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Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, Alberta


The Course: Jasper Park Lodge Golf Club

The Canadian National Railway, trying to establish Jasper Park as a viable destination on the rail line, hired Thompson, 50 teams of horses, and 200 men to carve a world-class golf course out of the idyllic Rocky Mountains setting.
Click to read the full article on JASPER PARK LODGE G.C.

Where to Stay - Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge is the archetype of the exceptional Canadian golf resort experience. As with most of Canada's great old courses in the West, the history of the railway plays an important role. Beginning with tents on the shore of Lake Beauvert, in association with Grand Truck Pacific Railway, the vision of the resort was born in 1915. The major step in the rise of the resort was the hiring of Canadian architect Stanley Thompson by the Canadian National Railway, who insisted that he build a world-class golf course. Thompson—by far Canada's most treasured golf architect—had at that point in his career (1925) not produced any marquee golf course. Taking the dramatic setting and the healthy budget that CNR bestowed upon him, Thompson built his best course to date, and one that has gained great notoriety throughout the world.

By 1940, the resort had expanded capacity to 650 guests, which at this point included Bing Crosby; the long-time golfer (he played to a two-handicap) frequently visited Jasper Park Lodge for both the golf and the setting.

In 1952, the large one-story log building that had served as the main lodge burned down in a fire. Within two months, the foundation for the new building was poured, and in less than one year, the main Lodge was built, re-establishing Jasper Park as a premier destination.

In 1988, the purchase of Canadian National's hotel chain by Canadian Pacific Railway (CP) brought Jasper Park Lodge into the same family as its Rocky Mountain neighbours Banff Springs and the Chateau Lake Louise. CP became the largest owner-operated hotel company in Canada, boasting many of Canada's

finest golf resorts. The purchase of Fairmont Hotels in 1998 by CP brought a new name to grand hotel chains and assured a top management company to run the hotels. Through all the changes in ownership and design, the experience of Jasper Park has remained as charming as it undoubtedly was in 1925 when the golf course first opened.

By 1994 the decision to restore the golf course had been made, and the Jasper Park Lodge Golf Club underwent a near-perfect renovation. Unlike so many restorations, which detract from the spirit of the original, Jasper used Thompson's original blueprints to restore the bunkers and tees as Thompson intended them to be, while lengthening a few holes to stay in tune with modern equipment developments. The result is a course of world-class stature, upgraded to keep in tune with the natural allure of the region and the rest of the facilities on the property.

The Lodge boasts 446 guest rooms, ranging from standard rooms to lakefront suites and specialty cabins. A network of paths connect the outer buildings to the Main Lodge, which is just a short walk from even the most remote cabin.

The premier cabins on the property are the Lakeview Suites, which run parallel to the great closing hole and have balconies that overlook Lake Beauvert from the spectacular balconies. Fireplaces in the living rooms are a welcome perk on chilly mountain evenings.

The Spa offers everything from wraps to massages and is a popular stop for many guests. Lake Beauvert is not just for scenery; canoes, rowboats and paddle boats are all available for rent. 

For those looking for more water adventure, Maligne Lake (48 kms away) offers cruises to Spirit Island, which is said to be the "most photographed island in the world." 

Fishing is also an option when there; the Lodge can provide you with a rod and net. 

For those wishing to just have a swim, there is a heated, outdoor pool that is the focal point of the Lodge. Hiking and cycling are also popular excursions, whether you wish to do it yourself, or as part of a guided tour. 'Just For Kids'  is a full day camp for 5-12 year olds, for those families who have different ideas about how to spend the day.

Finally, the dining options at The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge are plentiful, especially in the summer time. Here are a selection of the best:

Beauvert Dining Room: The largest dining room at Jasper Park.  The view is wonderful over Lake Beauvert. The dining room requires reservations, and do so early to try and arrange a seat next to the window. The fare is North American cuisine, and the service is great. Dress is smart casual.

Edith Cavell Dining Room: The fine dining option at Jasper.  The food is excellent and warrants the four-star rating. With over 100 wines, the extensive list is the perfect compliment to the five-course table d'hôte.  Dress is "Jacket Recommended" for men, though you can get away with smart casual.

Moose's Nook: For visitors (especially those international visitors), this is a Canadian-themed restaurant, right down to the 60 Canadian bottles available on the wine list.  Live entertainment is also a big draw at the Moose’s Nook, and keeps the place busy in the summer months.

Meadows Restaurant: This is the best stop for a morning breakfast.  The service is great and the buffet is a bargain.

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