An iconic destination in Jasper National Park will not be welcoming visitors this winter as the park continues to assess damage from a devastating wildfire that occurred over the summer.
A wildfire that tore through Jasper National Park at the end of July destroyed much of the area around Maligne Canyon, with aerial video taken revealing the magnitude of the loss.
Yesterday, Jasper National Park posted on its Facebook page that Maligne Canyon will remain closed for the winter season due to safety concerns surrounding the wildfire.
The wildfire caused significant damage to the canyon’s trails, infrastructure, and surrounding terrain.
After thorough safety assessments, Parks Canada says the following hazards were identified:
- Falling debris and rockslides: Large rocks, boulders, and fire-weakened trees pose serious risks to anyone in the area.
- Damaged infrastructure: Trails, safety fencing, staircases, and bridges are destroyed or need urgent repairs.
- Unstable slopes and ice-walk hazards: Burned vegetation and frozen ground make slopes unstable, increasing the likelihood of mudslides, erosion, and falling debris. The freeze-thaw cycles increase these risks.
On the upside, Parks Canada says the winter closure will allow staff to focus on restoring the area, addressing the damage, and stabilizing the terrain to ensure that visitors can safely enjoy Maligne Canyon in the future. Parks Canada will continue to assess the damage, providing updates as restoration efforts progress.
While Maligne Canyon remains closed, Trail 7 is open for an in-and-out winter walk from Sixth Bridge to just below Fifth Bridge.
The wildfire that tore through the park and the town of Jasper destroyed more than 350 buildings and caused nearly $900 million in insured damage, making it one of the costliest natural disasters in Canadian history.