It’s been more than a decade since I’ve made the roughly five-hour trek from Calgary to Jasper and stayed at the famed Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. Relaxing in a newly renovated junior suite, looking out at beautiful Lac Beauvert, I could kick myself for waiting so long.
The junior suites’ refresh is part of the Lodge’s multi-year, multi-million-dollar renovation project that began in 2024. These suites now showcase a mountain-modern aesthetic, blending bold, contemporary interiors with vintage and approachable luxury. The interior’s natural colour palette works with the exterior, which retains the wooden mountain cabin aesthetic.
Along with many others, I waited with bated breath during the 2024 wildfires to hear if the historic resort had escaped unscathed. Thankfully, most of it did, thanks to heroic firefighters and lodge staff who operated sprinkler systems and helped with perimeter protection of the area.
Now, the Lodge is back to business and rolling out its transformation. Drawing inspiration from the Lodge’s original mid-century modern architecture and the wilderness of Jasper National Park, the upgrades complement the natural environment, rather than compete with it.
Further along the lake, next to the world-class golf course, sit the larger luxury lakefront suites. These renovated suites were among the buildings damaged by the 2024 wildfires and have since undergone a second remediation. They boast alpine chic and expansive living spaces that feature wood-burning fireplaces. Outside, personal firepits are perfect for unwinding and roasting marshmallows while enjoying panoramic views of the lake.
This year marked the 100th anniversary of the Lodge’s golf course, which underwent massive recovery efforts following the wildfires. The Stanley Thompson-designed course, consistently ranked among Canada’s top golf resorts, opened this past July in time for its centennial celebrations. Though the charred forest remains a stark reminder of nature’s power, the restored golf course stands as an impressive symbol of resilience.
Starting in November, the main lodge’s reception will get a complete makeover, too, with a design inspired by Jasper’s renowned dark-sky preserve and its incredible star-filled night skies. The main lodge’s dining areas will also be revamped, creating cozy and elegant spaces, with the existing massive stone fireplace adding literal and figurative warmth to the rooms. And all guest rooms will be renewed, including adding air-conditioning to rooms previously without it.
The best thing about Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge is how peaceful it is. I felt like I’d genuinely escaped the stress of daily life and could decompress and soak in the beauty of Jasper for a few days. Go for a hike or a paddle, or just lounge in your room — it all feels good.
1 Old Lodge Rd., Jasper, Alta. jasper-park-lodge.com
