Now, parts of Jasper are a scorched landscape with years – if not decades – of recovery ahead. On July 22, 2024, thousands of Jasper residents and tourists were ordered to evacuate as wildfires – started by lightning and fuelled by catastrophic drought conditions – threatened the town and the surrounding national park.

The largest national park in the Canadian Rockies, Jasper is wild in every sense of the word. Its landscape covers an expansive region of rugged backcountry trails and mountainous terrain juxtaposed against fragile protected ecosystems as well as the world-renowned Columbia Icefield.

Wildfire status — Under Control As of today, September 7, 2024, the Jasper Wildfire Complex is classified as under control. This means that the wildfire has received sufficient suppression action to ensure no further spread of the fire.

While the town of Jasper is smaller, it feels more unique and less touristy than Banff and has plenty of tasty restaurants and fun attractions to see. The town of Banff is bigger with plenty to do, but many find it overly commercialized and prefer the more “local” feel of Jasper.