Rebuilding Tekarra Lodge

Following the death of my 16-yr-old son, Brock, to sudden cardiac arrest, I was completely devastated. I desperately needed time in nature, away from work, and became involved with the ‘Watercolor in Jasper’ painting retreat- held every spring and fall at Tekarra Lodge. There, I found the kindest, most wonderful staff, a location that soothed my broken heart, and the beautiful sound of the river and wildlife outside my cabin door. I have grown to love the painting group, the staff, and the area with my whole heart. Myself and my remaining (now adult) children look so forward to our weeks at Tekarra Lodge that we coordinate our vacation schedules months, even years, in advance. We use our time in Jasper to recharge. Surrounded by friends, the majesty of the Rocky Mountains, the spectacular forests, lakes, and rivers, we take precious time to remember our Brock.

Tekarra Lodge has been our favourite spot to stay while vacationing in Jasper over the past 10 years. The hospitality of the staff, private location close to (but outside of) town, incredible views over the river, and dog-friendly cabins made it such a welcoming place to visit. We never knew what type of wildlife might join us on site - have seen everything from herds of elk to deer, to grizzly bears! Adding to that, the onsite restaurant was amazing and the friendly nightly bonfires and marshmallow roasts were a great spot to meet fellow travelers.

We are so saddened by the recent fires, though are hopeful that the spirit of Tekarra Lodge will prevail and it will be welcoming visitors for many years to come.

Tekarra holds a very special place in our hearts. We have been spending our summers at Tekarra Lodge for sixteen-plus years or more. Every summer we would make the trip to Jasper, the last week of July, to stay at our favourite cabin, cabin 38. It was our home away from home. Two of our granddaughters grew up there, every summer creating a different cycle and phase in their lives.

Tekarra was the starting point for many adventures for us, whether renting a bike or hiking the many trails nearby. Staying at Tekarra was like experiencing a glimpse into the past, the rustic charm of the cabins and the leaning into a slower pace of life. Stephanie and her staff also are a big part of the Tekarra experience. Stories shared and lives shared. It almost felt like being in summer camp for a week. We always did the symbolic gesture of turning off the lights of cabin 38 before we would close the door behind us. 

For over 20 years, when asked, “What are you doing for May long?”, our answer has always been, “Tekarra, of course!” We discovered this gem thanks to our need for dog-friendly accommodations, and we toast Freckles each year. Four generations of our family now make this annual retreat. From our home away from home, we venture out to enjoy Jasper’s hospitality. Whether it’s horseback riding, white-water rafting, hiking trails, or walking into town (yes, walking – because it is the best location), we returned at the end of each day to the tranquility of Tekarra. Life slows down here. We’ve made cherished friends over the years, and catching up with them is a highlight of our visits. Key to all our memories is the genuine welcome, kindness, and hospitality we consistently receive.

Yes, the footprint will be different the next time we continue this tradition, however I believe Tekarra will graciously welcome us, allowing us to greet old friends and create new memories.

My husband and I first stayed at Tekarra in 2007 and fell in love with the comfortable cabins in a serene forest setting which is a little ways from the Jasper townsite..The staff were very friendly and accomodating and made every effort to make our stay perfect. The next year, we had acquired two puppies and returned to Tekarra as pets were most welcome and stayed in cabin 23 which was to become our favourite as it was closest to the edge of the confluence between the Athabasca and Miette rivers and was a fantastic view to wake up to. In 2010 we could think of no better place to be married than at our favourite cabin and we eloped. Two staff members graciously agreed to stand up with us and we had a perfect day with a celebratory dinner at the onsite restaurant which always had great dinners and breakfasts. 

We keep going back to Tekarra because of the great location, the lovely views, the hiking trails which are close by, and mostly the staff.

We have been staying at Tekerra Lodge every July for 4-5 nights, over the past 25 years for our anniversary. The cabins look rustic, but have a beautiful inside with fireplaces, and don’t have TVs to distract you from the beautiful surroundings around you. The wildlife is always around, walking through the property or swimming in the river. The staff at Tekerra Lodge are super friendly and extremely helpful for all your needs to make you feel right at home. They have a gathering area fire pit, looking at the beautiful views, where you can go to listen to music, and stories and even have s’mores.

We have been treated like family over the past 25 years and we were devastated hearing about the fire that burned through Jasper and the National Park and our hearts are with everyone who has been affected. Jasper residents are a family, they are STRONG and they will rebuild! We have missed celebrating our anniversary in Jasper this past summer, but this is our spot, our place of relaxation, and peacefulness and beauty, we will never replace our anniversary location.

Tekerra Lodge will once again be as beautiful as it was, we will be first in line, and we can’t wait to return for the next 25 years.

My wife and I have returned to Tekarra Lodge for the last 29 years. We cherish the peace tranquillity and solitude all within walking distance of Jasper. The ridge walk gives you great views of Mnts Tekarra and Hardisty. The Adirondack chairs allow you to take in the grandeur relax chat, and maybe sip some wine. Male and female Elk frequent the property, but most importantly we returned because of the staff, everybody from housekeeping, maintenance, front desk and management are friendly, cheerful, and very helpful.

We are a group of Plein Aire watercolor artists, our base is Tekarra Lodge! we use the space above the restaurant in foul weather and go weather permitting to paint the world-class mountain vistas. We appreciate the peace and tranquility of Tekarra Lodge. our Thursday night pizza nights around the fire pit are special, Most of us come from urban settings the peace and serenity allow us to reflect, regroup, and recharge.

I have been coming to Jasper, with my friends, for the past 23 years, 22 at the Tekarra Lodge. It started as a girls getaway after I was finished my breast cancer treatments. We think of Jasper as our little piece of heaven, and cabin 23, at the Lodge, our refuge where my friends and I call home for a week every year, usually for Canada Day. Seeing people from other countries enjoy our beautiful country is awesome! We decorate the Cabin in all things Canadian and the staff of the Tekarra have nicknamed us the “Canada Day Ladies!”

We enjoy sitting around the fire, eating s'mores and listening to the interpretive talks as well as meeting other guests that are visiting from various places. So many interesting people. The staff are friendly and accommodating are the best. While our hearts broke for everyone affected by the devastating fire, we look forward to being welcomed back to the Tekarra.

My wife and I had looked for quite some time to find a place to have our Summer holidays and since we had camped in Jasper for decades, we decided to look for something that caught our eye and filled our desires. Tekarra Lodge was our choice and from the first holiday there we were convinced. 

We love the fact that the cabins where original with some minor upgrades and felt like we were stepping back to the time when the cabins were first built. We love the fact that there is no TV and over time we chose Cabin 6 which had an incredible view of the mountains to the South East and also could hear the Athabasca and Miette Rivers converging just below the cabin. The Tekarra staff have always been top notch and love to connect with the Staff every year. We have gained several friendships with staff when they have returned year after year. Never had a bad day at Tekarra.

The Tekarra Restaurant has always had amazing meals and the Smores at the firepit are always my wife’s favourite. The education events at the firepit are amazing and loved the music entertainers. This music is so amazing, we even have people staying at Tekarra bringing out their own musical instruments to play along. We have been coming to Tekarra Lodge for over 10 years and it will continue to be our #1 choice for our holidays.
 

For almost 30 years, I have been staying at Tekarra when I visit Jasper.
 
The location is perfect - Tekarra sits on a ridge above the meeting of the Athabasca and Miette rivers. The view from the ridge is amazing - from the rivers with their islands and sandbars, to the trees, and of course,  the surrounding mountains. Tekarra is also within walking distance of several hiking trails and to Jasper town. The cabins have a rustic charm, with the aged patina of the wood floors and walls and with cheerful fires burning in the stone fireplace.
 
The staff have always been cheerful and helpful, greeting new guests with a smile and greeting us repeat guests as friends.

We have been coming to the Tekerra Lodge for over 29 years, usually for Canada Day. We absolutely love the location overlooking the convergence of the Athabasca and the Miette Rivers. The cabins are beautifully rustic and have everything we need. We have always been treated so well by Stephanie and the staff and any concern was quickly addressed. The big fire pit was a wonderful place to meet with other guests and the interpretive sessions were so good! We also loved the restaurant right on the property. The fact that the resort is not right in Jasper is also a bonus and the short walk to get into town is so lovely. Our hearts broke when we heard about the damage from the fire to our beloved resort, to the staff and to the town of Jasper. We can’t wait to get back to our home away from home.

Tekarra Lodge is a treasure! Its magnetism has lured us back again and again for nearly thirty years, from when our children were young, to their graduation from university, and now on to marriage and grandchildren. The setting is unique: the only place in Jasper National Park with a stunning bluff-top view high above the mighty Athabasca River. It is impossible not to spend hours drinking in the spectacle, and listening to the rapids below. Trails head off from Tekarra Lodge in all different directions, where one easily arrives at emerald lakes, Old Fort Point, the charming townsite of Jasper, and encounters with all sorts of wildlife. Returning to the cabin in the evening is as much beloved as the day’s offerings: a relaxing sitting room with a crackling fire, home cooked meals, ultra-comfortable beds, and fresh mountain air coming through windows intentionally left open! Not least, the staff of Tekarra Lodge are exceedingly friendly and, led so well by the gifted and accommodating Stephanie Sophocleous, who has become a dear friend. If perfection on earth can be achieved, then Tekarra Lodge has done it. Our home away from home, we thank God for Tekarra Lodge!