WHERE TO STAY IN JASPER NATIONAL PARK — TEKARRA LODGE

Tekarra Lodge is easily one of the most beautiful lodges that I had ever stayed. It is nestled in the midst of the magnificent Jasper National Park, Canada. It is just a short drive from Jasper town, I was told. The distance didn't matter at all. Because of the beauty that was rolling past outside the window — mountains, rivers, lakes in different hues. 

The famous Tekarra restaurant

I was allotted a beautiful white and yellow cabin, with its own private deck from where I could sit and drink in the breath taking view of majestic mountains and even catch a wee bit of wildlife — squirrels, deer etc.

It was a cozy cabin with its own fire place — the real deal! There is something rustically charming about hardwood cabins. No television and no phones only added to that charm. And, this is a big AND, I loved the fact that you could bring pets to this place. Of course, my dog was back home across the ocean, but just the thought that I could bring her here on a holiday had Tekarra Lodge score big on my list. 

Picture-postcard wood cabins

Inside the cabin there's a fully-equipped compact kitchen — complete with utensils, plates, pots, pans, toaster, coffeemaker — of course, I was on a holiday; who in their right mind would cook while on holiday except on Travel & Living Channel?  And especially when you have an amazing restaurant, just a hop-skip-and-jump away. Tekarra restaurant is one of Jasper's hot spots.  Warm, cosy, relaxed...oh I can live here all my life. Those large wooden tables were really welcoming. Apparently, this used to be Marilyn Monroe's favourite haunt. And the food....oh to die for. 

Two rivers merge. A sight to behold.

Oh, there's a teeny-tiny annoying thing about the cabin — the bathroom. It was tiniest of bathrooms I had ever been too. I had to indulge in a bit of gymnastics just to have a shower. But that was only a minor irritant.

Tekarra Lodge is on a ridge, overlooking the convergence of two rivers — the Miette and Athabasca rivers. The two rivers, one hot and the other cold, refuses to mingle for long on their way to the Ocean, a good two days away from Jasper. So one half of the river is emerald green and the other is milky tea-coloured. After a long-stubborn-journey the rivers converge — just in front of Tekarra Lodge —  before continuing their journey to the great infinity. Though I could’ve gone biking or hiking I preferred to sit on one of the many wooden chairs and watch the rivers and the mountains and just soak in the nature, breathe the pure air and contemplate on ‘bliss’.

This is where I spent most of my mornings — soaking in nature

If you are in Jasper National Park, a night at Tekarra Lodge AND a meal at their restaurant is must-have experience.

The Lodge is usually closed for winter and reopens in May.

For more info  http://tekarralodge.com\

Waking up to this can be enthralling — the scene just outside my cabin.