Travel Alberta is encouraging travel agents to work with their partner tour operators following the devastation caused by the Jasper wildfires. 

The fires, which continues to impact Jasper National Park and the surrounding areas, are the largest recorded in the national park in 100 years and have destroyed hundreds of homes and businesses in the town of Jasper.

As a result, the town of Jasper is currently open to residents only and Jasper National Park is closed until further notice. 

Travel Alberta is encouraging agents to continue to work with their partner tour operators and inbound operators to re-route impacted clients.

According to the Parks Canada website: “There are still many areas in the Jasper National Park with fire activity. These areas must be assessed for safety after the fire is extinguished. Many risks remain in closed areas, such as ash pits, reduced air quality, hazardous trees and hazardous waste requiring containment. It will take more time for these areas to re-open.”

The website confirms that any reservations with a checkout date on or before September 3 will automatically be cancelled and fully refunded. There is no need for further action on the part of visitors for these cancellations and refunds. 

Currently, there is no estimated date for reopening, and further direction will follow as the situation develops.

A message from Travel Alberta reads: “Our thoughts are with the residents of Jasper and Jasper National Park as those that are able to navigate their return. We look forward to welcoming people back to Jasper when the community is ready.”

For more information about affected areas, travel agents can visit https://www.travelalberta.com/know-before-you-go/wildfires-in-alberta