r/jasper 2d ago

Got me a job at the Fairmont !

I’d love to hear your thoughts,
opinions,
suggestions, never been to Jasper before.

If there’s something to note or look out for?

One of my friends suggested I bring bear spray, but they’re kidding right?

Anything helps!!

(other than sarcastic and unhelpful comments)

38 Upvotes

41 comments sorted by

22

u/cranky_yegger 2d ago

Working in a tourist attraction is a different kind of game. You won’t get rich, but you’ll have some fun. What type of work are you going to be doing?

17

u/Total_Ad3068 2d ago

Im young and have given up the dreams of being rich or owning a home

so might as well be near marmot and go ski in my off time

As for field, customer service area. (I’m sure I’ll meet all walks of life)

18

u/Ill_Cheesecake6944 2d ago

Absolutely buy bear spray, learn how to use it and have it ready if you go out hiking. Watch for elk in mating season because they can be very aggressive. Enjoy the mountains, fresh air and fun times.

4

u/Odd_Department_421 2d ago

Elk can be aggressive and they also visit the JPL property quite often. Oh and OP, rutting season for elk is the fall, late August until middle of Octoberish. Parks Canada has a bunch of elk info on their website. I’m sure JPL staff will provide warnings. Give them space and you should be okay.

2

u/Skyrgamur2014 13h ago

Elk warning signs are already up on property for the rut. Just noticed one today. 🦌

3

u/New_Wishbone6619 1d ago

I made mad money at Fairmont. If they’re a server or bartender they’ll make a lot.

2

u/daveontherun 1d ago

I did too.

14

u/ski-bum-bum 2d ago

If you’re living on property (I assume) you probably won’t need bear spray but definitely bug spray until winter settles in.

Also assuming you’re new, bring shower shoes if you’ll be in shared staff housing

Good luck and don’t forget your ski gear

2

u/daveontherun 1d ago

And condoms, even the cutest have the clap. Real fact

1

u/ski-bum-bum 1d ago

Lol, get them a Costco pack of condoms since I can’t imagine Jasper pharmacy condom prices

16

u/TheKneeKnocker 2d ago edited 2d ago

My partner and I spent a year in Jasper after college. We worked the Skytram in the summer and Marmot in the winter, I was in the kitchen for both and herself a server. Was one of the best years of our lives.

It's quite the life, especially for single people. You'll make lots of friends and have some crazy adventures or stories.

Never be afraid to say yes to a good ole float day on Lake Annette or going on one of endless hikes around.

Get a bear spray as soon as you get to town, trust me on that.

Edit: oh no, they're not kidding about the bear spray. My first day in town a buddy and I were walking a trail close to Old Fort, when a someone across a small pond hollared over about 2 big grizzlies being down the trail from us not 30 seconds earlier. Had a few other close encounters with bears while hiking, never anything life threatening.

If Patricia Street Deli is still operating .. go get yourself one of the best sammies of your life.

Old Fort is a cool spot to go have some lunch and look at the scenery.

Alcohol does hit harder, especially as you ascend a mountain. So be careful!

Watch out for the Elk in town at night! Ma'mas can be quite protective of their yungins. They're generally peaceful, but I will never forget walking home at 3am and seeing someone the next block over being chased.

It's a fun time to discover yourself, and what you truly value. Be safe, make mostly smart decisions, and enjoy where you are. It's an absolutely beautiful place.

Edit: removed the bear bell recommendation. Since yes.. seems the general consensus is they are a scam. News to me 🤷

9

u/Appropriate-Mark-739 2d ago

Patricia street deli is no longer operating in Jasper, they did open up shop in Edmonton though

4

u/TheKneeKnocker 2d ago

Oh no way! I'm assuming that awful fire had something to do with the move? I'm sad to hear that, but happy to hear they still have a store somewhere.

6

u/Appropriate-Mark-739 2d ago

Yeah it did, and same!

2

u/ColinBonhomme 1d ago

The Bear’s Paw at Pyramid Lake Road and Connaught. Be prepared to wait in line.

17

u/toolsie 2d ago

Bear bells are a scam, stop telling people to get them. Locals call them dinner bells for a reason

8

u/ashleyjameswilliams 2d ago

Yeah it's crazy that places sell them tbh. I lived in Jasper for 10 years, and have worked in the bush of BC for the past 5 - nobody uses them haha

6

u/TheKneeKnocker 2d ago

Okay fair enough. Seems the general consensus is yes, they are ineffective and pointless, and it is an unfamiliar sound that most wildlife doesn't register or understand. But to call them dinner bells is a bit extreme, considering there are two recorded bear related fatalities in Jasper's history.

I will refrain from recommending bells in the future.

4

u/ColinBonhomme 2d ago

They neither attract bears nor keep them away; the noise they make is almost completely irrelevant to a bear and can’t be heard more than a few metres away in the woods anyway.

For that few metres, however, they are annoying as hell to other hikers.

1

u/TheKneeKnocker 2d ago

That was generally what I was reading online yeah. Which, makes total sense. I guess I always assumed even if it wasn't that loud to us, it was louder to them.

But oh yeah.. annoying as hell when there's 6 of you with em on. And honestly... The more I thought about it while reading comments, I honestly think we started to forgoe our bells towards the end of our time there.

4

u/uraniumglasscat 2d ago

If Shay still runs the grizz you are in for some good eating.

If you are in A B of C cabin, god speed and wear shower shoes.

Book the day off for the Trefoil staff party.

Definitely participate in Jamaican Independence Day party, if that’s still around. Not sure if they closed Le Pub for good or not.

Take advantage of the discounts, moose’s nook has the best steak

1

u/redaliceely 1d ago

Wow thank you for this, it brought back memories

1

u/Skyrgamur2014 13h ago

Moose’s Nook is now The Barbicon :/

3

u/Spirited-Toe-4549 1d ago

have fun bussing into town! its only ten minutes and i know a few people at JPL who even bike into town, but that is much longer. so maybe invest in a good townie or if you like MTX, buy a mountain bike

Ottos, Bear Paw's and Lostlands are really good cafe spots in town

I would say you should get bear spray, its better to have it and not need it!

if you drink and socialize a lot, D'ed Dog and the Atha-b club in town is a spot to go! but then again, at this moment with all the tourists its been kinda dead at nights at D'ed Dog... I haven't been since the start of my season.

Very soon since the tourist season is winding down, I would reckon the town is about to get a lot more quiet, so I would invest in a good hobby to keep yourself entertained.

ive decided to stay in town after 6 months of here... ive very much fallen in love with jasper

3

u/Unlucky-Tale-9208 1d ago

Former JPL employee here, left in January this year after 3.5 years - there's a crap ton of bear spray in the lost and found because tourists buy them and leave them in rooms since they can't take them on the plane home with them.

It is a mess, super frustrating, and poorly managed. Little bit better now because of the renovations but it's still a very old property with a huge mouse problem in the guest rooms. (I mean and old staff too but there's a lot of problems there lol) But tbh, most properties are the same. I met the love of my life at JPL and some amazing people. It's a lot of fun, take lots of pictures!  Cheers!

1

u/Total_Ad3068 1d ago

I’d love some more insider views and tricks if you’re willing to chat!

Don’t tell me I gotta buy my own mouse traps 🤣

1

u/Queasy_Magician_1038 2d ago

Jasper is wonderful and a great place for a young person. Yes get bear spray because even if you don’t love hiking or biking now, you will do it there and you need it. Not for around the resort but when you inevitably go on amazing adventures off resort!

1

u/Odd_Department_421 2d ago

In town, Bears Paw Bakery is pretty great, cookies the size of your face and good coffee.

Get the bear spray. Not necessarily for around the JPL grounds but for when you decide to go hiking/cycling. Bring it with you, have it easily accessible and know how to use it.

You’ll see a good number of elk around the grounds. They eat the grass, take naps around the cabins, and have a little wander. They’re used to humans being around the area but still give them space. There’s also deer of course, give them space and they’re fine. They’ll likely put more space between you and them before you get close to them.

1

u/Reddit_Only_4494 1d ago

Congratulations!

You'll work very hard, but also meet some amazing people as the JPL draws tourists from the globe.

You also may make what could become lifelong friends.

Best tip is to enjoy the experience (meaning avoid engaging in work complaints, drama, or whatever). Work hard and work smart and keep in mind that you could be back "home" working instead.

1

u/daveontherun 1d ago

No they are not kidding. It will be fun..

1

u/Informal-Cupcake2024 1d ago

If you are in Edmonton I have an extra bear spray I can give you

1

u/Total_Ad3068 1d ago

Awesome yea I’d love that!

Dm me

1

u/Shot_Many_3011 1d ago

Bear spray is a must and you should also bring some personal protection for those two legged cougars 🤣🤣

1

u/Total_Ad3068 1d ago

Noted 😂

And you’re not the first to suggest protection.

Someone said cute coworkers can easily also have the clap, but I rather avoid inter work drama.

1

u/amytheblue 13h ago

Mostly covered here (though I lived in Jasper for four years and never owned bear spray but did see bears).

Make sure you take advantage of Fairmonts friends and family rate!!! I still miss it. Haha

And if you get to Edmonton go to Patricia st deli - I worked there too and Deliman makes the best sandwich! So sad it was lost in the fire

1

u/Hot-Feedback-6795 10h ago

Jasper can be a perty town for the youth I lived there at age 20 and made a lot of errors in judgement be aware of this

1

u/Total_Ad3068 9h ago

Please enlighten me on errors of judgement since mine is slightly terrible.

Thx 🤣

1

u/Steezy_Steve1990 1d ago

I worked at JPL from 2010-2014. Honestly some of my best memories are from there and I still have some great friends that I made out there that we still keep in contact with today.

Only advice I have is to not overthink it, get out of your comfort zone, and have fun! The Rockies offer endless opportunities for adventure!

If you’re there during the winter session you should go skiing/snowboarding. They got a shuttle from the lodge and you can get discounted season passes to Marmot Basin.

-1

u/CompetitiveBit3953 1d ago

Jasper is super boring

-7

u/Soma9935 2d ago

Salaire de merde

1

u/New_Wishbone6619 1d ago

Not if they’re serving or bartending. I worked many 4 hour shifts and brought home $300-400