Couple's Rocky Mountain Adventure Derailed by Jasper Wildfire

A British couple's scenic railway journey through the Canadian Rockies took an unexpected turn when a wildfire forced the evacuation of Jasper, an alpine town in Alberta, leaving them without their belongings for over a month.

The couple, identified as PJ from Cheshire, embarked on a three-day trip from Vancouver to Jasper on July 20, 2023, aboard a Rocky Mountaineer train. Their journey, booked through Trailfinders for nearly £7,000, was part of a larger holiday experience in the region.

Upon arrival in Jasper on July 22, the situation quickly deteriorated. The sky darkened with smoke, ash fell on the train, and helicopters carrying water containers flew overhead. Despite the ominous conditions, passengers were directed to board transfer buses to their hotels.

During the bus ride, emergency alerts instructed immediate evacuation of Jasper. The couple's requests to return to the train were denied, and upon reaching the hotel, they found it was closing down. Left without access to their luggage, which contained items worth approximately £800, they spent the night in a church before being transported to Kamloops the next day.

"The safety of those who travel with us, both guests and team members, is always our priority. On July 22, the guests who were booked to stay at downtown hotels were disembarked first to their hotels. It was after this that the evacuation order was issued and the guests at hotels would have followed the evacuation procedures of those hotels."

The Jasper wildfire of 2023 was part of Canada's worst wildfire season on record, burning over 18 million hectares of land nationwide. Climate scientists have linked the increased wildfire activity to climate change, highlighting the growing risks to both residents and tourists in affected areas.

Jasper National Park, the largest in the Canadian Rockies, is known for its diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes. The town of Jasper, established as a railway town in 1911, has a population of about 4,600 people. The 2023 wildfire destroyed an estimated 30% of the town's buildings and forced the evacuation of 20,000 people, including residents and visitors.

In the aftermath, the couple faced challenges with their travel insurance claims. Their provider requested irrelevant documentation, and one claim was denied as the luggage was considered delivered rather than lost in transit.

After weeks of uncertainty, Rocky Mountaineer gained access to the hotel on September 4, 2023, locating and arranging delivery of the couple's luggage. While the resolution brought relief, it also highlighted the complex priorities that emerge during natural disasters, balancing immediate safety concerns with the recovery of personal belongings.

This incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of travel and the importance of comprehensive emergency procedures in tourist destinations, especially in areas prone to natural disasters like wildfires.