What’s open, what’s not, in Jasper National Park two years after the wildfire

Maligne Lake Road (south of Maligne Canyon) in Jasper National Park on Aug. 7, 2024. (Source: Parks Canada)

More locations in Jasper National Park will be open this summer than last, but a few remain closed due to impacts of the 2024 wildfire.

What’s reopening

Reopening this summer are the Valley of the Five Lakes, Wabasso Lake, and Curator trails. The first saw part of its trail realigned, and received new signage and rest areas.

What’s still closed

Remaining closed are Trail 9 and 9 C, which connect Old Fort Point to Valley of the Five Lakes and need to be cleared of hazardous trees.

Also remaining closed are Cavell Road and Maligne Canyon, which are still being assessed for safety. Dangerous trees were removed and a geotechnical assessment was done in 2025, however Parks Canada says the high-angle slopes in this area, and the loss of vegetation on the slopes, create an “increased risk for debris flows and landslides.” The agency is considering infrastructure like retaining structures, guardrails and signage.

The closures in this area make the nearby Tonquin Valley Trail’s Astoria trailhead inaccessible, although the Portal trailhead remains open.

The Wabasso, Whirlpool Group, and Marmot Meadows Group will remain closed in 2026, plus a portion of Wapiti Campground. They were heavily damaged by the fire and need to be rebuilt, which will be a significant undertaking because the infrastructure was at or near the end of its lifespan, Parks Canada says.

Altogether, 75 per cent of front country campground sites are still open. All of Jasper’s backcountry inventory is available.

The Palisades Stewardship and Education Centre also remains closed, while the Jasper National Park Cultural Use Area has been reopened only for Indigenous partners.