The Journey
Built by Norwegian settler Erik Halvoryn as a trading post and refuge for mountain travelers. The original stone walls still stand today.
Expanded into a fortified lodge after harsh winters. The iconic tower was added, which now houses our honeymoon suite.
Became a popular waystation for gold prospectors heading north. Many carved their initials into the great hall beams - you can still see 'em.
Served as a mountain retreat for wartime officers needing respite. The wine cellar dates back to this era.
Listed as a heritage building. The Halvoryn family donated it to the BC Heritage Trust with the condition it'd always welcome travelers.
Massive restoration began. We kept every stone, every beam, every story - just added hot water and proper heating.
Opened as a boutique heritage hotel. The Nordic baths were added, inspired by Erik's Scandinavian roots.
Won the Canadian Heritage Hotel of Excellence award. Our chef started the farm-to-fortress dining program.
Still here, still standing strong. Now we're part of hundreds of travelers' stories, just like those who came before.
More Than Just Walls
Look, we get it - lots of places claim they're historic. But when you walk through these doors, you're stepping into a building that's weathered over 130 Canadian winters. That's not marketing speak, that's just facts.
Erik Halvoryn built this place with his own hands and help from local First Nations guides who knew these mountains better than anyone. The original foundation stones? Yeah, you're looking at 'em. The massive Douglas fir beams in the great hall? Same ones that've been holding up this roof since 1887.
The Restoration Thing
When we took on the restoration back in '98, folks thought we were crazy. The place had been sitting empty for years, windows broken, roof leaking. But underneath all that neglect, the bones were solid.
We spent five years bringing her back - and I mean really back. Every stone was cleaned and reset. We found the original blueprints in a Vancouver archive and stuck to 'em religiously. Sure, we added modern stuff like heating that actually works and bathrooms in every room (trust me, that's an upgrade), but the soul of the place? That's all Erik.
The coolest part was finding all these hidden treasures during the work - old letters stuffed in walls, coins from the 1920s under floorboards, even a pocket watch that we now display in the lobby. Each one's got a story.
How We Roll Today
Heritage First
We're caretakers, not owners. Every decision we make considers what Erik would've wanted and what future generations deserve to see.
Community Matters
We work with local artisans, source from nearby farms, and support Whistler's heritage programs. This place belongs to the community.
Mountain Respect
These mountains gave Erik shelter and prosperity. We protect the land around us and teach guests to appreciate, not just consume, nature.
Real Hospitality
No pretentious stuff here. We treat guests like Erik treated travelers - with warmth, good food, and genuine conversation.
The People Behind It All
Running a place like this takes a special kind of crew. Some of our staff have been here since we reopened in 2003. They know every creaky floorboard, every secret spot, every story these walls whisper.
Our head chef grew up in Pemberton and learned to cook from his grandmother. Our lead guide's family has been in these mountains for four generations. The woman who manages our spa studied Nordic wellness traditions in Iceland for two years before coming back home.
We're not some corporate chain with rotating staff who barely know your name. When you stay with us, you'll probably end up chatting with the same people who'll remember you when you come back next year.
Heritage Hotel of Excellence
Canadian Heritage Trust, 2015
BC Tourism Innovation Award
Tourism BC, 2018
Travelers' Choice
Top Historic Hotels Canada, 2024
Come Write Your Chapter
You're not just booking a room - you're becoming part of a story that's been unfolding for over a century. We've got the coffee ready.
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