Park recovery

What can we expect in 2026?

Trails, roads and day use areas

Parks Canada has been working throughout Jasper National Park to reopen trails and visitor areas affected by wildfire. This work includes clearing hazard trees; repairing and rerouting trails; building bridges, privies and signage; and monitoring for slope safety and invasive species. This complex work requires thoughtful planning, ecological understanding and close collaboration across teams to ensure these areas are safe and ready for visitors.

While some off-trail area closures remain, virtually all of Jasper’s trails have now reopened since the 2024 wildfire.

The following trails reopened summer 2026

 Valley of the Five Lakes trail, featuring improvements to this much-loved trail including a realigned trail section, improved surfaces and signage, and new rest areas designed to enhance comfort and accessibility.

 Wabasso Lake trail and Curator trail, offering even more opportunities to experience Jasper’s remarkable landscapes and ongoing renewal.

While the majority of Jasper National Park is now open and ready to explore, recovery work continues in a small number of locations.

The following locations will remain closed

 Trail 9, a 2.7 km section of trail at the south end of First Lake at Valley of the Five Lakes, remains closed. Trail work is underway, including the rerouting of approximately 1 km of trail onto the ridge for a more sustainable and scenic experience, the rebuilding of switchbacks to fix severe erosion, and improvement of drainage and overall trail conditions.

 Cavell Road and Maligne Canyon will remain closed for the 2026 season, as Parks Canada continues to assess conditions and plan the extensive rehabilitation work required to safely reopen these iconic areas.

Cavell Road and Maligne Canyon provide access to areas with high-angle slopes and exposure. The loss of trees and vegetation on these slopes creates an increased risk for debris flows and landslides.

For public safety, Parks Canada must ensure slope stability and roadway safety standards are met, including possible installation of infrastructure such as retaining structures, guardrails and signage, before reopening these areas.

Initial danger tree removal has been completed at Cavell Road and Maligne Canyon, and geotechnical assessments were completed in fall 2025. The results of the assessments are being evaluated, and Parks Canada is beginning to develop plans for required interventions. Timelines will be communicated as planning progresses.

Campgrounds

Parks Canada has worked hard clearing hazard trees, reconnecting utilities, and rebuilding campground infrastructure to maximize camping availability, supporting visitors and the Jasper tourism economy.

Camping offer in 2026

• 77% of Jasper’s total frontcountry campground inventory (pre-2024 wildfire) and 100% of the backcountry inventory will be available for public camping. Additional capacity being added when required through extended overflow camping and operating dates.
• Campsites to support displaced residents and local businesses are being offered at Whistlers Campground again in 2026.
• Camping for contractors working on the Jasper rebuild is being offered at Wabasso Campground again in 2026.

Future camping offer

 Wabasso Campground, Whirlpool Group Campground, and a portion of Wapiti Campground will remain closed for the 2026 season, as Parks Canada plans for the rebuild of these heavily fire-affected campgrounds.

The rebuild effort required is significant. Much of the infrastructure lost at these campgrounds was at or near the end of its lifespan (50+ years). As part of the rebuild, Parks Canada will deliver essential repairs and replacements while modernizing the camping offer at these sites. There will be future opportunities for Indigenous partners and the public to engage in the rebuild process.

Other fire-affected areas

The Palisades Stewardship and Education Centre suffered significant damage in the 2024 Jasper Wildfire and will be closed for the foreseeable future.

The Jasper National Park Cultural Use Area suffered significant damage in the 2024 Jasper Wildfire. This outdoor space has reopened for use by Indigenous partners and infrastructure replacement is ongoing.

Plan your trip to Jasper

Visitors can plan trips to Jasper National Park using the online interactive What’s Open map, or stop by the Jasper National Park Information Centre for itinerary recommendations and guidance.