This cabin community is great for families and couples alike
JEN BROSSEAU
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Comfy cabin lodging on the edge of the Jasper townsite, the Bear Hill Lodge offers mountain living in the heart of Jasper National Park. |
JASPER, ALTA. – There are few places that can compare to the majestic surroundings of Jasper National Park. Exploring this scenic territory is a wonderful experience, but when it comes to Jasper’s “strip”, one can get a definite sense of déjà vu. If, like me, you feel that after a while all hotels start to look the same, visit the Bear Hill Lodge.
Located on the edge of town, just a short 10 minute walk from the heart of Jasper, sits the Bear Hill Lodge in its own little world. Set on just two acres of land is a secluded, rustic cabin that provides the comforts and amenities of almost hotel in Jasper.
The comforts of home
Of the 38 cabins that comprise the Bear Hill Lodge, half of them are open for winter bookings, creating a lovely little cabin community that delivers accommodations as spacious as the mountains that surround them. Each with their own cute little driveway, the log cabins come equipped with wood-burning fireplaces (half of them gas-burning), rustic décor, natural surroundings, and a cuddly chalet atmosphere.
Don’t be fooled by the novelty. These cabins offer the same amenities as other accommodations, but with a few perks. Our cabin came with a full kitchen, stocked with all the cutlery and dishes needed to prepare a home cooked meal. If you don’t feel like cooking, breakfast is included with each of the forest cottages, and features fresh home baked scones, muffins, fresh fruit salad, yogurt, toast, cereal, and homemade granola . There’s no better way to start a fresh powder day than with a solid, homemade meal.
An isolated cabin in the Jasper townsite
The original property was purchased over 25 years ago by Wally and Joyce Butler, and some of the cabins are actual heritage buildings, built in the mid-1900s.
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Wally and Joyce’s son, Paul, now runs the Bear Hill Lodge with the help of his loyal dog Elton (a scruffy looking lab/terrier cross), who according to some staff, is the real owner of the Bear Hill Lodge. Elton is the official mascot and greeter, and I was happy to find pet-friendly accommodations in Jasper.
Steph Lavoie, the manager of the Bear Hill Lodge, believes that it’s the atmosphere and proximity to downtown Jasper that attracts families and couples alike. “We’re close, but we’re not too close,” explained Lavoie.
“You can actually feel like you are staying at an isolated cabin somewhere up in the mountains, and yet still be able to go out for a nice meal.”
Tuck in next to a warm fire, make your own hot chocolate, share a romantic evening, or take the kids to the hot tub after a day on the hill; whatever your plans, these private little lodges will bring a case of cabin fever that you’ll love to catch.
The Bear Hill Lodge offers a number of ski and stay packages and specials. For more information, visit its website at www.bearhilllodge.com.