Healing through Fire - Guided Parks Canada experience
Jasper National Park
Join Parks Canada interpreters and Indigenous artist Matricia Bauer for an experience that explores how life is rebounding after the 2024 Jasper Wildfire. Learn about fire's impact on the land, plant Douglas-fir trees, and create art from the ashes.
Description
Healing through Fire was developed to connect people to each other, the landscape and Indigenous knowledge following the 2024 Jasper Wildfire. This guided walk offers a unique opportunity to learn about the role and history of fire in Jasper.
During this experience, you will
- explore how the land's relationship with fire teaches us about resilience and community,
- help forest regeneration by planting Douglas-fir trees, and
- learn about Indigenous perspectives on healing, and create crafts with an Indigenous guide.
Dates, times, location, and details
Dates and times
- July 8, 2026
- July 15, 2026
- July 29, 2026
- August 5, 2026
- August 12, 2026
- August 19, 2026
- August 26, 2026
- September 2, 2026
All sessions start at 9 am and end between 12:30 pm and 1 pm.
Duration
- 3.5 - 4 hours
Location
- Meet at Lower Picnic Parking Area, Annette Lake.
- The program takes place on level ground around a group campfire and along the 2.4 km Lake Annette loop (no elevation gain).
- This program runs rain or shine. Weather can change quickly in the mountains. Come prepared.
Map locations
| Name | Description | Category |
|---|---|---|
| Lake Annette day-use area | Healing Through Fire program location | Interpretation |
Navigate there with Google Maps.
Group sizes
- 1 to 24 participants
Languages
- English
Age requirements
- Recommended for ages 5 and up
- Children and youth up to and including 15 years of age must be accompanied by an adult
- Reduced rates apply for youth and seniors
Reservations and payment
Prices
- View the program fees list.
How to book
Submitting the registration application does not guarantee your spot. After you apply, a Parks Canada staff member will contact you to confirm whether space is available for your group and to take payment over the phone. Once payment is confirmed your spot is reserved.
Reservations will be processed in the order they are received
Enhanced Experience reservation and cancellation policy
Reservations
- You can reserve your spot for a guided program up until 12:00PM (noon) Mountain Standard Time (MST) two days before the day of the program.
- Example: If the program takes place Wednesday July 8, at 9:30AM – you can register for it up until Monday July 6 at 12:00PM after which reservations for that program will be closed.
- A $3.50 reservation fee applies when booking guided programs.
Changes and cancellations
- If you need to cancel or change your reservation, please do not submit another registration application. Instead, reply to the confirmation email you received from Parks Canada confirming that your payment was made and your spot is reserved.
Changes to a reservation
- A change is any change you make to your reservation that changes the number of participants (subject to availability) or changes the date.
- If you make changes to your reservation three days or more before the start time of your guided program you will be charged a change fee ($3.50).
- If you make changes to your reservation within three days of the start time of your guided program you will be charged a change fee ($3.50) and only 50% of your prepaid program fees will be applied to your new booking.
Cancellations
- If you cancel your reservation three or more days before the start time of your guided program you will be charged a cancellation fee ($3.50) and receive a full refund of your program fee, less the reservation fee ($3.50).
- If you cancel your reservation within 3 days of the start time of your guided program you will be charged a cancellation fee ($3.50) and receive a 50% refund of your program fee, less the reservation fee ($3.50).
Late arrivals
- If you do not arrive for the program, you are considered a no-show. Your reservation is considered cancelled, and you forfeit the fees paid.
Closure
- If Parks Canada closes the offer and cancels your reservation you will receive a full refund of your program fees and reservation fee.
Facilities and services
- Washrooms
- Three pit toilets (with grab bars) and one change room (no grab bars) are located near the main Lake Annette parking area
- A small lip is present at the entrance
- These facilities may not meet all accessibility needs
- Parking
- Park at the Lower Picnic Parking Area, Lake Annette
- Two designated accessible parking spaces are available with a shared access aisle
Accessibility considerations
Distance from parking lot and description of route
The Lake Annette Trail is a 2.4 km paved loop with panoramic mountain views.
- Rest areas are located every 200 m to 500 m (three can accommodate mobility devices)
- The trail is mostly flat but includes sections requiring careful navigation
- Some slopes exceed 8% to 10% for up to 13 m
- Some trail edges have drop-offs greater than 7.5 cm, including one section exceeding 60 cm
- One wide hairpin turn reaches up to 16% slope, with a cross-slope up to 25% if taken tightly
Use caution in these areas.
Program location and seating
- Half of the program takes place on the Lake Annette Trail
- The remainder takes place at a campfire circle that is approximately 50 m from the Lower Picnic Parking Area
- Seating is provided on benches without backrests
- Space is available for personal lawn chairs or picnic blankets
Equipment
- All tools are provided
- Wear sturdy hiking shoes or boots
- Bring layers for cool or wet weather
- Ensure you bring enough water for the duration of the hike
- Lunch is not provided
Sound and sensory considerations
- The program takes place outdoors
- Wildlife sightings (including elk, bears, and other mammals and birds) are possible
- Part of the experience takes place near a campfire
- Activities include walking, group participation, tree planting and craft-making
Free Parks Canada experiences this summer
Healing Through Fire is just one of many Parks Canada led programs in Jasper National Park. This summer experience all there is to offer by attending a theatre show at Whistlers Campground, seeing a pop-up activity at various areas around the park, or stopping to chat with a Living with Wildlife Interpreter on the Maligne Road. These programs are free for all visitors with a valid entry permit pass.
Visit the interpretive programs and experiences webpage for more information!
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