Honouring the Storyteller: Jacqueline Louie at Bear & Bison Inn
A Bear and Bison Inn

Luxury Bed & Breakfast & Wedding Venue
in Canmore, Alberta

honouring the gold mountain dreamers book cover

September 5, 2025

Honouring the Storyteller: Jacqueline Louie at Bear & Bison Inn

If storytelling had a mountain muse, it would be Jacqueline Louie. We are delighted to share more about this Calgary based writer whose words have graced our blog and whose new book gives voice to generations of families who helped shape Canada.

The Storyteller Behind the Stories

Jacqueline Louie brings decades of experience in freelance writing and editing, rooted in journalism and enriched by her love of history, nature, and authentic human stories. Her work spans features, travel, corporate profiles, newsletters, and more. What sets her apart is her ability to listen deeply and then translate those voices into narratives that feel timeless and true. You can learn more about her career and body of work at jacquelinelouie.ca.

Stories of the Rockies

Our guests may remember Jacqueline’s evocative guest blogs for the Inn. She has taken us into the history of Bankhead, the long forgotten mining town near Banff, and up the slopes of Ha Ling Peak, where the natural grandeur of the mountain is interwoven with stories of resilience and survival. Through her writing, landscapes become characters and the past becomes present.

Honouring the Gold Mountain Dreamers

Jacqueline’s latest work is her first book, Honouring the Gold Mountain Dreamers: Grit and Forbearance in a Cold Land. It reflects on the 1923 Chinese Immigration Act, also called the Chinese Exclusion Act, and on the perseverance of early Chinese immigrants in Canada. Through stories of families and communities, including those who lived in Bankhead, she honours their contribution and their courage in the face of hardship.

Join Jacqueline in Canmore

This October, you can hear directly from Jacqueline at an evening event at the Canmore Public Library:

  • When: Thursday, October 9, 2025 at 6:30 p.m.

  • Where: Canmore Public Library, Friends Program Room

  • What: A reading and discussion from Honouring the Gold Mountain Dreamers

Event details and registration are available through Eventbrite.

Why We Celebrate Her Work

Jacqueline Louie represents everything we admire in storytellers connected to Bear & Bison Inn. She writes with passion and reverence for place, for people, and for memory. Her work mirrors our own philosophy of creating experiences that do more than please the eye. They touch the heart and deepen the spirit.

If you have ever been curious about the stories that shape the Rockies, or if you want to be moved by tales of resilience and love of place, this evening promises to inspire.


Words can hardly express the gratitude and admiration we have for the entire team at the Bear & Bison Inn in Canmore. From the very beginning of our wedding planning journey to the final farewell on Sunday morning, every moment was handled with such care, professionalism, and heartfelt attention that we were left speechless more times than we can count.

Planning a wedding can be overwhelming, but the Bear & Bison made it feel effortless. Their team was not only incredibly organized but also intuitivethey seemed to anticipate our needs before we even realized them ourselves. Every detail was handled with such precision, from the ceremony setup to the timing of each meal, that we were able to be fully present and truly enjoy every second of the weekend. That is a rare and priceless gift to give a couple on their most important day.

One of the standout features was the food. “Out of this world” doesn’t even begin to do it justice. Each dish was crafted with obvious love and expertise—beautifully presented, bursting with flavour, and consistently praised by all our guests. Whether it was the thoughtfully curated breakfasts or the exquisite wedding dinner, every bite was unforgettable. We received so many compliments from friends and family who said it was the best wedding meal they’ve ever had. It truly felt like dining at a five-star restaurant, surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Rockies.

The inn itself is warm, inviting, and steeped in charm. It felt like home the moment we arrived, but better—like the kind of cozy retreat you dream of escaping to. The rooms were spotless, comfortable, and offered stunning mountain views that added a magical touch to every morning. Our guests couldn’t stop talking about how beautiful the venue was and how relaxing and enjoyable their stay had been.

What really made the Bear & Bison so special, though, was the people. The staff’s dedication to excellence and their genuine kindness were felt in everything they did. We never once felt like “just another event” or like things were being done out of routine. Instead, we felt seen, heard, and genuinely cared for. There was heart behind every decision, and that made all the difference.

Our wedding weekend turned out better than we ever could have imagined. It was filled with love, laughter, beauty, and unforgettable memories—all thanks to the incredible team at the Bear & Bison Inn. We are forever grateful for the role they played in the most meaningful weekend of our lives. If you are considering hosting your wedding here, do not hesitate—it will be the best decision you make.

James M. June 2025

A Truly Unforgettable Wedding Experience at the Bear & Bison Inn

More Testimonials

Sign up for exclusive specials, entertaining nuggets of wisdom and delicious recipes here!

By clicking the Subscribe button, you agree to this site's Privacy Policy. Your information is always kept safe.