Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge to reopen after devastating wildfire

Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge has announced it will reopen its doors on Oct. 1 following the wildfire that engulfed the picturesque alpine Albertan town this summer.

Reservations are being accepted at a limited capacity, allowing staff not only to better care for its guests, but also the wider community and natural surroundings.

To celebrate its reopening, the lodge has invited guests to the return of its Symphony Under the Stars on Oct. 19, proceeds from which will go directly towards Jasper community rebuilding efforts.

It also noted that 100 per cent of the resort fees from October 2024 guest room bookings will directly support recovery efforts and contribute to rebuilding Jasper.

The first report of a wildfire starting northeast of Jasper was received on the evening of July 22, leading the town to be evacuated. The day before, temperatures reportedly reached 38 C.

Shortly after the initial report, a second fire was reported south of town. By 10:00 pm, an evacuation order was issued for Jasper National Park, including the town of Jasper. Within 48 hours, the fire reached town.

The historic resort was largely spared by the fire, with its main lodge and most other buildings unscathed.

Two of its accommodations—including Milligan Manor and one Beaver Suite—didn’t escape the flames and burned down, as did several operations buildings and the engineering and golf maintenance shed.

The Jasper Park Lodge was established in 1921 by the Canadian National Railway. One of Canada’s grand railway hotels, it has hosted numerous celebrities, including members of the Royal Family and actor Bryan Cranston.

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