Historic Hotels Crowsnest Pass

Back when these buildings were new, the Crowsnest Pass of Alberta was a bustling place and business was brisk. Coal was king and the area home to numerous mines, with much of the working population employed in the industry. Today, it’s all a memory and now tourism helps pay the bills. But then again mountains and wondrous scenery is not a hard sell. Taking us back to the old days, it’s a little piece we call “Historic Hotels Crowsnest Pass” and here’s three separate establishments that captured our attention this night.

We know these are not all in the area and no doubt we’ll be back and document others. Each of those seen is still in business although not all offer rooms on a regular basis, but one that did was our base for the weekend. Another was temporarily closed, but since reopened. Whereas in the old days there was no shortage of clientele, present days things are a tad quieter. And for us therein lies the charm.

This is just a quick little peek, a fun little diversion and nothing terribly serious. We’re toying with the idea of an old hotel series, however, and thinking a more intimate look at each might be in order should that go ahead. You know, with inside photos and all. Capturing these images a seed was planted, as always happens and now we can’t get the notion out of out heads.

First up it’s the Grand Union. Temporary closed on our visit we suspect it was repercussions from Covid that may have be the reason. This piece was shot between lockdowns in 2020, but given the continued uncertainty at the time may have said to heck with it. Even now everyone’s still feeling the aftershocks. This establishment caters to the pub crowd and hosts many music events and while rooms are said to be offered, it seems that’s not heavily promoted. With the easing of restrictions they opened their doors again a month or so back.

The building dates from 1924 and replaced an earlier wood hotel of the same name. The current structure almost succumbed to a fire that swept through downtown Coleman in the late 1940s, but a quick thinking employee saved the day. That the fire hall at the time was a block or two away, no doubt helped with response times, which must have minimized damage. The Grand Union is currently listed for sale ($680k) and sits in the middle of historic downtown Coleman. You want to see old buildings? Come to the Pass! Come to Coleman! Immerse yourself.

All quiet at the Grand Union in Coleman.

This is the Greenhill Hotel in Blairmore going back to 1921. Little changed from the old days (proof: Crowsnest Pass then and now – Greenhill Hotel) today it’s a beer and music venue much like the Grand Union. Rooms don’t appear to be available but cold ones in the tavern are in plentiful supply.

The Greenhill “beer parlour” was a favourite haunt of the folks back in the day, when we were in the area. They loved places like this, to drink at and stay at. It always struck us odd as kids, these old school dives, but it was how they rolled.

Built by a coal firm and named after one of their nearby mines, the building is historically recognized. That prominent hunk of rock in back is Turtle Mountain source of the famous landslide in the early 1900s that nearly wiped out the town of Frank. From this angle there’s no sign of what happened, but on the far side, a huge scar and vast boulder field speak of that horrific event from long ago. We climbed that peak some time ago and what a chilling view that unfolded below. Here: Turtle Mountain.

The Greenhill in Blairmore.

It’s little changed from a century ago.

There’s cold ones in the tavern – Turtle Mtn in back.

Lastly, it’s the Cosmopolitan (the Cos) in downtown Blairmore from 1912. Described at the time as the most impressive building in town it does appear to be the tallest in the community and displays some nice brickwork. This structure replaced an earlier Cos, built in 1904, that burned down and for a time in the 1950s-1980s period was called the Pass Hotel.

Sitting at a prominent corner in town, it was within sight of Blairmore’s train station which made it a popular choice for those arriving by train. While the Grand Union and Greenhill were the workingman’s hotel, the Cos seems to have been a bit more upscale. The one story annex on the east side sorts of give it an unbalanced look when viewed face on.

This fine building was our home for the weekend and while there’s plenty of retro-vibes inside and out, the rooms were modern (budget friendly too). Downstairs the food offerings were quite yummy and beer ice cold so we’ll chalk that up as a win. Choosing this path in life means we have to watch our pennies so doing it on the cheap is on our blood. But we like places like this anyway, so it’s no big deal and even if millionaires (how laughable) we’d still slum it.

The Stone’s Throw seen in one photo is our go-to coffee stop when in the area. Nice folks there.

Standing there, next to gazebo by the tracks and looking at our quarry, comes a realization – we get to do some cool things. We were in the Pass to take in a hike or two, just for us, and found ourselves falling in love with these old inn. Cupid’s arrow comes out of nowhere. Again! It seems we’ll never run out of things to do and see down that way.

It was a quiet night, but then most of 2020 was very reserved in character no matter where we were. It’s like the entire town was all ours and such things can make you feel philosophical. No cars, no people, no noise. The world’s in turmoil and we’re all alone in a peaceful place snapping photos. Call it a blessing.

We waited a bit for a train to show (the tracks were just behind our shooting position) and when none did called it a night. I guess that means tonight’s adventure is done and sleep comes easy in times like this.

*All the former coal towns in the pass are now collectively called the Municipality of the Crowsnest Pass although most still refer to them by their old names.

Here’s some useful search queries if want to know more about these hotels: Grand Union Coleman, Greenhill Hotel (Jam) Blairmore and Cosmopolitan Hotel Blairmore.

Stayed tuned for more good times.

They’re saying…

”I love the beautiful pictures that are shared in Facebook. I highly recommend this site to anyone who feels like they can enjoy new adventures through Chris and Connie.” Lori Miller.

More small town scenes (all with hotels)…
Wandering Cranbrook – How we wind down.
This is Champion – Small town Alberta ROCKS!
The Notorious American Hotel – A rough place in the day.

If you feel like chatting or want more information on what you see here feel free to contact us!

Date of Adventure: August, 2020.
Location(s): Crowsnest Pass, AB.
Article references and thanks: Municipality of the Crowsnest Pass Heritage Inventory Project, Alberta Cultural & Multiculturalism, Alberta Register of Historic Places and CrowsnestHeritage.ca (thanks all).

The Cosmopolitan (aka the Cos) in Blairmore.

Our home for the weekend.

We’re in the historic Crowsnest Pass…and it’s awesome!