In July of 2024, Jasper National Park was hit with a devastating wildfire just a couple of weeks after I spent a few days camping there (see Jasper in June 2024 ). Actually, two fires, one north of the Jasper townsite and one south of town, grew and eventually merged into a giant inferno. Ultimately, the town of Jasper was evacuated and about a third of the town burned (primarily the southern part). Sadly, the fire resulted in the loss of one firefighter.
This past spring and summer, I twice camped in Jasper NP. I realize that many people may wonder if the park is still worth visiting after the fire. I would respond with a resounding YES! While it’s true that a significant portion of the park burned, there are still huge areas that were untouched and are as beautiful as ever. And, as I will explore further below, even the burned areas have a beauty of their own.
My observations from driving around the national park are that the worst hit area is along highways 93 and 93A (the Icefields Parkway) south of town. Pretty much the entire valley is burned to just past Athabasca Falls. There is also burnt areas north of town and part way up the Maligne Lake road. The good news is, that in the townsite itself, most of the business district is open.
At the same time, many of the iconic sites were untouched. Jasper Park Lodge, Maligne Lake, Pyramid Lake, Patricial Lake, and surrounding areas are as beautiful as ever.
And even in the burned areas, there is beauty if you open your mind to it. Wildfires are part of nature. They are not an end: they are a new beginning. With the forest canopy gone, new growth starts to appear on the forest floor. Plants that could not previously grow in the shade of dense trees now have a chance to grow and prosper. The contrast between the bright green of new growth and the blackened remains of the old forest has a beauty all of its own.
The wild flowers are always stunning, whether in burned out areas or more pristine parts of the park.
And, of course, there is wildlife a plenty!
What could be more beautiful than reflections on a mirror-like mountain lake?
I will close with some images of some of the park’s many waterfalls.
If you are a skier, Marmot Basin is scheduled to open soon. The fire damage extends part way up the road to Marmot, but the ski hill itself was not hit. Skiing was reported to be great last winter, and will no doubt be fantastic this year.
Despite the devastation, I enjoyed my trips to Jasper this past summer as much as ever! There is lots to see and to enjoy.
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Wind At Your Back 
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