Jasper National Park remains off-limits to visitors, despite some key developments in the ongoing recovery efforts. Although cooler, wetter weather has helped contain the fire, local officials stress that the town is not yet prepared to receive tourists.
Speaking to the media today, Jasper National Park Superintendent Alan Fehr provided an update on the situation. “The fire is currently being held, and we’ve been fortunate with the weather, which has allowed us to downgrade the fire’s status to being held as of this morning,” Fehr said. Despite this progress, the park’s infrastructure and surrounding areas remain compromised, necessitating continued closures and assessments.
The Yellowhead Highway has reopened for 24-hour travel, and the Miette Hot Springs is back in operation. However, significant work is still required on other critical areas. The Icefields Parkway, a popular route for visitors, remains closed as crews address debris, assess damaged trees, and replace burnt signage. Fehr indicated that the parkway might reopen in the next two to three days but emphasized that safety assessments must be completed first.
Fehr also outlined efforts to restore access to Pyramid and Patricia Lakes, aiming to reopen these areas to residents and businesses as soon as possible. However, he made it clear that the park’s backcountry remains closed due to ongoing risks, including damaged trees and potential road hazards.
Christine Nadon, the Incident Commander for the Municipality of Jasper, reiterated that the town is not yet ready to welcome visitors. “Re-entry is currently for residents and business owners only,” Nadon stated. “We appreciate your patience as we work to resume our services and rebuild our community.”
Nadon explained that while Highway 16 has reopened, Jasper’s businesses, hotels, and restaurants remain closed, and the town’s priority is on supporting its residents and businesses in their recovery efforts. The RCMP has increased its patrols in Jasper to ensure that only those with a legitimate need to be in the town are present. “Visitors can expect to be intercepted by an RCMP officer,” Nadon warned, emphasizing that anyone not contributing to the recovery efforts will be asked to leave.
Despite the town’s firm stance on delaying tourist re-entry, Nadon reported that residents have shown understanding and cooperation. The re-entry process has been steady, with about 300 to 500 people visiting the re-entry centre on the first day. The municipality has been providing support services, including cleaning supplies, mental health resources, and assistance with property recovery. The Red Cross has distributed approximately 1,500 cleaning buckets to returning residents, and Team Rubicon, a disaster response organization, is assisting with property sifting for those who lost their homes.
Jasper Mayor Richard Ireland described the emotional toll on residents returning to the town after the evacuation. “There is such a range of conflicting emotions,” Ireland said. “People are relieved and grateful to be back, but they are also confronting the reality of their worst nightmares.”
Ireland acknowledged the progress made in the recovery but emphasized that the journey ahead is still challenging. “For some, the rebuilding has to begin, and we should not stand in the way of that,” he said. The mayor also expressed his gratitude to the first responders and staff who have worked tirelessly to make the re-entry possible.
As the town continues its recovery, efforts are being made to accommodate those still without a place to stay. The Jasper Alberta Canada Intergovernmental Recovery Committee, the Government of Alberta, and the Town of Jasper, is working on providing temporary housing for displaced residents and workers. However, Nadon noted that these plans are still in progress, and those without homes in Jasper will need to rely on reception centres in Calgary and Edmonton for the time being.
With the recovery process ongoing, there is still no clear timeline for when Jasper will be ready to welcome visitors again. Nadon urged those considering a visit to be patient. “We ask for your kindness and respect in giving us the time we need to get our residents and businesses back on their feet,” she said.
The officials’ message was clear: Jasper is not yet open for tourism, and any attempts to visit prematurely will be met with firm but polite resistance from local law enforcement. The focus remains on ensuring the safety of the residents and the complete recovery of the community before welcoming the world back to this iconic national park.