Garrett Turta saved most of Jasper Park Lodge during the 2024 wildfire by flooding the golf course with sprinklers, earning Hotelier of the Year honors.

Garrett Turta, general manager of Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, was named Hotelier of the Year by Historic Hotels Worldwide for his leadership during the 2024 Jasper wildfire. Faced with advancing flames, he redirected all power and generators to flood the golf course with sprinklers, creating a protective barrier that helped save the main lodge and much of the property, though two cabins and other structures were lost. Since the fire, Turta has partnered with Tourism Jasper and Travel Alberta to promote recovery, celebrating the lodge’s 100th anniversary with the golf course reopening. Despite ongoing rebuilding and reduced capacity, the lodge remains fully booked, reflecting strong visitor confidence and community resilience.