12 Jasper landmarks tourists might wonder about after the wildfire
CBC
Since a towering wall of fire roared through Jasper National Park and into the townsite on July 24, locals and tourists have been worried about the fate of noteworthy landmarks.
Just which sites are the most memorable or meaningful is subjective.
Officials began evacuating about 25,000 people from the park late on July 22 when a suspected lightning strike sparked a blaze in the forest more than 12 kilometres south of the townsite. That blaze has now merged with a second fire east of Jasper, burning an estimated 32,000 hectares to date.
As the wildfire moves northeast of the townsite and continues to threaten structures, Jasper-lovers are understandably anxious about beloved spots in the park.
Although the Municipality of Jasper has done an initial account of buildings that are standing or destroyed, they gave the caveat that owners may need experts to take a closer look at their damage or stability.
Here's what we know about how some popular sights have fared in the face of disaster.
Sixty years after carrying its first passengers up Whistlers Mountain, the operators of the Jasper SkyTram said tram stations at both ends are still standing. The tram's website says an adventurer named William McGregor had the idea to install the cable car in 1960 after climbing to the summit. It's unclear when the longest aerial tram ride in Canada will be running again. An update on its website says fire did cross Whistlers mountain, and crews will have to assess the system before re-opening.
"It is important to note that this situation is constantly evolving, and while we are grateful that our infrastructure remains, there is still a long journey ahead of us," the website says.
Jasper the Bear didn't always live in Jasper. Artist James Simpkins created the cartoon character in 1948, and he became a regular feature in Maclean's magazine who encouraged good environmental stewardship. Travel Alberta says Jasper National Park adopted the bear as its mascot in 1962. The original statue that once welcomed visitors to Jasper is at the top of the SkyTram. A Jasper replica is on Patricia Street in the townsite and still stands tall, according to photos shared on Friday by Parks Canada.
"This lovable icon continues to watch over his community," a bear fan commented on the park's Facebook post confirming his unscathed status.
Beginning as a tent city, then a far more humble lodge, Jasper Park Lodge became more luxurious when The Canadian National Railway Company had a vision to build another in its series of grand hotels in Jasper. Now a sprawling property with a golf course and assortment of cabins, the lodge has hosted Bing Crosby, Marilyn Monroe, and King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, among others. On July 25, a Fairmont spokesperson said in a statement the property had been damaged by fire, but the main lodge and most structures were still standing.
"While we will need time to assess the full scale of the damage and the timelines required for repair and restoration, we are deeply relieved that much of the property was spared and the resort will re-open in the future," a statement read.
The 696-hectare ski area opened its first lift more than 60 years ago. In a Friday update on Facebook, Marmot Basin said the balance of the wildfire was below its lease area.
Marmot's vice-president of marketing told the Edmonton Journal the hill's facilities and lifts are intact. Marmot has not responded to messages from CBC News.
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