- Sunwapta Falls Rocky Mountain Lodge will be closed until May 2025
- Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge closed until September 30, 2024
- Maligne Lodge
- Mount Robson Inn
- Tekarra Lodge
- Jasper Inn and Suites will remain closed until April 2025
- Pyramid Lake Lodge will remain closed until end of October 2024
Click here for updates regarding the town of Jasper.
Safety Essentials
Air quality, which was affected during the fire, has improved, but it remains a focal point of monitoring, especially as fire-related risks continue in certain areas.
Real-time updates on road conditions, air quality, and safety advisories are available through official channels like Parks Canada and Alberta 511, ensuring that visitors are well-informed during their travels.
For those planning to visit, it’s recommended to stay updated on the latest conditions and advisories and to carry safety gear such as masks, especially when traveling to areas that were heavily affected by the fires.
Reopening of sites
As of August 2024, some of Jasper’s attractions, including the Columbia Icefield and Miette Hot Springs, have reopened. Promisingly, Pyramid Lake has also recently opened, which is a positive sign for the upcoming season, as the area had been blocked off until a few weeks ago. However, major sites such as Maligne Lake and Maligne Canyon remain closed.
Significant progress has been made in controlling hotspots in areas like Maligne Valley and Overlander Creek, raising hopes for potential reopenings in 2025.
Guided tours continue to be an excellent way to explore these landscapes safely while gaining insight into the recovery process.
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. Click here to learn more about the various bus tours offered to the Canadian Rockies.