As the days grow colder and the snow begins to fall many of us start dreaming about winter escapes. For countless adventurers, families, and nature lovers, Jasper National Park is a haven during the winter season, offering easy access to stunning landscapes, thrilling outdoor activities, and a peaceful escape from the everyday. However, this year, the town of Jasper is facing a challenge it hasn’t seen in recent memory.
This past summer, a wildfire tore through a portion of the park and town, leaving behind a trail of destruction. While the flames may have been extinguished, the aftermath continues to affect the community deeply. As recovery efforts are now underway, the resilience of Jasper’s tourism and hospitality workers, local businesses, and residents is on full display. But they can’t do it alone.
Now more than ever, the town needs the support of visitors like you to help them rebuild and recover. Here’s how you can lend a hand this winter and ensure that Jasper remains the vibrant and welcoming place we all know and love.
1. Visit, Explore, and Support Local Businesses
After a natural disaster, small businesses often struggle to get back on their feet. Local restaurants, shops, hotels, and tour operators depend on the winter season for their livelihoods. By choosing Jasper as your winter destination, you can make a huge impact simply by enjoying everything the town has to offer, especially on weekdays. Whether it’s cozying up in a family-owned inn or dining at a locally-run café, your spending will directly contribute to the recovery of the community.
When you visit this winter:
- Book accommodations: Stay at one of Jasper’s charming lodges or hotels.
- Dine at local restaurants: Enjoy the local flavours and comfort food that the town offers.
- Shop small: Pick up unique, locally-made goods and souvenirs that help keep small businesses thriving.
2. Participate in Winter Adventures and Tours
Jasper’s tourism industry is built around the region’s breathtaking natural beauty. The winter season is the perfect time to experience snowshoeing, ice climbing, or wildlife tours with Live It Up Lifestyle Adventures or skiing and snowboarding adventures with MagicBus Tours. By booking activities with operators, you not only get to enjoy an unforgettable experience but also help local guides and staff keep their jobs.
3. Support the Tourism and Hospitality Workers Directly
Jasper’s tourism and hospitality workers are the backbone of this community. They welcome thousands of visitors year-round, often working behind the scenes to ensure we have amazing memories during our stays. The wildfire has left many of these workers without stable employment or the resources they need to recover.
To directly support these workers, you can donate to YEG Hospitality for Jasper, a partnership with the Edmonton Community Foundation that is specifically raising funds to help Jasper’s tourism and hospitality community get back on their feet. Every dollar you contribute will go toward ensuring that these workers can continue to live, work, and provide the incredible experiences that make Jasper so special.
4. Be a Mindful Traveller
Wildfires leave lasting marks on the environment. As you explore Jasper this winter, it’s important to remain mindful of the land and respect the areas still recovering from fire damage. Here are a few ways to travel responsibly:
- Stick to marked trails: Avoid areas that are still fragile and recovering.
- Leave no trace: Be extra conscious of your impact, packing out all your waste and leaving nature as you found it.
- Respect park guidelines: Jasper National Park authorities will have specific recommendations for visitors to help protect the land and support ongoing restoration efforts.
5. Spread the Word
If you can’t visit this winter, there are still ways to make a difference. Simply by spreading awareness, you can help amplify Jasper’s story and encourage others to lend their support. Share your love for Jasper on social media or talk to friends and family about how they can get involved. Let people know about financially donating to reputable causes to help rebuild the community.
6. Attend Community Events
During the winter, Jasper often hosts seasonal events like holiday markets, festivals, and local fundraisers. These gatherings are not only great for meeting locals and connecting with the community outside of Jasper in January events, but they also give back to the town directly. Look out for any special events that might be raising funds for fire recovery or helping to boost morale after such a difficult year.
7. Donate to Recovery Efforts
If you’re unable to visit in person, donating is one of the most effective ways to help. Jasper’s recovery will take time, and every contribution, big or small, counts. Donations to organizations like the Jasper Community Team Society help the long-term recovery of the Jasper community by working with the Municipality of Jasper’s Community Outreach Services.
Jasper Needs Us
Jasper is more than just a beautiful destination—it’s a community full of people who welcome visitors with open arms and offer us some of the best experiences nature has to offer. The wildfire may have changed the landscape, but the spirit of Jasper remains as strong as ever.
This winter, we have the opportunity to give back to a town that has given so much to us. Whether through donations, visits, or simply sharing the message, your support can make a lasting impact. Let’s come together to help Jasper recover and thrive for years to come.
