One Year After Wildfires, Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge Holds Strong

Last summer’s wildfires in Alberta, Canada’s mountain resort town of Jasper left the area’s tourism prospects on shaky ground. But a year later, one of Jasper’s most popular hotels is optimistic about the future. 

Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge evacuated all its guests and visitors on July 22, 2024, adhering to the region’s evacuation orders as the wildfires blazed on. The lodge remained closed for about two and a half months, with its fate hanging in the balance. 

 “Our community and colleagues had to abruptly leave their homes and daily routines in a state of precariousness,” Garrett Turta, the hotel’s general manager, told Travel Market Report. “This sense of uncertainty weighed heavily on everyone, especially given the importance Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge holds for so many people around the world.” 

The Jasper wildfires were deemed “under control” by authorities on Sept. 7, 2024, and soon after, the lodge got confirmation that it was safe to return. Immediately, the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge team “sprang into action to restore and recover the property,” working closely with Parks Canada, the Town of Jasper, and first responders, Turta said.  

Luckily, the property’s main buildings – including the Main Lodge, Golf Clubhouse, Boathouse and heritage Signature Cabins – were all unaffected by the fires. Only some areas around the property, such as minimal walking trails, have sustained damage and are off limits. 

On Oct. 1, 2024, the lodge reopened to guests and donated 100% of resort fees to local recovery efforts during the month of October. Since then, business has shown “remarkable resilience,” and guests have continued to enjoy their experiences at the lodge and surrounding park, Turta said. 

For over 100 years, Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge has attracted guests from around the globe who want to experience nature, relaxation, and adventure among the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Open year round, it’s popular as both a ski destination and for golf at the Jasper Park Lodge Golf Course. 

The property offers one of the area’s most luxurious stays and recently unveiled complete renovations of its Jr. Lakeview and Luxury Lakefront Suites. With its outdoor activities, plus a spa, pools, and fine dining, there are “numerous opportunities for adventure and relaxation, fostering a sense of connection with loved ones, nature, and oneself,” Turta said.   

Post-wildfires, tourism officials stress the importance of mindful travel to the area and urge visitors to support local businesses, be mindful of restricted areas, and respect the natural environment and the privacy of residents as they continue to recover. At the same time, Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge has only doubled down on its commitment to safety and emergency planning, implementing FireSmart practices throughout, including the use of fire-resistant materials and proactive landscaping designed to help mitigate risk.  

“There’s a collective feeling within Jasper of being ready to move forward, celebrating all the beauty, adventures, and experiences still to be found here, while respecting that recovery work is still ongoing for some in our community,” Turta said. “We hope that guests leave inspired by both the landscape’s resilience and the community’s spirit as we look towards the next chapter of the lodge.”