In 2014, Tourism Jasper decided that Jasper鈥檚 reputation needed an overhaul鈥攕omething catchy and fun. After a year of research and planning, Tourism Jasper launched its Venture Beyond campaign, encouraging visitors and locals alike to explore all that Jasper has to offer, including its backcountry.
The catchphrase was widely accepted and became Jasper鈥檚 official brand. And while the rebranding has been a success, there appears to be one problem鈥攊t鈥檚 becoming increasingly harder to actually venture beyond in Jasper National Park.
Throughout the 1980s and early 1990s the park was the envy of backcountry travel, but 20 years of neglect by Parks Canada and major budget cuts have left Jasper鈥檚 backcountry in a state of decay filled with crumbling bridges and eroding trails.
Aside from the eyesore and safety hazard caused by the rotting infrastructure, the lack of accountability and general neglect has had a knock on effect, leading to an increase in vandalism and garbage.
In August, garbage was left behind by careless campers in the Tonquin Valley and there was evidence of illegal camp fires at Big Bend Campground.
In recent years, Parks has begun reinvesting in the backcountry, but more needs to be done if Parks wants to remain competitive.
All it takes is a trip to Berg Lake in Mount Robson Provincial Park to see why so many backcountry enthusiasts are flocking to that location.
Along the entire length of the 21-km trail there are well maintained bridges, campsites and cooking shelters making for a pleasant backcountry experience.
On top of this, with state-of-the art infrastructure and facilities, the general public seems to take pride in keeping the provincial park free of garbage and other unsightly vandalism.
If Jasper truly wants people to venture beyond, it鈥檚 time Parks Canada takes its backcountry responsibilities seriously and reinvest in our park.
Whether that鈥檚 beefing up the trail crew or allowing dedicated volunteers to share some of the workload, something needs to be done.
