Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge – Nature At Its Finest

The experience – Picturesque scenery, peaceful strolls and canoe rides

If you’ve ever visited an exhibition of the great masters of landscape painting, one that included the expansive, ethereal and romantic works of painters such as JMW Turner, Alfred Sisley, or Frederic Edwin Church, then you already have an idea of what it’s like to walk the grounds of Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, particularly around sunrise or sunset.

The hotel, located in Jasper National Park, is surrounded by majestic, snowcapped mountains as far as the eye can see, and sits at the edge of Lac Beauvert, a glimmering, picturesque lake where gatherings of ducks and geese regularly glide by or fly overhead.

A series of trails wind throughout the hotel’s property and around the lake, making it hard to resist a quiet stroll at dusk, as the moon’s reflection shimmers on the water. Even more inviting are the numerous small cabanas and platforms perched around the lake’s edge, with clusters of chairs inviting guests to sit and linger awhile, quietly pondering the view, or the spectacular sunset.

Thanks to its location amid 700 pristine acres, guests at Jasper Park Lodge have endless options for enjoying nature and the remarkable scenery beyond merely walking. Additional activities include canoeing, kayaking, hiking, horseback riding and biking. For those seeking a slower pace, there’s an outstanding spa at the main lodge, and a large, inviting pool.

And finally, as if more attractions are needed in such a stunning location, Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge is also home to the #1 resort golf course in Canada, according to SCOREGolf magazine.

The accommodations – Cedar chalets and luxury cabins

The cabins and chalets at Jasper Park Lodge are all located within walking distance of the main lodge, scattered around the lake’s edge. Staying in your own cabin here, rather than in a generic high-rise hotel room, truly adds to the feeling of communing with nature and being in the great outdoors. Yet, don’t be fooled by the word “cabin” – these are deluxe accommodations, replete with room service that arrives promptly when ordered.

All of the resort’s cabins and cottages, which create a tiny village feel, include luxurious beds, soothing color palettes, and breathtaking views of Jasper National Park. The sizes of the cabins range from around 1,100 square feet to a staggering 7,000 square feet. There is also a one-bedroom cottage that’s just under 500-square feet and junior lakefront suites and specialty rooms, for those who don’t need all the space of a cabin.

The Fairmont Reflections Spa – A place to unwind

One of the nicest features of the luxe spa at Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge is its reflection lounge – a room with enormous picture windows overlooking the lake, plush chaise lounge chairs, a fireplace and endless tea, water, snacks and magazines.

Spending a few hours here with your feet up, looking out the window, and reading quietly, before or after a fabulous facial or massage, is an ideal way to unwind and enjoy some down time.

And once again, lest you think this is some rural spa with outdated offerings, think again. The Fairmont Reflections Spa has been rated by Conde Naste as the number four resort spa in Canada and by Spas of America as one of the top 100 spas of 2014.

The specific offerings include a variety of advanced, anti-aging facials, eye rescue treatments, sweet maple body treatments and mountain stone massages. The amenities include 10 treatment rooms, steam rooms, sauna, and mosaic-tiled showers.