Resort in Kootenay National Park
Listing Realtor
This is your chance to own a little piece of Canadian history. Located in the iconic Kootenay National Park, this property was originally developed in the ‘20’s by Canadian Pacific Railway as a destination for adventurous explorers and its' rustic mountain charm is not lost on today’s guests as they step back in time. Situated on 5 acres at Vermilion Crossing on Hwy 93 along the stunning Vermilion River, surrounded by high mountain peaks, the setting is hard to beat.
There are 10 original heritage cabins on site, 4 of which still have river stone chimneys and wood burning fireplaces. The heritage cabins have recently been restored while maintaining their original character allowing guests to experience a bit of Canadian history in cozy comfort. This is such a unique experience and is hard to duplicate. Cabins are situated around a communal fire pit amongst tall fir and spruce trees making the setting near idyllic. There are also 2 modern log cabins with gas fireplaces providing a cozy ambience. All cabins have a small kitchenette and a full bathroom. In the past there has been approval for an expansion of 14 more guest cabins for a total of 26.
The original lodge was built in 1923 and is enjoyed now as a dining room for guests and travelers alike. Take in the stunning mountain views while eating on the front patio or inside take in the rich history of the dining room with it’s floor to ceiling river stone fireplace.
The general store is a favourite for travelers passing through, as well as guests, offering home baked goods, coffee, sandwiches, snacks and Kootenay Park clothing and souvenirs. A large portion of the store is underutilized currently and could be converted to a coffee shop or café. This location also previously featured a gas station and has the potential for one again in the future; potential to bring in substantially more cash flow. This is the only store on Hwy 93, which is a corridor to the Kootenays, and being 45 minutes from Banff, Lake Louise, and Radium Hot Springs there is substantial opportunity to capitalize on this prime location.
There is a 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom residence above the store to accommodate the owner/manager during the season. It has a small patio, so you can unwind and take in the stunning views at the end of the day. There is also staff accommodation attached to the lodge.
This is a business that is truly one of a kind. This off-grid property is the only business along the corridor in the Park with no future leases being awarded making this an extremely unique offering and providing the owners with a captive market. There is plenty of opportunity to expand the business if wanted or keep running as is. This business is completely turn-key. The lease covering the property is with Parks and has a renewal date of 2054.
It is not often that a rare opportunity like this comes up to purchase such a historic, one of a kind property. Don’t wait on this one – it won’t last long and it may be your only chance to run a business that is a part of Canadian history.
*Hwy 1 will be undergoing construction just east of Golden over the next 3-5 yrs. Traffic will be re-routed via Hwy 93S right past the lodge. Just another reason to capitalize on this opportunity now!
Kootenay National Park
Established in 1920 as part of an agreement to build a new road across the Rockies, Kootenay National Park is a place of unique contrasts, from icy mountain rivers to steamy hot springs. Take a 60-minute scenic drive and discover a new surprise around every bend. Spend the day exploring deep canyons and tumbling waterfalls just a short stroll from the road. Or, plan a vacation traversing the park’s backcountry trails.
History of the Lodge:
Prior to the mid 1800's, the Kootenay Indians are thought to have used the Vermilion Pass (BC/Alberta border) and river valley as a route for visiting and for trading their prized Vermilion coloured paint. This paint was discovered at the ochre beds (Paint Pots) only 15 km north of the Lodge.
Dr. James Hector explored the area in 1858 in search of a route through the Rockies. He recommended the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) lay their tracks over the gradual Vermilion Pass. However, for reasons unknown but likely political, the much steeper and dangerous Kicking Horse Pass (discovered by Hector) was chosen.
A CPR engineer, Robert Bruce, proposed around 1912 to build an all weather road from Calgary, through Banff and over Vermilion Pass to Windermere, BC. A deal was eventually struck such that the Dominion (Federal), Alberta and B.C. governments would share the cost of building the road. The Calgary to Vermilion Pass section was completed as planned by 1914. However, B.C. experiencing economic problems (partly due to the outbreak of World War I) was unable to finish their section. Not discouraged, Mr. Bruce suggested that the Dominion agree to complete the remaining 60 mile stretch of road in return for B.C. conveying 5 miles on either side to the Dominion as a National Park. Thus, on April 21, 1920, Kootenay National Park was born.
The final section was completed under-budget and ahead of schedule by the fall of 1922. Officially opened June 30, 1923, the "Banff-Windermere Highway" became the first motor road to traverse the Central Rockies and thus, the continental divide in Canada. In addition, it was the last link in the "Great Circle Tour", a road some 5000 miles long, embracing 16 National Parks in the U.S. and Canada.
This property’s lodge was opened by the CPR in 1923. It was one of the many wilderness lodges owned by the CPR at the time and has been used since then to attract tourists from all over the world to the beautiful Canadian Rockies. The cabins were built in the 1930's. During its over 90 year history, this property has had only 6 owners, with the first being the CPR.
Lodge/Dining Room:
-seats up to 50 guests
-full commercial kitchen
-floor to ceiling river stone wood burning fireplace
-staff accommodations in the back
10 Heritage Cabins:
-small kitchenette
-full bathroom with shower
-either 1 or 2 beds
-4 cabins with river stone wood burning fireplaces
-various sizes
2 Modern Cabins:
-built in 2007
-small kitchenette
-full bathroom with shower and tub
-gas fireplaces
General Store:
-fully stocked store
-approx. 2,000 sq. ft. of retail space
-approx. 2,000 sq. ft. that is not currently utilized; previously a Parks interpretive centre
Residence Apartment:
-3 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment above store
-approx. 1,200 sq. ft.
-patio with stunning views
Riding Lawnmower
Ford truck 1996
Propane tanks x 4
New diesel tank
2 x 55 kw generators one with a turbocharger
3 Furnaces
5 Hot water tanks
2 Washers
2 Dryers
Entire workshop with tools
Coke fridge - on contract
Powerade fridge - on contract
White fridge
Breyers freezer - on contract
2 Large freezers
Cash register
Security system
Sound system
Deep fryer - new 2016
Double door kitchen fridge
2 x 4 burner propane ovens
Hot hold/prep table/cooler
Fridge - new 2017
Freezer - new 2017
