Here’s how I spent 24 hours in Jasper National Park, Alberta

It wasn’t even one year ago that a wildfire complex developed in Jasper National Park, forcing an evacuation of 25,000 residents. 358 structures and 32,722 hectares were burned between July 22 and August 17, 2024, becoming one of the most expensive natural disasters in Canadian history and a summer that Albertans — especially those who were personally affected — won’t soon forget.

It’s a sad story, but it’s not a hopeless one. Hundreds of firefighters from Canada, Australia, and South Africa battled the wildfire, and Jasper was able to reopen in the fall. Since then, the town’s spirit has remained strong amidst swift and collaborative recovery efforts, restoring Jasper to the beauty that visitors and residents alike have come to know and love. While some areas were affected, many of the most breathtaking landscapes have remained untouched and are ready to be explored.

I had the privilege of spending some time in Jasper last week, and I was amazed by the gorgeous scenery, locally inspired cuisine, and the resilience of the town. Whether you’re settling in for a Jasper vacation or just passing through on your mountain journey, it’s worth spending some time in the remarkable town.

Need some inspiration? Here’s what I got up to for over 24 hours in Jasper National Park.

Lunch at The Maligne Range

We kicked things off at The Maligne Range, an independent malt whisky distiller and restaurant. Canada is one of five great global whisky-producing nations, made unique thanks to the diverse and enticing flavour profiles of Canadian rye.

While I resisted the urge to have a whisky flight for lunch, I did indulge in two whisky-based cocktails. Hey, I wasn’t driving! Both were delicious and paired delightfully with the elevated pub fare of the lunch menu.

Ride the Jasper SkyTram

Next, we took a ride up the Jasper SkyTram. Rather than multiple cars, like a gondola, the SkyTram operates like a clothesline with two units going up and down all day. The track is about 2.2 kilometres long, and the SkyTram travels 6.5 meters per second.

The treeline ended at about 2,100 meters, with the trees becoming smaller the higher we got. The growing season is short, and the topmost trees only grow about a millimetre per year. This means those tiny trees are more than 200 years old. And, to put the height of the rocky mountains into perspective, a third of Jasper National Park exists above the treeline.

Needless to say, the view was incredible. Upon exiting the SkyTram at 2,300 meters, we could see several lakes, the Victoria Cross Mountain Range, the Athabasca River, and more. The view only got better after renting snowshoes and hiking further up the mountain. But not that much further. I am a novice hiker, after all.

Fireside chat with Matricia Bauer

After checking into our gorgeous accommodations at Pyramid Lake Lodge, we were joined by Matricia Bauer (traditional name – Isko-achitaw waciy / ᐃᐢᑯ ᐃᐦᒋᑕ ᐘᒋᕀ, She Who Moves Mountains) for a fireside chat. Matricia and her daughter, Mackenzie, make up Warrior Women, an Indigenous-owned and operated business that provides education, tourism experiences, workshops, and more.

Matricia opened the circle by spreading cedar, one of the four sacred medicines, atop the flame. After gracing us with a welcome song, she told us stories about the art she created at the Banff Hide Tanning Residency not long after the Jasper evacuations.

“The fire was very much still in my psyche,” she explained as we passed around a tanned moose hide with flaming imagery on its surface. “It probably will be for a long time.”

She gave us each some tobacco to lay a silent prayer to the Creator and then allowed us time to ask her any questions, be it about her art, her home in Jasper, or Indigenous culture. When asked how her work has evolved over the years, her answer brimmed with hope:

“Systemic racism has changed in 15 years. People are willing to come to the table and ask questions and, most importantly, listen,” she explained. “I’m excited about the level of conversation I can have right now because it used to feel so performative.”

Warrior Women also offers beading classes, plant walks, and Indigenous cultural tours. After the fireside chat with Matricia, I was sad that I wasn’t in Jasper a little while longer to learn more, but was grateful for the time that we had!

Dinner at Aalto

Have you ever had “lake food?” Our dinner restaurant, Aalto, took its inspiration from Pyramid Lake’s shimmering waters and towering mountain peaks, resulting in a homegrown menu that showcases Jasper’s finest regional flavours.

I kid you not, I am still reminiscing about this meal daily. After sharing a cheese plate with the table, I ordered the Angus Striploin. Now, a good steak is already my favourite food, but this dish took it to the next level. Combine a certified Angus beef striploin with yam puree, sauteed kale, truffled forest mushrooms, and port jus? Chef’s kiss.

A night at Pyramid Lake Lodge

Nothing eases a full belly like time in the hot tub, and nothing fills that belly right back up again like campfire smores. By the time my head hit the pillow, I was toasty warm and full of gratitude. (And food). My room even had a gas fireplace, which took the mountain vibe to the next level, and waking up to a view of the mountains and lake was incredibly special.

I’m already mentally planning my next trip to Jasper. Now the question is, do I try new restaurants or stick to my favourites? Come in the summer, or try and make the most of winter? The bright side is that any and all tourism helps Jasper on the road to healing.

“Jasper is open for business,” Matricia told us at the fireside chat, “and we need visitors.”

For a town that relies on tourism, economic support is everything. Matricia encouraged us, and travellers from far and wide, to make the most of Jasper and really treat ourselves while here. That’s a challenge I’m certainly willing to accept.

The author of this article was hosted by Pursuit.

Kendall Bistretzan

Staff Writer, Alberta – Kendall Bistretzan is a Calgary-based writer, reporter, and coffee enthusiast. In her spare time, she loves to read, have dinner with friends, and sing in her car. She is currently querying her debut fiction novel. You can find her on Instagram @kendallbistwrites.

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