What Jasper’s Most Popular Hikes Look Like Now, Two Years After the Wildfire
Jasper is starting to heal. Two years after a devastating wildfire burned nearly 33,000 hectares, fresh greenery and colourful wildflowers are growing abundantly from the fire-enriched soil. This ecosystem has evolved with wildfire in mind, and although it may take a century for nature to fully recover, hikers can see nature rejuvenating before their very eyes.
The vast majority of Jasper National Park was spared from the wildfire. Some affected areas, such as Maligne Canyon and Cavell Road, remain closed, while other areas have since reopened, including the Valley of the Five Lakes which only reopened this May.
Below are trails where visitors can not only see the aftermath of the Jasper wildfire but witness nature’s recovery first-hand. Visit to support the community as they continue to grieve a tragic loss.
But first, a few important reminders…
– Stay on the trails: While Parks Canada has removed hazard trees along the path, there are still plenty of them on the landscape that can fall, especially on windy days. The environment also remains fragile and susceptible to invasive species.
– Brush off your boots: Many of the trailheads have boot brush stations. Hikers should use them to keep out invasive species.
– Don’t pick flowers: While hiking, I saw a cute kid trying to sell wildflowers that he picked, which is a no-no. Take only photos, leave only footprints.
– Prepare for sun exposure: A lack of foliage means hikers are more susceptible to sunburn and heat exhaustion. Wear a hat, put on sunscreen and drink plenty of water.
– Give wildlife space: Because elk, bears and other animals don’t have the same kind of coverage they did pre-wildfire, it is even more important to keep your distance. You may be able to spot more wildfire (and mountains!) while you hike.
Valley of the Five Lakes
Distance: 5.4 km
Time: 2 – 3 hours
Elevation Gain: 170 m
This area is arguably the most popular on the list, with relatively little elevation gain and a massive parking lot. Its busy-ness might put some people off. It can also be very dusty, and with less shade after the fire, I had a raging headache from heat exhaustion by the time I was finished.
On the bright side, less foliage means more views of the crystal-blue lakes that perfectly reflect the cloudy sky. The Emerald Loop takes you past multiple lakes in about two hours. More hardy hikers can try the Valley Loop, although it is partially closed for repairs.
More info: Click here
Old Fort Point
Distance: 3.8 km
Time: 1 – 2 hours
Elevation Gain: 130 m
Old Fort Point was one of the first trails to reopen following the wildfire, and it offers panoramic views of the burnt forest surrounding the Jasper townsite. Those with binoculars or good eyes will be able to make out new houses being erected within town, complimented by the distant sounds of construction.
Hikers can either do the full loop or go straight to the viewpoint. At the top, there are three photo stations installed by Parks Canada and the University of Waterloo where people can mount their camera, take photos and upload them to help researchers track the park’s regeneration.
More info: Click here
Trail 7
Distance: 1 km (Old Fort Point to Lac Beauvert)
Time: 15 – 30 minutes
Elevation Gain: Minimal
The trail network east of the townsite can be confusing. There are multiple trails called Trail 7. One goes along the Athabasca River, and another snakes behind the Jasper Park Lodge Golf Course. Basically, anything called Trail 7 is a good way to see burnt trees.
I hiked from Old Fort Point to Lac Beauvert but was diverted due to an elk calving closure. The Trail 7 in the Maligne Canyon area is also closed.
More info: Click here
Lake Annette
Distance: 2.4 km
Time: 1 – 1.5 hour
Elevation Gain: 0 m
Lake Annette sports an accessible paved trail. The beach area is unaffected, but it doesn’t take long to reach the eerie beauty of the fire-affected area. The soil is so fertile here that the new grass along the trail easily reached my waist.
Parking fills up quickly; hikers should come in the evening, use one of the pullouts along the road to the main parking lot or bike in from town instead.
More info: Click here
Signal Mountain
Distance: 19 km
Time: 6 – 7 hours
Elevation Gain: 1,136 m
This old fire road is the longest trail on the list but also the least trafficked, likely because of its intimidating length. Using an electric bike halves your travel time, turning a full-day trek into a morning excursion.
You can also just hike part of the trail. Only an hour in, I was treated to wonderful views of the Athabasca Valley that were largely obscured by trees before the fire. On the mountainside, charred trunks stand in a sea of new vegetation spotted with bluebells. Many of the trunks now lean in one direction after the powerful fire-generated winds bent them.
The fire damage ends near the summit. Shortly after, hikers can turn right to head for the lookout, or they can continue on the multi-day Skyline Trail.
More info: Click here
Athabasca Falls
Distance: 200 m
Time: 30 minutes
Elevation Gain: Minimal
If you are driving north from Banff, this stop may be one of the first places you visit. The iconic falls themselves continue to roar on, but it sits just on the southern edge of the fire perimeter. A lot of spectacular devastation is visible at the river opening after the gorge.
More info: Click here
Horseshoe Lake
Distance: 1.6 km
Time: 30 minutes
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Care for a dip? Just a three-minute drive from Athabasca Falls, Horseshoe Lake has always been a good place for a swim. If you don’t want to get wet, you can still take a quick walk along the loop to see how the fire has scorched the shoreline and looming mountainside.
More info: Click here
Wabasso Lake
Distance: 6.8 km
Time: 2 – 3 hours
Elevation Gain: 107 m
The lesser-known cousin of the Valley of the Five Lakes, Wabasso Lake is a quainter alternative for those looking to avoid the crowds. The best view is not at the lake itself but from the ridge three kilometres in. I almost lost the trail a few times amid the newly grown grass and trees that looked like burnt matchsticks, but the yellow diamond markers kept me on the right path.
Those looking for a longer hike or bike ride through the charred terrain can take Trail 9, which stretches from Old Fort Point to Wabasso Lake.
More info: Click here
The Whistlers Trail
Distance: 13.6 km (round trip)
Time: 5 – 8 hours
Elevation Gain: 1,200 m
The Jasper SkyTram is the way most people reach Whistlers Peak, but for those willing to destroy their thighs, the Whistlers Trail allows them to walk amid the twisted burnt trees. The fire had raged under the cables but didn’t destroy the ground or mountaintop stations. Again, there are now a lot more bird’s-eye views to be had.
I saw bear droppings near the beginning of the trail, so bear spray is recommended. If you don’t want to do the whole round trip, you can take the tram down. Return trips are free for locals.
More info: Click here
Closing Remarks
The 2024 wildfire wasn’t the first blaze in Jasper National Park, and it won’t be the last. The 2022 Chetamon wildfire left its mark north of the townsite. A hike, bike ride or drive on Snaring Road gives you a glimpse of what future rejuvenation will look like. Much of the vegetation has returned with a vengeance, with decent-sized saplings already growing and orange wood lilies easy to spot amid the green.
Driving southeast on Maligne Lake Road, I got a brief reprieve of green trees before coming across more burnt trees near Medicine Lake. These ones were the result of the 2015 Excelsior wildfire. Combined with the surreal rocky shores of Medicine Lake and the nearby nesting eagles, this is one of the must-see spots in the park.
Learn more about what Jasper is really like two years after the wildfire in our upcoming Fall print issue. Subscribe now.
