for a closer look or hop on an Ice Explorer tour, that actually takes you onto the glacier. But even just driv- ing past, it’s impossible not to feel small in the best kind of way. Sadly, no trip to Jasper today can be made without seeing the scars of the 2025 wildfire season. That summer, Jasper faced one of the most intense fire seasons in its history. While many key sites were spared, about 30 per cent of the town and most of the surrounding forest was hit hard. Now, as the re- build and regrowth begins, responsible tourism mat- ters more than ever. Support local. Stay, eat and shop in town. Your visit contributes to the town's recovery and resilience. As we pushed further toward Jasper, the aftermath of the wildfires became more visible. Entire slopes were stripped bare; the tree line cut like a scar across the landscape. It was sobering. But in an odd way, it was also revealing. With the trees gone, we could see the raw contours of the mountains in ways we never had before. Somehow it still left us hopeful. Some green is starting to sprout through the charred ground, and in time, the landscape will recover. We hit town just after dark. Checked into our hotel and went out for a late bite at the brand new Maligne Range – a super cozy spot with creative dishes, ex- cellent drinks (it’s a distillery as well) and a great vibe. There’s no shortage of great eats in town. Some other favourites are Jasper Brewing Co., The Raven Bistro, Jasper Pizza Place, Terra, Evil Dave’s and Harvest. For accommodations, there are plenty of options ranging from low-budget hostels to the legendary Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge.
The next morning, we were up early for a quick cof- fee from Andromeda Café, notable for its cool mural outside, and then we hit the road. Wildlife sightings were non-stop: elk, deer, Rocky Mountain Sheep and even a coyote. We drove up to Pyramid Lake, watched mist swirl over the water, and caught the sun warm- ing the little island bridge. Our first bear sighting here too, though it was too quick for a photo. We hiked Old Fort Point, a short but steep loop that offers stunning views over the town. From the sum- mit, we could see the areas touched by the fires. According to Parks Canada, more than 3,600 hectares
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