Overlander Mountain Lodge

The Overlander was founded in 1962 by Miller and Walker, two Edmontonians , who had long been enthusiastic about the Jasper area. Close friend and enthusiastic mountaineer, Dr. Max Stewart, a professor of political economy at Waterloo College, was the first summer manager. Chef Steve Lakusta planned to make Alberta Beef a specialty of the lodge dining room. Road construction began in July of 1962, and by February 1963 construction was well under way. The lodge was completed and open for business in June of 1963. The Lodge was "Named in honor of the Overlanders, the first "tourists" to travel this picturesque valley. In 1862 before the era of the railway, road, telegraph, mounted police or settlers; these hardy pioneers made their way by ox-cart, horse, canoe and raft through the Canadian Rockies to the Caribou gold fields, undaunted in their pursuit of gold." Upon opening, the Overlander Mountain Lodge offered 23 Log Cabins as well as the Main Lodge Rooms, thus being able to accommodate up to 150 people. They offered deluxe accommodations, a spacious dining room, a swimming pool and a riding stable all in an informal relaxed atmosphere.