Monday, June 22, 2015

Jasper Park Lodge- Jasper, AB

Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge (JPL) - Jasper AB

While we can not speak to the rooms we can review the other facilities on this vast property located just East of Jasper townsight.

JPL boasts a very unique opportunity in a beautiful setting in the center of several mountain ranges. It's upscale property is welcoming to all- even if just to visit. Lac Beauvert is situated along the main building and follows the golf course.

The trail is half wheelchair accessible along the golf course side and features partial pavement. The views are spectacular.  They offer canoe and paddle boat rentals, horseback riding ( there is a wagon in the winter for those who can be transferred) bike rentals and skate rentals in the winter. The do offer ski packages as well in the winter and with notice the ski hill does provide a sit ski with guide for those with physical challenges of all degrees.

There is an outdoor heated 4 season pool and hot tub with heated floor surrounding in the cold winter days. The access for the pool is indoors. There is no family change room or accessible change room however a short transfer will get you in the pool.

There is a games room on the lower level accessible by elevator or lower outside back access. Many restaurants and shopping opportunities are on the lower level as well as salons. All accessible by wheelchair.

The main level boasts a cozy lounge and several restaurants and banquet facilities. The upper bathrooms have accessible facilities however there are no family bathrooms which can be significant for pardons and caregivers travelling g with older, opposite sex people.

The property itself is paved and easy to manuever. Sidewalks have plenty of room and accessible parking and valet are available. The staff has been great when we have visited.  There is a large deck off the lounge that is accessible from the inside.

Even though we have not stayed in the rooms, we know that JPL allows dogs when mentioned at booking.  There is even a dog house just inside the entrance. They serve food that is in the more upscale pricing as well as drinks.

This property gets 1.5 thumbs up.


Fiddle River Seafood Co- Jasper,AB

620 Connaught Dr. In Jasper, AB.

We had the pleasure of spending a wonderful evening  dining at this second story dining room in Jasper. The accessibility of this restaurant was great.

An elevator located just off the main street took us to the second floor. We were able to choose the outside patio with breath taking views and superb people watching, or sit in the beautiful dining area with lots of bright natural light accented by the beautiful natural decor that is Jasper. The wheel chair fit amazingly inside with plenty of room to maneuver.

Reservations were recommended for this restaurant and we could see why. The staff were amazing and paid great attention to detail. The specials board was  brought right to your table by the lovely waitress.

The bathroom was accessible but had a small hallway which made it somewhat difficult to manuever the chair through but was doable. They did have portable debit machines for ease of pay.

The food itself was prepared to perfection and left us with full stomachs and smiles on our face! We would definatly recommend this for your accessible fine dining experience. The average entree was $30.00 plus per person but we noted a small child with kraft dinner next to us so there are options for the kids.

We rated this restaurant 2 thumbs up!

Cafe Mondo - Jasper, AB

Cafe Mondo is a hidden gem on 616 Patricia St. In Jasper, AB.

By day this cute little place is Cafe Mondo, a delicious coffee establishment with a variety of breakfast and lunch items. By night they transform into El Mundo Loco Wednesday through Sunday. They serve Mexican cuisine. We happened to hit 3$ taco night and 4$ margaritas! 

We were pleasantly surprised at the accessibility of this establishment. Easily accessed from the street and sidewalk levrl entrance, they had something for everyone. Owen really enjoyed his cola in a glass bottle. There are a few lowered tables that his wheel chair fit nicely under, and the bathrooms were nicely and easily accessible and clean.
We give this establishment 1 and a half thumbs up 

Sunday, June 21, 2015

Lake Annette, Jasper, AB

A beautiful day in May, 2015. We drove to Lake Annette in Jasper National Park. We discovered a wheelchair accessible lake complete with paved picnic area, accessible beach area and trail that goes all the way around the lake.

There were 4 accessible bathrooms that were very well maintained. No flush toilets but came equipped with hand sanitizer.

There were cook houses and the accessible parking was great. You are within walking distance to Lake Edith which we will soon review.

Owens power chair navigated easily along the lakeside trail. We saw people with walkers and canes also accessing this trail. The scenery is amazing and there are many rest stops along the way. There were a great many spots for photo opportunities of mountain ranges, animals, water and structures.

This lake is only open in part of the spring into the fall. The Langford family highly recomends this area as a great accessible day trip. 2 thumbs up.