Plenty of adventures wait for baby boomer travelers in the Alberta region of the Canadian Rockies. My favorite lodging for chilling out after an adventuresome day or a romantic getaway in Canada? The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge.
While I’ve stayed at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, enjoying them both, Jasper Park Lodge appeals to my preference for understated luxury combined with rustic adventure in a spectacular natural setting.
Alan and I have stayed twice in Jasper Park Lodge’s rustic, but well appointed, log cabin duplexes that border Lac Beauvert. (Make your reservation here).
Our first visit was included in a Tauck tour of the Canadian Rockies. After several days of exploring, we were happy to rest, relax and do our own thing at the lodge.
Our favorite activity? Walking along the trail that circles Lac Beauvert, all the while on the lookout for elk and moose.
On that autumn visit, we enjoyed socializing with new-found Australian travel friends on the deck of the main lodge before dining near a roaring fireplace in the bar area of the sprawling lobby.
A totally different experience awaited us on our second visit during the 100-year celebration of Jasper Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
On a weekend sponsored by the Edmonton Chapter of the Chaîne de Rôtisseurs, a gourmet food and wine society, we sampled outstanding wines paired with elegant food in the lodge’s Edith Cavell Dining Room as well as a Friday night dinner at Papa George’s in Jasper.
On my next visit to Jasper Park Lodge, I’d like to participate in more of the adventure activities that are available, perhaps a hike to the Mount Edith Cavell Meadow or a float trip down the Athabasca River.
But what I’m really yearning for is a winter trip for dog sledding, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. The ice walk in Maligne Canyon is also on my list. Maybe next year?
Are you considering a Canadian travel adventure? Start at our Canada Travel Resources page.
