Ever since I stayed at the Fairmont Dubai this hotel chain became a favorite to go to place around the world, so when after my trip to Edmonton I drove towards Jasper National Park and found out I was staying in the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge I got super excited.
In this review blog I take you with me on my stay and will tell you everything about the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge that you need to know before traveling to Jasper. And if you just like me are also planning on going in winter then have a look at the best things to do in Jasper in winter.
Location
The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge is not located in the iconic Jasper village but less than 10 minutes away in a quiet area on the other side of the river. When going into the mountains you don’t want to be staying in a busy village anyway right? You want to be surrounded by nature I guess? At least that is what I would be looking for so the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge was right up my alley.
It is easy to get to the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge but you will need your own car. I came from Edmonton and rented a car for 12 days for my Alberta road trip from Edmonton to Jasper, Lake Louis, Banff, Calgary and back to Edmonton. Read here all about my Alberta itinerary.
Check in
When I drove into the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge I caught a glimpse of how big this hotel actually is. There was a one-way route that lead me to reception where I checked in super quickly by handing over my passport. The lovely lady pulled out a map and showed us where our cabin was and offered one of the Fairmont employees to drive us to our cabin.
Although valet parking was included in the room rate I decided the drive to my cabin myself to offload all my stuff. The car was then picked up by the staff for valet parking.
For videos about my stay in Jasper and Fairmont Park Lodge have a look at my Canada Highlight on my Instagram profile @traveltomtom.
Breakfast Fairmont Jasper
What can I say… heavenly! Sincerely one of the best hotel breakfasts I have had in a while. May be I was really lucky that in winter when I stayed at the Fairmont Park Lodge there was no buffet breakfast available. Poor me! I had to have a la carte breakfast! ;)
The breakfast was served in the Orso Trattoria on the lower floor of the main building. Through the huge windows you can look out over Beauvert Lake and see the snowy mountain peaks in the distance.
On the menu I found a smoothie bowl, one of my favorite breakfast items. It was so much thatKim Paffen, my travel buddy actually asked for a take away as she couldn’t finish the berry smoothie bowl. I hope you stay at least a couple days because I named having breakfast at Orso Trattoria one of the must things to do in Jasper.
What about blueberry pancakes with mascarpone or two big slice of avocado on toast with smoked salmon and poached eggs. If you are then still not satisfied the Nutella banana bread French toast. Honestly this breakfast would for me be a reason to stay at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge again next time.
You can also order breakfast in the room and with the view of my room that was totally worth it.
RELATED: Canada Winter Packing List. Don't get cold on your trip... layer up!
My room at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
It is impossible for me to talk about all the different rooms they have available, because I believe there are dozens. But what I can tell you is that I was super happy with my room: 602. It is one of the Estate cabins with unobstructed views over Beauvert Lake and also super close to the main building.
My cabin was very spacious and had two large double beds. The bathroom was in the back and equipped with a shower and a bath. The bathtub is rather small and I wish the shower would have more pressure on the beam as with long hair it was hard to wash my hair.
There is a huge plasma television and a Nespresso coffee machine with cups for you to use and when they are out you can call for new ones.
The location of this Estate Cabin really was the best as it is just 30 seconds walk from the heated outdoor pool and the main building, where you also find the Orso Trattoria, the gallery, the Emerald Lounge, the reception, wellness and more.
As I said valet parking was included in my room rate, so you don’t need to deal with parking especially since the cabin is located so close to reception. Most rooms have parking spots near the room, but the nearest parking for room 602 would be a 1 minute walk.
Dining at Emerald Lounge Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
Two of our 3 nights we decided to eat at one of the restaurants of the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge.
The majestic entree hall where you can also find the reception and the concierge also houses the Emerald Lounge.
Surprisingly cosy regarding its size and I think the huge fireplace is what makes having dinner here special. Every night during our stay there was live music.
Wellness area
Unfortunately I did not have that much time to really take time to enjoy all the wellness facilities at the Fairmont Park Lodge. All guests can use the sauna, which is separated for men and women.
One of the main features of the hotel is of course the heated outdoor pool, which is also licensed. Taking a swim early morning or even late at night to watch the stars is totally recommended. The hot tub is really hot and so damn nice in winter when it is freezing outside.
Other facilities
There are a bunch of facilities on the lower level of the Fairmont. When the first day I went for breakfast I kind of got a little lost down there, but I found out some cool places like: a really cool art gallery, a flower shop, gift shop, hair salon, game room, clothing shops and a sushi restaurant.
Oka Sushi - only sushi restaurant in Jasper
Sadly we never got a chance to have sushi, my fave meal, at the only sushi restaurant in Jasper. Oka sushi only has 10 seats and is a popular place so make sure you put in a reservation in time. If you are lucky the chef has some extra space for walking in guests. Next time I most definitely will try to get a seat at Oka Sushi, I heard it is absolutely delicious.
Fitzhugh’s To Go
There is also a convenient store called Fitzhugh’s To Go who serves delicious cakes, muffins, etc. It is the perfect stop if you have no time to sit down and order food.
I can totally relate because there are many cool things to do in Jasper. And although I really liked staying at the Fairmont Park Lodge, watching wildlife at Maligne Lake, canyoneering or skiing at Marmot Basin is just as awesome. Click here for more about watching wildlife in and around Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, a blog written by theaward winning photographer Kim Paffen.
Game room
For the kids and adults who fancy a challenge there is a game room with several games, a pool table, tv's and game computers.
My experience staying at Fairmont Jasper
Staying in this winter wonderland gave me a feeling of Christmas again. Everything was full of snow outside, the frozen lake, the fireplace in the Emerald Lounge, the lovely cabin, the friendly staff, I really felt welcome and at home.
The only thing I missed was a big Christmas tree with presents, but well it was mid February already! :)
Oh almost forgot to tell you about the complimentary s’mores that you can enjoy every night. You can make them yourself at a fire outside, hot chocolate is also provided.
If you happen to be at the Fairmont during the day don’t miss the craft beer tasting either or go ice skating on the onsite Lake Mildred.
I traveled to Alberta in February 2020 together withKim Paffen, a member of the Traveltomtom team and an award winning photographer who took all the pictures used in this Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge review blog. Check out more blogs about Canada, things to do in Jasper in Winter, 2-week itinerary for Alberta or an Edmonton winter travel guide.
My you have question hit me up on my Instagram account: @traveltomtom, where you can also find videos of my stay at the Fairmont Jasper in my Canada 1 and Canada 2 highlights.