Parks Canada recommends vigilance after Jasper backcountry sites reopen

Backcountry sites in Jasper reopened Friday, with Parks Canada urging those visiting to be vigilant.

Jasper’s backcountry is welcoming hikers, bikers or those looking for a scenic drive for the first time, after a massive wildfire tore through the national park this summer.

“Jasper is open for business once again,” said Edmonton MP Randy Boissonnault, who was recently appointed to lead the federal government’s effort to rebuild Jasper.

The trails are open but Parks Canada says visitors need to be aware of safety risks.

“Lots of new hazards in the burnt forest that you have to be mindful of,” said Timothy Johnson, the visitor safety lead at Jasper National Park. “So that’s things like danger trees or hazard trees that could fall on top of you, as well as increased geotechnical hazards, things like rockfall or debris fall … once we get snow on the ground, there could also be increased risk of avalanche change where we haven’t had in the past.”

Different sites like Pyramid Lake, Lake Annette, Columbia Icefields, Athabasca and Sunwapta Falls are just some of the areas that are also reopening. Johnson says visitors need to be prepared when visiting those areas.

“Be prepared not only with your knowledge in how to hike safely, but also come with appropriate equipment, so things like warm clothes, headlamps especially this time of year where things are dark,” said Johnson.

RELATED: Jasper invites tourist back for upcoming ski season

The weather this Thanksgiving weekend is a beautiful show of autumn, but winter is just around the corner, and Jasper is ready.

“Get your skis ready, get your cross-country skis ready, get your winter jackets ready and come and visit Jasper,” said Boissonnault.