Town of Jasper Updates

[David A]

The drive from YCC to Jasper is 4:45. The drive from YEG to Jasper is 4:00. For that extra 45 minutes you get the prettiest drive in the world instead of 3 hours of flat trees, much nicer places to stop along the way, and many more flight options.

I hate to say it, but for an international traveller wanting to go to Jasper, YYC makes more sense than YEG. The jasper = Edmonton connection makes sense for Albertans but less so for international folks.

Everything here does not need to revolve around YYC, really. It depends on what you want. If you mainly just want to go to Jasper, the faster and more direct route actually probably makes more sense.

However, if you also want to meander through (often crowded) Banff then perhaps that way makes sense. While the Icefields road is nice, it is also more prone to weather restrictions and problems.

 

[husky]

The Yellowhead has Wabamun, Entwistle, Chip Lake, Edson and Hinton, while the TCH and Icefields Parkway has Canmore, Banff, Lake Louise and Saskatchewan Crossing - so in terms of dining, accommodation and attractions it's a wash. VIA Rail is also a viable option as long as one plans things right.

It's a shame we haven't capitalized on making Wabamun into more of a destination.

 

[David A]

It's a shame we haven't capitalized on making Wabamun into more of a destination.

Or most of the places on the Yellowhead west of Edmonton. Of course it is a fairly long drive to Jasper so stops can be fairly short if you are focused on getting there and many of these places are fairly small.

However, I hope they can do more to encourage people to visit them, a lot actually look like nice small places. Edson needs to more to spruce itself up, but Hinton has a bit more of a tourist vibe.

 

[archited]

Edmonton and its people have got to stop feeling so insular. Hinton is an exceptional stopover -- Edson perhaps a little less so but with great potential also. Whitecourt has exceptional natural beauty with the Athabasca and McLeod Rivers converging on the town. As Edmonton grows in population I think a spillover effect on the towns in all directions surrounding the City will begin to have a positive growth and development outcome for the smaller centres. Being of the aged variety, I can remember back when Red Deer was little more than a convenience stop between the Big E and the small c -- it has blossomed into a City in its own right with lots to see and do and with its neighbors, Lacombe and Sylvan Lake, both adding to the character development of the region. Alberta is a beautiful Province and one of Canada's most diverse in terms of geological and geographical makeup. It really is a special place.

 

[PermitMaster]

Just stopped by Jasper Park Lodge, here are the renders for the renovations. The main entrance and restaurant/lounge are currently closed for renovations along with many cabins. Supposed to be completed in the spring of 2026. I like a lot of the changes, I wish they kept the old chandeliers. This is my first post on the forum, excited to join the community.

 

[PermitMaster]

This was formerly the old movie theatre, which has now been redeveloped into a new whiskey distillery and restaurant. It’s owned by the same group behind Campio Brewing and Jasper Brewing.

While walking around the Jasper townsite, it’s encouraging to see several notable buildings getting rebuilt after the horrific fire. I hope this positive momentum continues. See the photos below.

This is where Maligne Lodge and Mount Robson Inn previously stood.