Max Darrah has always been fascinated by the mountains. Originally from Edmonton, Darrah's family regularly visited Alberta’s national parks when he was growing up, and a future career with Parks Canada further exposed him to the nation’s alpine beauty. But he says it was more than the stunning scenery that convinced him to lay down roots in Jasper.
“It's the people, it's the businesses, it's the community of Jasper that really keeps me here,” he says.
A veteran explorer, Darrah has worked as a mountain guide in Jasper National Park since 2007, founding his own company, Rockaboo Mountain Adventures, in 2010. The team of local guides lead rock and ice climbing trips, mountain skills training, backcountry adventures and other excursions throughout the park year-round.
Darrah was away from home on one such adventure when the wildfire reached town in July 2024. On the drive back, the impact of the fire became evident as charred trees appeared along the Icefield Parkway leading into Jasper.
Rockaboo’s downtown office was unfortunately lost to the flames — one of the 358 structures damaged by the wildfire.
“There's a lot of collective pain in Jasper,” says Darrah. “[But] to see people supporting each other, and the kindness and the generosity and the community spirit that is in Jasper right now is inspiring.”
Thanks to its remote nature, Rockaboo was able to stay open through much of its summer season, largely at the Columbia Icefield. “The guests continued to support us,” says Darrah. “It kept our guides working, and it allowed us to continue to operate with some normalcy in the park."
Like many other residents, Darrah is continuing to find strength in his community. While the path to recovery may be long, Jasperites are committed to trekking it together.
"The primary source of hope for me is witnessing neighbours supporting neighbours; businesses supporting businesses. Jasper's a strong community, and it's the community element of it that gives me hope that we will recover from this.”
Jasper is ready to welcome you once again. Join us in this incredible corner of the Canadian Rockies and explore beyond the beaten path with Rockaboo Mountain Adventures.
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