Greg and Meredith Chatelain

A tangible connection to Canadian history that spans almost 100 years, playing hosts to guests from around the world and creating for them a unique wilderness experience . . . plus living full-time in a beautiful, secluded national park. What more could a couple want?

From a mutual dream, Greg and Meredith Chatelain have travelled a long road that has led them home to Kootenay Park Lodge. With plans for numerous enhancements and improvements on the horizon, the couple is excited to be part of a long-standing tradition.

Says the couple, “It's exciting to run a business within our national parks and find a balance between a successful business and respecting nature.”

How did you come to choose this line of work?

We were 23 when we decided that we wanted to own a lodge/resort together. Over the next 10 years we renovated fixer-upper homes while balancing full-time careers to save profits towards the purchase of a lodge.  We found Kootenay Park Lodge, approached the owner and worked for 10 months to get a deal together. We opened the business under our ownership in May of 2015.

What is it about your work that has you excited to get out of bed in the morning?

We are both passionate about creating a true Canadian wilderness experience.  We are excited to be a part of the Kootenay Park Lodge tradition, a history of owners that goes back more than 90 years.  It's exciting to run a business within our national parks and find a balance between a successful business and respecting nature.

What's your focus for 2016?

In 2016 our key focus is to continue to upgrade the facilities while preserving the natural history of the lodge and cabins.  We are excited to add more fresh food and beverage options for take-away in the general store as well as to expand the hours of the lodge restaurant.  We are committed to bringing the products we offer up to the standards of our guests and offer great service as always.

Why did you decide to become an entrepreneur in the Kootenays?

Kootenay Park Lodge had the potential we were looking for as entrepreneurs.  There is a strong focus on tourism in British Columbia and attracting visitors to the national parks.  The business makes economical sense and we love the secluded location. In the Kootenays there is a down-to-earth, small-town feeling we can relate to. We make it a priority to support the local businesses and appreciate the locals who stop in to visit us.