Seeing firsthand the devastation caused by the July wildfire that destroyed almost a third of the town of Jasper is shocking, and talking with our Jasper friends whose lives have been upended is heartbreaking.
But I spent a couple of days in Jasper earlier this fall on a writing assignment and seeing that some businesses are back up and running and visitors are slowly returning is a good sign.
Parks Canada has done an admirable job of opening some roads and most hiking trails affected by the fire, meaning I could drive up to Maligne Lake (although Maligne Canyon is closed) and hike around fire-affected Lake Annette and to the top of Old Fort Point. We hiked through the fire-affected forests around Lake Annette and looped up and over the top of Old Fort Point. At that time everything was blackened, but look for lots of forest floor greenery next summer.
It’s no consolation for Jasper locals who lost everything, but by spring 2025 I assume there will be a somewhat return to normalcy for the tourism industry, with campgrounds, attractions, and hiking trails open – making Jasper the perfect place to spend some time, while also supporting the town and its residents. We’re ready to return, with a campsite at Whistlers Campground booked for spring and a mid-summer stay at one of our favourite places in the park, Becker Chalets, which lost a few cabins to the wildfire.
Below are some photos from around the town, taken in October 2024.
Looking northwest from Old Fort Point. The lake right centre is Lac Beauvert.
Lake Annette paved loop
Grass is already returning to burnt areas.
a fire-damaged picnic table at Lake Edith.
Trailhead at the north end of the Skyline Trail.
While the wildfire destroyed large swaths of forest, and the impact to the town and its residents will be felt for decades, Jasper National Park remains a wonderful place to visit. The Columbia Icefield, Maligne Lake, Mount Edith Cavell, and the benchlands on the north side of town all escaped the fire – all wonderful places to explore at any time of year.
Cavell Pond and Angel Glacier, a highlight of Jasper National Park.