Wildfire Hike in Jasper National Park: 4 km peak walk with lunch

Walk through recovering forest to a peak overlooking the aftermath of Jasper's largest wildfire in over a century

A guided 4 km hike in Jasper National Park through the site of the 2024 Complex Wildfire, ending at a peak with panoramic views where you eat lunch and learn how the forest regenerates after fire. The guide teaches you to identify emerging plants, wildflowers and mushrooms, and explains the geology, history and ecological benefits of wildfires while you watch for wildlife. Children from age 10 are welcome. The hike requires moderate fitness.

The experience

The 4 km trail climbs through new growth forest emerging from ash, leading to one of Jasper's prominent peaks. As you walk, your guide points out the species returning to the severely burned landscape (plants, wildflowers and mushrooms adapting to the changed terrain), and shares the story of the Complex Wildfire, which ravaged over 33,000 hectares in July 2024, the largest fire in the park in more than a century. The guide also covers the geology and forestry behind what you're seeing, so the walk becomes a lesson in how fire shapes a forest's future.

At the peak, you stop for a packed lunch (warm chicken or veggie wrap) and take in 360-degree views across miles of the transformed landscape. This is where the guide explains the roles and benefits of wildfire in forest ecology: why the burn matters, not just what was lost. You'll also watch for wildlife from a safe distance as you eat. Hiking poles are provided, and the route is steady but requires moderate cardiovascular fitness.

The hike runs about three hours total. Your guide speaks English or French. Public transportation options are available near the trailhead, so you don't need a car to reach the start.

What’s included

• Guided hike with a live guide.
• hiking poles.
• packed lunch with your choice of warm chicken or veggie wrap.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 1 May 2027

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Youth (10 to 17 years) · Under 10: can't be booked

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish and French

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Jasper Food Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if you're based in Jasper without a vehicle. The trailhead is accessible by public transit, and your guide will interpret the fire recovery ecology as you hike through the regenerating landscape.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and French.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (10 to 17 years). Children under 10 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How difficult is the 4 km hike through the wildfire site?

The trail requires at least moderate physical fitness and steady cardiovascular health. Hiking poles are provided to ease the climb to the peak, and the route is graded for hikers who can sustain effort over three hours.

What will I learn about the wildfire and the forest recovery?

Your guide teaches you to identify plants, wildflowers and mushrooms emerging in the new growth forest, and explains the geology, history and forestry of the burn. You'll also learn why wildfires play a role in forest health and regeneration, not just destruction.

Is lunch cooked at the peak, or is it something I carry?

Lunch is a packed meal (warm chicken or veggie wrap) that you eat at the peak. It's no longer cooked on-site due to the changed landscape and lack of wind shelters after the fire.