Jasper is ready, able and eager to accommodate vacationers dreaming of dramatic Rocky Mountains views
Nearly two years after a wildfire entered the town of Jasper, the community wants to make it clear that it’s ready, able and eager to accommodate those who are dreaming about a vacation that has dramatic Rocky Mountains scenery as a backdrop.
Tyler Riopel, CEO of Tourism Jasper, says the community has rebounded in the wake of the July 2024 fire that destroyed numerous structures in the town and scorched part of the forest bordering it. The fire drew international attention.
“The iconic things that we all want to see in Jasper (National Park) — the mountains, the lakes — are very much intact,” Rioppel said during late May’s Rendez-vous Canada show in Toronto, in which Jasper had a booth.
Some 97% of sprawling Jasper National Park was unaffected by the fire and Riopel added that the “forest floor is greening” in the burned area, with sightings of larger wildlife — such as elk — actually increasing in fire-affected areas, thanks to easier visibility.
Riopel said those visiting the fire-affected area can have “a rare opportunity to witness (nature’s) renewal in real time…The reshaped landscape reveals new growth, rare vistas, and renewed wild spaces. With over 1,000 km of hiking trails, visitors can experience blooming wildflowers, open ridgelines, and wildlife that is now more visible. This isn’t a return, it’s a rare moment to see nature in motion.”
A residential part of the town saw the most damage but two hotels were lost and the community’s famed Jasper Park Lodge saw some damage. The lodge has just completed a major renovation.
The town now has over 25 accommodation choices, more than 50 tourist experiences and over 70 restaurants welcoming visitors in what Tourism Jasper labels “a season of reconnection, a chance to discover Jasper as you’ve never seen it before.”
Two new restaurants have opened since the fire as well.
Some companies now have tours showcasing the fire’s effect on the environment, among them Jasper Food Tours, which is offering the Wildfire PEAK NIC, and states the “55-million-year-old land, without its canopy of leaves, reveals recovering flora, returning wildlife and a healthy future. On Wildfire PEAK-Nic, you will be hiking 4 kms through the severely impacted site of the Complex Wildfire to one of Jasper’s prominent peaks. As your guide leads you through new growth forest emerging from the ash, you will learn to identify various species of plants, wildflowers and mushrooms, learn about history, geology, forestry, wildfires and observe wildlife from a safe distance. Once at the peak, you will take in 360-degree views of the different yet stunning vistas for miles and learn about the roles and benefits of a wildfire over a hot lunch with your guide.”
Daily tours begin from the Old Fort point parking lot, a 5-minute drive from the Jasper townsite. Pick-up from hotels within 10 kms of Jasper is available on request.
Sundog Tours in return is offering the Sunrise Wildlife and Ecology of Fire Tour to September and a winter version of the tour from October to April and is inviting park visitors to, “Discover Jasper’s Renewal Through Fire. Explore the stunning beauty of Jasper National Park as you witness nature’s incredible resilience. Your tour includes a serene visit to areas untouched by wildfire, offering breathtaking views. As you venture into fire-affected areas of the park, witness the impact of the recent fire, observe the inspiring recovery underway and experience the ecological renewal as new life emerges amidst the iconic Rockies. The regenerative effects of fire on old-growth forests and the abundant wildlife that continue to reside here are fascinating. With visitations just recently beginning to return, the park is experiencing a tranquility that is unusual during the typically busy summer season.
Witness the Resilience of the Wildlife in turn has visitors, “Embark on a journey through Jasper’s vast wilderness, where thousands of acres provide a sanctuary for wildlife. Offering a rare opportunity to observe elk, deer, moose, mountain goats and possibly even wolves or lynx in their natural habitats. As you explore Jasper’s breathtaking landscapes, you’ll gain insight into the behaviors and habitats of these incredible creatures. An unforgettable experience that brings you closer to the wonders of nature in the pristine Rockies.”
Meanwhile, Travel Alberta CEO David Goldstein praised Jasper’s “resilience” during Rendez-vous. “Jasper is a great story,” he said of the ongoing recovery.
Goldstein noted the hotel occupancy rate in the townsite last summer topped 90%, although the number of hotel rooms was lower because of the fire.
Goldstein also touched on a number of other Alberta-related topics during his Rendez-vous visit, including reporting that Alberta spends more on Indigenous tourism than any other province.
Calgary will host Rendez-vous next year and Goldstein promised it will be a lively affair.
“We know how to throw a party,” he stated.
