#17 Heights and Plights

Jasper Sky Tram

We were able to get to our Sky Tram reservation in plenty of time. No cantankerous slide out was going to hold us back from FUN.

Pam and I could have climbed to the peak of Whistlers Mountain but we were concerned that Lucca might not be able to make it. We bought her a ticket on the tram and she became everyone’s favorite tram rider.

We ascended to the visitor area and exited our tram car. We were immediately met with a powerful wind. Good thing I brought a jacket.

There are several enticing hikes that make it possible for a hiker to reach the mountain’s pinnacle. We started the climb.

Lucca got tired so we rested on the less windy side of the mountain. You can ask her when you see her, it was Lucca who got tired.

We continued our ascent and the views became more magnificent. The mountain ranges went on forever in all directions.

“Look Lucca, even without my binoculars I can see our camper from here.” And sure enough, We could see our camper! Right below us was a view of the entire Whistler Campground.

As you review these photos, you will notice the complete void of trees in the area. The campground in the picture was once lush and treed before the wild Jasper fire of 2024.

We enjoyed our tram ride and our hike. We really loved the cold weather but it was time to check out Jasper, get some gas and quickly see the town before going back to the campground.

I’m going to talk about the fires at this point and then not bring it up again. Jasper is too beautiful to get hung up on the fire damage and the things that aren’t there anymore. But it’s also important for me to share the good and bad about the fire.

Jasper Fire 2024

It was very sad to see the devastation and it hurt me to my heart. However, I took my emotional lead from the residents. Everyone we spoke to had a great attitude even when they explained their hardships caused by the fires.

The fire grew out of control on July 22, 2024 and was finally declared in control on September 7. It burned over 80,000 acres of national park. The town of Jasper is actually within the national park.

There were 3 fires all started by lightening strikes. One fire came up from the south, one from the north and one from the east. With 48 hour notice, evacuation orders were executed for the 25,000 Jasper residents and the road west was the only evacuation route available.

Most of the acres of trees were over 100 years old. It will take at least 10 years to see any real forest growth.

The drive into Jasper was still pretty. We crossed over the Athabasca River into town. Maybe the river saved some of the trees along the edge.

1/3 of the structures in Jasper were lost in the fire. Owners are rebuilding but the process is slow.

2 hotels stood here. The community lost 1000 hotel rooms. That’s a lot of lost tourist income and Jasper depends on tourism for their economy.

We followed our GPS to the gas station only to find it had perished in the fire. Luckily there were 2 other stations. We were advised to get gas either early or late to avoid the lines.

There is a positive spin on the fire. The forest was allowed to grow in its own natural state for those 100 or so years. Unfortunately, with no help from controlled burns or mother nature, the pine trees squeezed out the aspens, birch and all the other trees that once enjoyed the forest in health and harmony.

The lone pine trees couldn’t even get along with each other and were eventually consumed from the inside out by the pine beetle. An unhealthy forest is prime for an unhealthy fire. In the photo above you can see that the trees burned completely, a sign of unhealthy trees.

The trees above were also part of the fire but as you can see portions of the trees are still green. That’s the difference between how an unhealthy tree burns compared to a healthy tree.

All that science so you can know and understand what we felt spirited about from the Jasper locals. The towns people have formed an incredibly bonded and united community with a singular focus, to stay in the area and rebuild the proud town of Jasper. And they are confident the forest will slowly sprout grasses, flowers and eventually taller, healthier, stronger trees in a variety of species.

So much for the fire. From here on out while we are in Jasper, our photos and thoughts will dwell on the beauty and the wilderness as seen through our eyes on this extraordinary journey. We know you will love the trip as much as we did. So Come Along. We you don’t want you to miss any of the fun and adventure.