Parks Canada is reopening Miette Hot Springs and Source of the Springs Trail in Jasper National Park on Sunday (Aug. 18).
Visitors will be able to safely come to this area following a lengthy closure due to the Utopia Wildfire and the Jasper Wildfire Complex.
The Miette Hot Springs area is unaffected by the Jasper Wildfire Complex and the Utopia Wildfire had been extinguished, according to Parks Canada.
“Parks Canada recognizes the importance of the hot springs to Canadians and the hot springs’ role in supporting regional tourism operators and the economy,” the agency stated in an update.
“Miette Hot Springs is staffed by a dedicated team of lifeguards and supporting team members. The reopening of the hot springs will not reduce Parks Canada’s capacity to respond to the wildfire and support the re-entry of residents to the Jasper townsite.”
Miette Hot Springs Bungalows, near the hot springs, and Miette Mountain Cabins, located at the junction of Highway 16 and Miette Road, may also reopen the same day.
Last week, the Icefields Parkway was partially reopened to allow access to the Columbia Icefield.
All other areas of Jasper National Park remain closed, including other Parks Canada facilities accessible from the Miette Road, such as Miette Campground.
Highway 16 is open daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., and visitors are allowed to turn off at Miette Road to access the Miette Hot Springs, Miette Hot Springs Bungalows and Miette Mountain Cabins.
Parks Canada advised drivers to have enough fuel and supplies before entering the national park.
The closest locations for fuel, supplies and services are in Hinton to the east, or Mount Robson or Valemount in B.C. to the west.
Visit the Miette Hot Springs website for hours of operation and other details.
