Government of Canada Commemorates the Maligne Lake Chalet and Guest House National Historic Site
News Release
September 30, 2017 Jasper, Alberta Parks Canada Agency
Canada’s national parks, historic sites and marine conservation areas enable Canadians to experience their rich and varied history in a special way and play a big part in the celebration of Canada 150. To celebrate the 150th anniversary of Confederation in 2017, the Government of Canada invites Canadians to experience nature and learn more about our history.
Today, Donna Zwicker, Alberta Member of the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada (HSMBC), on behalf of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Catherine McKenna, commemorated the Maligne Lake Chalet and Guest House National Historic Site with the unveiling of a HSMBC plaque. A special ceremony was held at the site in Jasper National Park.
The Government of Canada is committed to connecting Canadians to the significant people, places and events that contributed to our country’s rich diverse heritage. Built in 1927 by Fred Brewster, a renowned guide and outfitter in Jasper, with the support of the Canadian National Railway, the Maligne Lake Chalet and Guest House provided comfortable backcountry tourist accommodations at a time when access to such remote settings was either by foot or by horseback. This early backcountry lodge also illustrates the role that guides and outfitters played in Jasper National Park’s development.
With their peeled log construction, hip roofs, and exposed log detailing, Maligne Lake Chalet and Guest House are typical of architecture prominent in the Rocky Mountain parks, and were designed to foster authentic wilderness experiences as an escape from bustling modern life. These rustic log buildings built using locally-available materials continue to evoke the early days of tourism in Jasper.
As part of the centennial of national historic sites, Parks Canada invites Canadians to be inspired and captivated by the stories of the people, places and events that shaped the Canada of today.
Quotes
“The Maligne Lake Chalet and Guest House is the only remaining early 20th century backcountry lodge of its kind in Jasper. And today, it’s now commemorated for its national historic significance. The site not only played an important role for backcountry guides and outfitters, it shows the important role of the railway in developing national parks in Canada, and the role of trail riding within Jasper’s early history. I encourage all Canadians to take this opportunity to learn more about the people, places and events that have shaped our rich culture and history – especially as we celebrate our 150th anniversary of Confederation.”
The Honourable Catherine McKenna,
Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada
“In 1892, our company founders began guiding visitors in the Canadian Rockies and sincerely cherished the opportunity to share this place with travelers from around the world. 125 years later, we continue to honour these traditions and take pride in our heritage. We’re pleased that the Maligne Lake Chalet is officially being designated as a National Historic Site of Canada.”
Dave McKenna,
President, Pursuit/Brewster Travel Canada
Quick Facts
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Located 47 km southeast of Jasper townsite, Maligne Lake is a large, glacier-fed lake surrounded by mountains and wooded hills, and is one of Jasper National Park’s most popular visitor attractions.
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Maligne Lake Chalet and guest house became even more popular with tourists travelling by vehicles after a road was built in the 1940s, and continued to accommodate overnight guests into the late 1960s.
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Created in 1919, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada advises the Minister of Environment and Climate Change regarding the national historic significance of places, people and events that have marked Canada’s history.
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Contacts
Steve Young
Public Relations and Communications
Jasper National Park
Parks Canada
780-852-6109
Steve.young@pc.gc.ca
Media Relations
Parks Canada Agency
855-862-1812
pc.media@pc.gc.ca