The Jasper Disaster – Western Grocer

At the peak of the summer tourism season, the Jasper townsite is empty.

A dangerously fast-moving wildfire forced 25,000 residents, visitors and seasonal workers to flee the community inside one of Canada’s best-known national parks last week, leaving local businesses in the tourist town facing an uncertain road to recovery.

With roughly 18.5 million hectares of Canadian land burned, 2023 was the worst wildfire season ever recorded. It surpassed the previous record of 7.6 million hectares scorched in 1989.

Parks Canada estimates 30 per cent of the town has been damaged by the wildfire, with 358 of the 1113 structures in the town of Jasper being destroyed.

The structures were homes and businesses, including at least two hotels, a cafe and gas station. Much of the damage was contained to the west side of town.

But even for businesses that weren’t among the hundreds of buildings destroyed by flames, owners of hotels, restaurants and sightseeing companies are bracing for a financial hit that lasts well beyond the evacuation.

Although details about the extent of the wildfire damage in and around the Jasper townsite are still emerging, photos, a recently shared map, a damage report, and updates from Parks Canada are revealing the condition of many popular hotels and resorts.

Below are some travel spots that have been confirmed to have been struck by the wildfire.

Alpine Village Cabin Resort

Located southwest of the Jasper townsite and near the Athabasca River, the Alpine Village Lodge has seen significant damaged from the wildfire.

The resort’s main office, a home on the resort site, and the resort’s accommodation buildings, laundry room and maintenance shops were not damaged.

Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

The Fairmont lodge in Jasper has been damaged by the wildfire.

Maligne Lodge

Photos from the Jasper townsite show that the Maligne Lodge hotel was completely destroyed by the wildfire.

Tekarra Lodge

Tekarra Lodge, southwest of the Jasper townsite near the Athabasca River, has been damaged by the fire.

Before the fire, Tekarra Lodge had 11 cabins available for travellers and vacationers in Jasper.

Mount Robson Inn

According to a damage report from the Municipality of Jasper, Mount Robson Inn has been destroyed.