Joanne McQuarrie, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter | [email protected]
The first new hotel in Jasper since 1983 is scheduled to open soon on the northern edge of town.
Pursuit’s Forest Park Hotel is connected to the former Sawridge Inn & Conference Centre, and the two hotels will become one and blend into a year-round, resort-style getaway.
“We are looking at a late June opening,” said Pursuit spokesperson Tanya Otis in an email.
Pursuit says it will convert 27 rooms from the neighbouring Marmot Lodge into staff accommodation.
“This new dedicated staff accommodation will provide housing for both the new hotel wing and current operations,” Otis said.
With mountains and forests surrounding the area, visitors will be able to immerse themselves in the natural beauty while being close to downtown Jasper with shopping and culinary opportunities.
“Jasper is an incredibly beautiful place, visited by guests from around the globe,” said Stu Back, chief operating officer of the Banff Jasper Collection by Pursuit, in a news release.
“The soon-to-be-completed Forest Park Hotel featuring contemporary, nature-inspired design will provide guests with a relaxing escape when visiting such a beloved Canadian national park.”
The new property is expected to feature a fresh and modern palette, integrating natural wood and stone accents throughout the space.
The design of the project is led by Canadian design firm DIALOG and supported by Lawson Projects and Johnston Builders Ltd. of Alberta.
Eighty of the new addition’s 88 rooms will include kitchenettes and all will include expanded patios.
In addition, the property will feature a vaulted pavilion, complete with a fireplace that Pursuit says will enhance the “cozy ambiance of the mountain hotel experience.”
“Our reveal of the Forest Park Hotel is the culmination of several years of thoughtful design and development work to realize our vision for this expansive property as a modern resort destination, equally attractive to both regional and international guests,” said Pursuit president David Barry in the news release.
“Our expanding global collection of attraction and hospitality experiences in iconic natural settings such as Jasper National Park, enables visitors to experience these special places in an immersive and transformative way.”
Forest Park Hotel will complement Pursuit’s current portfolio of hotels and experiences in Jasper National Park.
These attractions include the Columbia Icefield Adventure, Columbia Icefield Skywalk, Glacier View Lodge at the Columbia Icefield, dining and boat tour adventures at Maligne Lake and the Maligne Canyon Wilderness Kitchen near Jasper.
