Heat and dry weather blanketed Jasper On the evening of the 22nd July 2024, the Canadian Rockies should have had a calm summer night. Instead, within just 20 minutes, three wildfires ignited—each so intense they were deemed too dangerous for firefighters to approach directly. Winds of up to 50 miles per hours fueled the wildfires, which merged into a 7,410-acre inferno within four hours. Flames reached heights of 164 feet.
Fire crews fought the fires for weeks. But it wasn’t till Sept. 7 that the Jasper Complex Wildfire was declared under control. It had become a. scorched 81,544 acres, destroyed 358 of the town’s 1,113 structuresA firefighter was killed.
Even though the wildfire in the region was devastating, it also formed part of an overall natural cycle. “Wildfires are naturally occurring events in Jasper National Park and across Western Canada,” Mike Day, Tourism Jasper Owner of the town and board member Evil Dave’s Grill. Travel + Leisure. “Jasper has a solid foundation and residents, businesses and external partners are working together to rebuild.”
While about 30 percent of the town was affected—primarily residential areas—most local businesses have rebuilt, and 97 percent of Jasper National Park remains intact. The destination is now ready to welcome tourists.
Tannis Gaffney said, “Tourism has a deep impact on Jasper and its livelihood.” Travel Alberta“s senior vice-president and chief marketing officers, told T+L that every stay, experience, and meal makes a big difference. “Travelers will feel good about their visit, knowing they are supporting a community who welcomes them in genuine Albertan Hospitality.”
What’s open after the Jasper Wildfires
Seventeen months after the wildfires, Jasper says it’s open and welcoming travelers back to experience its many draws—chief among them, its natural beauty. Jasper National Park, the largest park in the Canadian Rockies at 6,975 square kilometers, offers plenty of adventure.
Day stated that the reshaped landscape revealed new growth, rare views, and renewed wild space. He pointed to over 620 miles worth of hiking trails, with “wildlife which is now more noticeable and the same adventure experiences visitors have grown to love.” Highlights include stargazing at the second largest Dark Sky Preserve in the world, canoeing and soaking in Miette Hot Springs.
Tourism businesses are also active in the region. Over 25 lodgings are now open, including cozy stays such as Miette Mountain Cabins Enjoy the best of luxury with favorites such as Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. The dining scene has rebounded as well, with more than 70 restaurants welcoming guests—from local cafés like Otto’s Cache, SnowDome Coffee Bar. Bear’s Paw Bakery Fine-dining destinations include The Maligne Range, Olive Bistro. Aalto Restaurant.
Visit the country in 2019 and you will also be rewarded with additional incentives. Marmot BasinThe ski resort, which has the highest base altitude of any ski resort in Canada, offers free rentals and skiing for children 12 and younger every weekday. Parks Canada has also revived its Canada Strong PassThis includes free park entrance and 25 percent off overnight and camping stays during holidays until Jan. 15, 2026. It is also valid in the summer, from June 19 through Sept. 7,
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Rebuilding still ongoing in some areas
Some areas, however, are still recovering. Maligne Canyon and Edith Cavell are still closed. The Valley of the Five Lakes is expected to open in 2026. Meanwhile, Maligne Adventures You can also find out more about the following: SunDog Tours There are guided tours available through Pleckaitis Canyon.
All backcountry campsites will reopen for campers in 2019, while approximately 75 percent will be open on the frontcountry. Parks Canada is continuing to update its website with the latest information about reopenings. website.
The tourism office reminds tourists to be cautious when exploring, as the memory of the wildfires is still fresh. Day explained that “many local residents still have a healing process to go through.” Please be sensitive and mindful, as some people are not ready to talk about their personal experiences or loss. Your kindness and compassion will go a very long way to support the community.
Jasper wildfires victims: What you can do to help
There’s no better way to support the region than by visiting—helping local businesses while also connecting with the community. Joining a tour created in response to the wildfire is one of the best ways to make a difference.
SunDog Transportation and Tour Company On its website, the company says that it offers a Sunrise Wildlife & Ecology of a Fire three-hour photo tour. This tour teaches guests about how fires are “critical in shaping the landscape and rejuvenating the forests” to “give you a better appreciation of the constantly changing topography of Jasper.”
Jasper Food Tours is also offering the Wildfire Peak-Nic, a hike through an area impacted by the 2024 flames that showcases new forest growth emerging from the ash—a “unique immersion into the aftermath of the powerful forces of nature,” according to the tour company.
Day said that Jasper is a natural place, where you can witness the renewal of nature in real time.
Travelers can spread the word about Jasper, a beautiful place that is still open for business. People who have visited the area before are encouraged share their photos and memories with others to show them its enduring beauty.
Day suggested that if it is in your best interest, you should consider planning a vacation, particularly during the winter months when everything is at its most beautiful. “The best thing you can do to help the community is to visit Jasper and enjoy all it has to offer.”
