I adored Jasper.
It may seem strange that the feature photo isn’t a mountain or lake. But this scene is one of my favourite memories.
It had just started snowing, and we’d trudged through the wind to get to the main lodge. The fireplace was roaring, and we needed a hot coffee to warm us up.
We got the perfect position, and curled up in the big beautiful chairs with some great coffees.
And while we watched, a young girl came in with a fluffy pomeranian and settled him in front of the fire in one of the comfy chairs. And then proceeded to Skype her friends.
Jasper was our first real stop from our Canada trip. So we had no idea that dogs were allowed in fancy hotels.
Or how simple and beautiful a light dusting of snow would be as we walked from our cabin to the main lodge. Snow is still a wonder and rarity, living in Australia – a magical wonderland (which happened to be the name of the tour we went on).
It was late March, so the frozen lake where you could ice skate was unfortunately closed.
But oh, that awesome outdoor heated swimming pool. A heated pool or spa is the first question I ask a travel agent for when booking accommodation. And the Jasper pool was probably the best I’ve ever been in. Huge, hot, and with a stunning view over the mountains and steam rising from the pool while your breath condenses in the cold air. The pool was the main reason I wanted to take my kids back to Jasper. Alas, we ended up only doing Whistler :)
There was a great casual pub downstairs in the main building, next to some great galleries and shops. I played my first game of darts, and won – truly memorable. Not that I’ve played since.
But apart from the fact that Fairmont resorts are just fabulous, Jasper was loved for its scenery. Walking around the edge of the lake, with beautiful trees and mountains all around. Perfect.
