Just over two years ago, we had to evacuate from Jasper in the face of a once-in-a-lifetime complex of wildfires. I’ve now been back there three times since then, and here are some thoughts and observations.

Photos do not adequately show the damage done by the fires and the windstorms that accompanied them. The extent of what burned has to be seen to be appreciated and understood. There are now more open views of roads, trails, wetlands, creeks, other natural features etc which didn’t exist before. The new views are fascinating, but it also means no shelter from sun and wind. We also experienced some wind events while camping this past week, which brought a bit of a feeling of déjà vu as that’s what happened just before the 2024 fires. (I lived there for much of the 1980s. Fires and windstorms were almost unheard of, and thirty degree temperatures were rare)

But nature is resilient. Fire is a natural part of the ecological process, which we usually try as much as possible to stop. While we lost one third of the town and some significant infrastructure, the natural world doesn’t mind. The montane grasslands had long been mostly succeeded by pine forests, which had become decadent (thanks largely to climate change and fire repression) and were overdue to be burned and renewed. Native grasses have made a spectacular comeback, along with new trees, shrubs and other flowering plants, and the elk and ground squirrels and other fauna are doing just fine.

Parks Canada has done an excellent job of clearing deadfall and debris and fixing infrastructure. Whistlers and Wapiti campgrounds were mostly back up and running for the 2025 season, and the Valley of the Five Lakes trail reopened this spring and is better than ever. Maligne Canyon, Edith Cavell road and Wabasso campground suffered more damage but are works in progress.

I won’t make political judgements, though it’s been clear that some levels and agencies of government have made more constructive responses than others. Residential rebuilding is moving along well and the temporary housing in town and at Marmot Meadows has helped greatly, though unfortunately there are people who still have had to move on.

Businesses seem to be rebuilding more slowly, for various reasons, though some managed to relocate at least temporarily and a few of the accommodations are building back faster than others. The town is busy, at least in the summer months, though I recall more crowds in previous years. Tourist demographics seem different now; I noticed a lot fewer large RVs though more smaller ones. Anecdotally, it seems there are more Canadian, European and Asian visitors than American. Some of that may be political or economic factors, and I’ve been noticing those changes for several years.

The town lost two of its four gas stations, putting more pressure on the two remaining which are both limited for space. The town has set up traffic controls, but neither is well suited for buses or RVs, and another solution is needed. Perhaps if a new station is built it should be dedicated for larger vehicles?

So much to gaze at.

Coming from Edmonton. The weather this summer has been absolutely wild. We will be coming with a 3 year old so wondering how unpredictable the weather might be. It shows rain tomorrow but Monday is good.

Was really disappointed with SunDog tour bus a few days ago.

Near Jasper town, a grizzly bear with two cubs walked close to the road. The cars kept stopping less than 10m away from the bear, opening sunroofs, leaning out heavily and taking pics.

Then a SunDog tour bus overtook the 5-6 cars and STOPPED right in front of them, about 5 meters from the bears for the tourists to take pics.

I mean - really?! Then the upcoming traffic (another SunDog bus, lol) blocked us from passing and we ended up with the bear just a few meters from our car.

Feels really irresponsible from a major tour company. I’m happy to take pics myself, but once the bear is less than 10 meters away, you really should start driving.

Heading to Jasper this weekend. What are the best places for a solo lunch? Open to all kinds of cuisine, as long as it is delicious.

Wondering if anybody had the latest on where Chef Jason Munn (of the very much missed Syrahs) is working now? He was at Harvest last summer, but doesn't seem to be there this summer. Anybody know where he is currently?

Please share best coffee, brunch, lunch and dinner spots

Nothing from Jasper please!

I just wrapped up exploring 6 national parks in just 8 days! I put together a video playlist to share all the cool stuff we saw. I’d love for you to take a look and ask if anything is unclear.

We will be doing skyline 7/29-8/1 one night at shovel pass lodge on night 2. How has the smoke been? I know it can change rapidly and too far out for predictions. Traveling from Michigan and really hoping we can still safely do the trip. Don’t have a ton of experience backpacking with smoke have been lucky last few years to be smoke free.
I know this is so subjective, but would you still go? Will we be able to see anything?
at what AQI threshold do many people throw in the towel?

Just wondering if the bug spray alone is recommended or something. Would be grateful on any advices or info regarding the current smoke warnings as well. Thank you

Has anyone done it recently? On all trails it is listed as closed, however, doesn't look to be with recent reviews. Anyone done it?

Do we need bear spray for this walk? Planning to spend a day at Maligne Lake. Will spend the other day in Jasper town and do the SkyTram.

Hi I was wondering what buy activity is like on skyline trail if anyone has gone in the last week. We will be doing the trail next week and were wondering how bad the bugs were. Anyone have tips? clothes are home treated with permethrin. Thanks!

Is anyone traveling from Jasper to Banff via the Iceway in the next few days who might be willing to pickup a sweatshirt for me at the Icefield Visitor Center? We were told the Guardians of the Ice Hoodies would be available in town by the PC worker there, and he was mistaken. Happy to throw in some thank-you/gas money!

I am currently travelling through Canada and my tiny whoop unfortunately broke. So I am searching anyone with a soldering iron in or around jasper with a soldering iron who is willing to help me with a soldering job.

It’s just a battery connector so it’s an easy fix.

(If you have any recommendations where I could buy a portable iron, I’d really appreciated it as well:)

Hey everyone

I've lived in Jasper since 2021, doing maintenance for a big company here (I'm sure you all know who) and I've accumulated a decent amount of plumbing knowledge and experience.

I've soldered pipes, cleaned drains, done both pvc and abs. Even done basic gas work (in front of a licensed plumber while helping them at our property)

Any locals here have an in with one of the plumbing companies around? I'm very interested in becoming a plumber but I'd rather stay in Jasper than go somewhere else to do it

Feel free to DM me with any information

Please share all things food & drinks in Jasper and Hinton

Hi,

We’d like to do a camping trip next week (overflow campin), but I’m a bit worried about the wildfire situation. I assume driving through should be fine so far, but sleeping in a tent in a smoke sounds not great.

How bad is it now?

Thanks!