Proposed with Purpose

Canoe Mountain Resort is a proposed year-round destination located between Jasper, Alberta, and Valemount, British Columbia, at the base of Canoe Mountain. Inspired by the late Gerry Levasseur's legacy, the concept reimagines how tourism, education, and community can come together; creating Canada's first teaching resort that connects learning with real-world experience.

The resort is proposed for Canoe Mountain, in the scenic corridor between Jasper National Park and Valemount, BC. Surrounded by mountain peaks, rivers, and pristine wilderness, the site offers ideal access to four-season recreation and a strategic link between Alberta's established tourism routes and British Columbia's emerging opportunities.

No. The resort is currently in the concept and planning stage. Development will move forward in phases as approvals, partnerships, and infrastructure plans are finalized.

Valemount offers a rare balance of accessibility, scenic beauty, and opportunity. Positioned between Jasper National Park and Mount Robson Provincial Park, it draws consistent visitor traffic while maintaining a strong local identity. The area's forward-thinking approach to sustainable growth aligns perfectly with the STRIDE Institute's mission; to strengthen rural economies, foster local and Indigenous partnerships, and turn tourism into a long-term driver of education and innovation.

The STRIDE Institute (Sustainable Tourism Research, Innovation, Development & Education) is a proposed education and research initiative envisioned to be based at Canoe Mountain Resort. It aims to create a bridge between education, innovation, and industry; preparing future leaders in sustainable tourism and hospitality.

STRIDE stands for School of Tourism Research , Innovation and Destination Experience. It is Canada's first teaching resort model that integrates academic research, applied innovation, and experiential learning to advance sustainable tourism and community development. STRIDE bridges the gap between education and real-world practice by training future tourism leaders directly within resort and destination environments on practice and the execution of policy.

STRIDE Institute is envisioned to be anchored within Canoe Mountain Resort, turning the destination into Canada's first teaching resort; where learning, research, and tourism function as one continuous, real-world ecosystem.

Once developed, STRIDE will welcome students, researchers, Indigenous partners, and industry professionals interested in contributing to sustainable tourism, community development, and hospitality innovation.

WIREL stands for Work-Integrated Research & Experiential Learning, STRIDE's proposed core model. It blends hands-on training with applied research, allowing students and professionals to learn directly within live industry environments.

STRIDE represents a new model for tourism education; one that doesn't just study the industry but helps shape it. By combining research, innovation, and experiential learning, STRIDE bridges academic study with direct, measurable community impact. It transforms tourism into a living classroom where collaboration drives real-world change.

The tourism industry is evolving, and Canada's rural regions are seeking sustainable, year-round economic opportunities that build resilience and reduce seasonal dependency. STRIDE and Canoe Mountain Resort respond to this shift by linking education, research, and tourism into one forward-thinking framework.

In a post-pandemic world, communities need innovative ways to attract talent, share knowledge, and support local economies; and this proposal offers exactly that: a responsible, inclusive, and sustainable model for the future of tourism.

The project will unfold in three strategic phases, each building toward the long-term vision of a fully integrated, year-round teaching resort.

Phase I – Resort, Real Estate Lots, and STRIDE Campus: Phase I focuses on establishing the foundational elements: the core resort infrastructure, real-estate lots for residential and tourism purposes, and the creation of the STRIDE Campus. This first phase lays the groundwork for the educational model, featuring initial accommodations, learning spaces, and live-work environments that allow STRIDE's Work-Integrated Research & Experiential Learning (WIREL) programs to take root on-site.

Phase II – Convention Centre and Amphitheatre: Phase II expands the resort's role as a hub for education, culture, and collaboration. The Convention Centre will host academic conferences, industry symposiums, and community events; supporting both STRIDE's training goals and Valemount's tourism economy. The addition of a mountain amphitheater will create a venue for performances, lectures, film screenings, and outdoor gatherings, fostering creativity and cultural exchange.

Phase III – Expanded Recreation and Outdoor Development: The final phase introduces broader recreational and lifestyle features, including a golf course, trail systems for hiking and biking, and event areas for festivals and seasonal celebrations. This stage will complete Canoe Mountain Resort's transformation into a full four-season destination that seamlessly unites tourism, education, and community in harmony with nature.

Yes. The proposal welcomes collaboration with educational institutions, Indigenous communities, tourism operators, and innovation partners who align with the project's vision for sustainable growth and education-based tourism.

At this stage, Canoe Mountain Resort and STRIDE Institute remain concept proposals under review. Interested organizations and investors are encouraged to connect for updates on partnership and development opportunities as planning progresses.

Indigenous collaboration is a core commitment. The project aims to build long-term partnerships based on respect, knowledge sharing, and mutual benefit, ensuring Indigenous voices and leadership are central to its design, education, and operation.

STRIDE will combine classroom learning, field research, and hands-on industry experience through its WIREL model. Students, researchers, and professionals will collaborate directly with tourism operators and community organizations, applying what they learn in real-world environments.

Yes. STRIDE plans to partner with recognized post-secondary institutions to deliver accredited, experience-based programs that align with national tourism and hospitality standards.

Research priorities include sustainable rural development, visitor economy innovation, Indigenous partnerships, and community-based tourism strategies; all aimed at building a more regenerative tourism economy.

Both initiatives are grounded in environmental stewardship, community empowerment, and responsible tourism. The development aligns with the Stay Green INNhotels philosophy; prioritizing low-impact construction, renewable energy, and long-term ecological balance while ensuring local communities directly benefit from growth.

The concept is inspired by Gerry Levasseur, founder of INNhotels and a pioneer in Canadian hospitality. His legacy of innovation and community building continues through Lisa Levasseur, who leads with the same vision for sustainable tourism and education-driven development.

If approved, the project will diversify the regional economy, create training and employment opportunities, and support Indigenous and community-led initiatives. The long-term goal is to ensure tourism works in service of people, place, and future generations.

Sustainability will be embedded at every level; from design and construction to education and operations. STRIDE's ongoing research will provide a continuous feedback loop, allowing the resort to measure, refine, and improve its environmental and social performance over time.

Canoe Mountain Resort and STRIDE Institute are concept proposals currently under review. The development framework and community integration plans are being refined in consultation with local and regional stakeholders.

Follow official updates on the Canoe Mountain Resort and STRIDE Institute websites and social media channels. Information will be shared as the project moves through review and planning stages.

For general inquiries or partnership interest, please email us or use the contact form on our website. We welcome collaboration from educators, innovators, investors, and community leaders who share this vision.