Jasper After the Fire: What Visitors Need to Know in 2026

A photo I took of my husband while out hiking in Jasper 2025. Note the lush green regrowth that was already popping up everywhere

I want to start this post by saying something simple: Jasper is still one of the most beautiful places on earth. That has not changed. What has changed is the landscape, the logistics, and maybe the way you feel when you first arrive. As someone who lost their home in the 2024 wildfire and has been here through every step of the recovery, I want to give you an honest, warm, and practical look at what visiting Jasper looks like right now.

Whether you are a couple dreaming of a photo session in the Rockies, or a traveller who has been holding off on booking your trip, this one is for you.

The photos above were all from shoots in Jasper after the wildfire, just so you can get a sense of what we are working with- spoiler alert, the park is vast and we can find any vision you have for your photos. :)

A Little Bit of Personal

My husband Jeff and I lost our home in the fire. Everything. Coming back to Jasper once it was reopened to residents meant driving into a town that looked and felt different, navigating the grief of seeing our burned-down home, and figuring out how to rebuild our lives from scratch in a place we love so deeply.

At the same time, I had photography clients. Couples with weddings and sessions already planned, people who had dreamed of their day in Jasper and were understandably heartbroken when everything got cancelled. Helping them rebook and re-plan, and then actually showing up for them and watching them fall in love with Jasper all over again, was one of the things that got me through those early months. I am so proud to say I was able to rebook every single one of my cancelled clients and photograph them here in Jasper. That means everything to me.

Jasper is so special that people still wanted their dream day here, even after everything. That truly says it all. ♡

The photos above were taken either by my husband who was working in town at the time of the fire for the municipality, or by myself shortly after the fire. You’ll also find a photo of us and our neighbour suited up to dig through the ashes of our home to try and find any sentimental objects. Everything you see in the cardboard box was all that was left. (all images in this blog are copywritten to Megan Posein Photography)

What Jasper Looks Like Now

The first time you see Jasper after the fire, it is a big adjustment. I like to joke that it is a little bit like seeing a woman who shaved her head. At first you are startled because it is a big change, but then, almost immediately, you see the beauty shining through, because of and despite that change.

The fire burned roughly 3% of the National Park. That means the vast majority of Jasper is exactly as you remember it. Unaffected, untouched, and as stunning as ever. The Maligne Lake area and the Pyramid Lake area are prime examples of places that are absolutely gorgeous and ready for you to explore.

In the burn areas, something really interesting is happening. New viewpoints have opened up. I have spotted waterfalls along the Icefields Parkway that I had no idea even existed before the trees cleared. The regrowth is coming in fast, and hiking through those areas feels like discovering something brand new while still feeling completely familiar. It is really something to experience.

All of the above images were taken by myself on my hiking adventures in my home of Jasper in 2025. In them you’ll see fire affected parts of the Park, and other vast areas that were untouched

What Is Open (and What Is Not)

Many businesses are back and operating normally in the park. If a business is not yet in its original location, chances are it has set up temporarily somewhere else while rebuilds are underway. The community spirit here is real and it is alive.

Trails: More and more trails are reopening. The Pyramid Bench trails (the first to re-open), Old Fort Point, Athabasca Falls, Signal Fire Road and the Overlander Trail are back, along with many others. It’s also worth noting that Parks has done a lot of fire smart tree removal in the Pyramid Bench area, which has also opened up interesting new views. Parks Canada has also announced that Valley of the Five Lakes, one of the most popular tourist trails in the park, will reopen in 2026 with exciting updates including new vistas, a shorter loop at the first lake, improved signage, and reworked trails. That is something to look forward to!

Maligne Canyon: Still closed until further notice. A lot of work is needed to make it safe for visitors again, so plan your trip without it for now.

Mt. Edith Cavell: Likely to remain closed for now due to the work needed on the access road leading to the trailhead.

For the most up-to-date trail and facility information, I always recommend checking Parks Canada's official open and closed page directly at parks.canada.ca, or you can call their Info Office directly at 780-852-6176. They are the best source for real-time updates!

Have a gameplan before you come, check in with the Parks Info Office to see which trails are open and then hit the road! Jasper is waiting for you!

Practical Tips for Planning Your Visit

Book accommodations early: We lost some hotels and cabins in the fire, which means demand is higher and availability is tighter. Book as far in advance as you can and expect prices to be higher than they were before. If you are on a budget, consider staying in Hinton, about an hour away from Jasper. Hinton has its own beautiful hiking trails and is a great launch point for adventures in the area.

Camping considerations: The Wabasso Campground is still closed so it can be used by contractors helping to rebuild Jasper. The two most popular campgrounds (Whistlers and Wapati) near the Jasper townsite are open, but they look very different now. Many of the trees are gone since these areas were in the burn path. Bring your own shade and windbreaks to keep yourself comfortable. That said, you can still expect incredible mountain views, wildlife wandering through camp, and good vibes overall as long as you come prepared. These campsites also have reduced capacity because they are being used by displaced Jasperites living in RVs and workers helping the rebuild, so book far in advance. Lastly, in 2026 between June 19 to September 7 you can enjoy 25% off of your camping or overnight stay with Parks Canada through the “Canada Strong Pass.” Want more info? Check out their website here.

General Safety: When hiking in the burn areas, be sure to move with caution, especially on windy days. Parks did a good job clearing most of the hazardous trees on the re opened trails, but you should still watch for falling trees (this is a good rule of thumb hiking anywhere honestly).

Your Parks Canada pass: You will need a valid Parks Canada Discovery Pass or a day pass to enter Jasper National Park. You can purchase these online at the Parks Canada website before you arrive, or at the park entrance. Sorting this out ahead of time saves you time and keeps the line moving for everyone! Also, a good thing to note is the “Canada Strong Pass” from the Government of Canada will allow you to have free admission to the National Parks from June 19 to September 7, 2026.

Parking in Jasper: Unfortunately, parking in high traffic areas in the Jasper townsite are not free. You will need to find a kiosk or pay with the QR code shown on the signs along the streets. These fees are truly needed to help fund critical services (which can be strained by the many out of town visitors) in Jasper such as garbage removal and transit. We do appreciate your dollars to help keep our little town here to serve you. If you are on a bit of a budget, you can leave your vehicle at the hotels and walk into town, catch a cab, ride a winter horse-drawn carriage or take our transit shuttles (which also serve the nearest campsites and JPL as well). Check out the Jasper transit services here.

A look at Whistlers Campground in Jasper post wildfire. Note how wide open it is now.

A Note on Visiting With Compassion

This one comes from the heart. When you arrive in Jasper, you may notice interim housing trailers in town. These are homes for essential workers, the people who make it possible for Jasper to operate and welcome visitors like you. They are not tourist attractions. If you see them, please resist the urge to take photos. I know most people do not mean harm by it, but it can feel really violating for the people who live there. Especially when there are children playing out front.

Similarly, please do not ask service workers about their fire experiences while they are on the job. The wildfire was deeply traumatic for so many people in this community, and your server or hotel front desk person deserves to just do their job without reliving it. If a local guide brings it up (many do, and they do it beautifully), then you are welcome to ask thoughtful questions. Just let that conversation be led by them.

Come with an open heart, a sense of wonder, and a little extra patience. Jasper's community has been through a lot, and the warmth you show goes a long way.

Jeff and I staying at a backcountry lodge in Jasper last summer for a much needed getaway. We love when we get to meet travelers from all over the world, but we certainly have extra appreciation for those with compassion for the people here after the fire ♡

Jasper Is Still Worth Every Single Step

I have been exploring Jasper since I was a little kid, and I can tell you with complete certainty: this place still has the power to take your breath away. The mountains have not moved. The rivers are still running. The wildlife is still wandering through in the most casual, magnificent way. And the light at golden hour? Still absolutely unbeatable.

If you have been on the fence about visiting, I hope this helps. And if you are dreaming of capturing your memories here, whether that is photos of an elopement, a wedding, an engagement session, or just a trip you never want to forget, I would love to help make that happen. I know this place like the back of my hand and I cannot wait to show you around!