Mount Assiniboine Lodge was built in 1928 and is the oldest backcountry lodge in the Canadian Rockies.
Last year it was closed for restorations.
“We had to take one log out at a time, put it in the front lawn, dig some foundations and put in a foundation out of concrete and then replace the bottom logs and then rebuild the whole place one log at a time,” said Claude Deuschene lodge operator.
The restored lodge officially reopened on Wednesday.
The Renner family has managed the lodge since 1983.
“It only has been in, two operators have been here, the Strom family and the Renner family so it means quite a bit, ya,” said former manager, Sipp Renner.
Olympian Sarah Renner says this area made her who she is today.
“Cross country skiing in the winter is what you did here. And this place gave me great strength and inspiration also. It really formed my determination,” said Renner.
Bridgette Jones started working at the lodge in 1955 and back then most guests arrived on horseback.
“It was people who had enough money to ride in and ride out again and had the leisure. I think people have less leisure now,” said Jones.
Helicopters have largely replaced the horses and the remoteness ensures the area is free from cell and internet service.
For more information or to book a vacation, visit the Mount Assiniboine Lodge website.
