Dear editor,
For seventeen years now, my husband and I have been making frequent trips to Jasper.
At one time, we spread out the trips throughout each season, but for the past few years, we have limited ourselves to spring and fall trips.
We have stayed at a couple of terrific hotels, several home accommodations, and eaten at some lovely restaurants.
We have enjoyed the baking from Jasper's excellent bakery (both locations). We have bought gifts at a few gift shops for our young niece and nephews. We have enjoyed hikes at Maligne Canyon, Old Fort Point, Marjorie Lake, Lake Annette, and Jasper Park Lodge.
Drives down Hwy 93 to Athabasca and Sunwapta Falls is always fun to do, as the scenery is spectacular. Seeing animals has always been a treat, especially the geese at JPL.
We have always been impressed at the effort that many residents put into decorating their homes with flowers, maintaining their gardens, and (in winter) putting up lovely Christmas decorations.
Evening walks around town are always worth it.
Last month, we were caught off-guard when the virus spread and the social distancing rules were introduced, and we were saddened to hear about the early closure of Marmot Basin (a blow to the economy).
Since then, the Jasper businesses have lost out on the opportunity to host visitors during spring break, the Easter break, and during what would have been the Pride weekend.
On April 15, we found out that the national parks will remain closed to visitors until at least May 31, making it impossible for Jasper to be busy over the Victoria Day long weekend.
Jasper has a short window which is considered to be high season, and unless this horrible virus goes away soon, the national parks will remain closed.
We would like to thank everyone in town who has helped to make our Jasper trips memorable, and we hope that you will be up and running again soon.
We don't wish to see any Jasper businesses close for good because of this unfortunate situation. In the meantime, we appreciate all the service and kindness we have received from Jasper residents and we wish you all the best.
Finally, we hope that the Jasper COVID patients will make a speedy recovery.
Stay safe and healthy, and we hope to visit again soon.
Oksana Kotovych-Manyluk and Blaine Manyluk
Edmonton
