Craig Gilbert | [email protected]
Pursuit has acquired a controlling interest in Mountain Park Lodges.
Pending Parks Canada approval, the company expects to absorb MPL and take over operations at the seven Jasper National Park properties later this spring, according to a spokesperson.
The deal includes the Crimson Hotel, the Chateau Jasper, the Lobstick Lodge, the Pyramid Lake Resort, the Marmot Lodge and Pocahontas Cabins near the East Gate, plus the Sawridge Group of Companies.
“This is a partnership of two great companies with deep roots in these mountain parks,” MPL president John Day said in a press release. “This new partnership reaffirms our commitment to building long-term sustainability and growth within the community, while honouring Jasper’s rich history and authentic sense of place.”
The collection of "unique" properties will complement Pursuit’s current experiences in Jasper National Park, which include the Columbia Icefield Adventure, Columbia Icefield Skywalk and Glacier View Lodge at the Columbia Icefield, dining and boat tour adventures at Maligne Lake and the recently launched Maligne Canyon Wilderness Kitchen.
Pursuit president David Barry said Jasper is “one of those authentic and remarkable places that has the power to excite and inspire.”
The head of the Banff-Jasper Collection - the company was born as Brewster and also operates in Alaska, and Iceland, with an attraction opening in Las Vegas in 2021 - Dave McKenna said the group plans to work to “preserve such an incredible place.
“We have a 127-year history of operating within these national parks and this partnership exemplifies our commitment to investing in the Jasper community.”
John MacNutt, CEO of the Sawridge group, said the new company promised to “continue to deliver an exceptional hospitality experience while showcasing the very best of Jasper.”
The company says at mplpursuitpartnership.ca that “Jasper is already perfect.
“There are a number of reasons we're looking forward to growing our experiences in Jasper. One reason is that Pursuit will be able to offer a more meaningful experience to guests who want to spend time in both Banff and Jasper national parks. Another is that we simply love this place and want to play a bigger part in it.
“Because Pursuit works almost exclusively in special, one-of-a-kind places, we’ve developed a company principle called Promise to Place. It reminds us that we’re the lucky stewards of these places where we live and work, and that we have a responsibility to honour each place’s character and history. Our job is not to change Jasper - Jasper is already perfect. Our job is to make sure that we help visitors connect with this place in a meaningful way.”
