The new 27m (90ft) bridge provides a safe route for backpackers on the Jonas Pass-Brazeau Lake Loop in Jasper National Park. Photo courtesy of Parks Canada.

One of the most popular circuit backpacks in the Canadian Rockies is navigable as of September 2026 thanks to the replacement of the Brazeau River bridge below the outlet to Brazeau Lake .

The bridge washed out in the spring of 2022. This left an intimidating ford of the Brazeau River for backpackers trying to complete the Jonas Pass-Brazeau Lake Loop. Most hikers travelled to the river and back or else attempted the ford late in the season when river levels were lower.

Plans to replace the bridge were derailed by the July 2024 wildfire that burned up part of Jasper townsite and nearby trails. The aftermath of that fire kept Jasper’s trail crew busy restoring more popular day hike trails near the townsite.