Jasper wildfires cancel Rocky Mountaineer itineraries

The wildfires sweeping across Jasper have led to cancellations of Rocky Mountaineer itineraries travelling to or from the Albertan city.

“The safety of our guests and team is our top priority and our team is working as quickly as possible to respond to this rapidly changing, challenging situation,” the company said in a statement. “We are incredibly disappointed we are unable to provide the journey you have booked. This situation is, unfortunately, beyond our control and our team members will do everything they can to support you. We are continuing to monitor the situation closely and will update this webpage if any further departures are impacted.”

The following trips will not be operating due to the fires:

Journey through the Clouds

July 28: Jasper to Vancouver

July 26: Vancouver to Jasper

July 25: Jasper to Vancouver

July 23: Vancouver to Jasper

Rainforest to Gold Rush 

July 23: Jasper to Vancouver

Rocky Mountaineer also noted that all First Passage to the West and Rockies to the Red Rocks journeys are scheduled to depart as planned. The company’s team will reach out to travellers directly if anything changes.

On those itineraries, however, there may be some reduced visibility of scenery and outdoor air quality along the Canadian routes due to wildfires.

In areas where the air quality is affected, the health authorities recommend reduced exposure by staying indoors where there is air conditioning and avoiding strenuous or prolonged activities outside.

The motorcoaches to and from hotels, as well as most hotel rooms and restaurants, will have air conditioning.

If you are currently in-travel, you can contact the Rocky Mountaineer team by email at guestexperience@rockymountaineer.com or by phone at 1.800.653.4105.

If you are not yet travelling, you can contact the team at reservations@rockymountaineer.com or by phone.

Those who booked through a travel professional should contact them for more information.

Some 25,000 people were forced to evacuate from Jasper on Tuesday as flames engulfed the town and spread through Jasper National Park, causing “significant loss,” according to park officials.

According to BBC, the region has been hit by more than 58,000 lightning strikes within the last week following a heat wave that lasted three weeks.

Some 1,900 firefighters from Alberta have been deployed alongside others who came to help from Alaska and Australia. Photos circulating online have shown much of the infrastructure in the town up in flames, including the Maligne Lodge.

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