Green Gables Loft: Little Bavaria in the Rockies
Much like Bourg-Saint-Maurice in the French Alps, Revelstoke is a charming town cradled by snow-capped peaks and vast national parks. The Columbia River, the Trans-Canada Highway, and the rhythmic passage of freight trains define its gentle pace. We have arrived just as the summer tourist season—which typically lasts only three or four months—is winding down.
Despite the late season, the crisp weather and vibrant nature remain an open invitation for hiking and countless other outdoor pursuits. Mount Revelstoke National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a thriving sanctuary for grizzly and black bears, moose, lynx, mule deer, elk, and beavers.
At a quaint green wooden house, we are greeted by the radiant smile of Gundy Baty, the owner of Green Gables Loft B&B. She has infused every corner of her home with unique character and meticulous detail. The ornate decorative paintings on the cupboards and gables evoke the folk art of Eastern Europe, giving the place a singular, welcoming charm.
Originally from Bavaria, Gundy’s life journey has been remarkable: from teaching German in Bordeaux to managing a gemstone store in Toronto, alongside roles as a travel agent and medical aide. She adopted two children, Robert and Vincent—originally from the Seychelles and Colombia—who are now pursuing their studies at the University of Toronto. While she doesn't feel much homesickness for Germany, she holds a deep nostalgia for France, a country she knows intimately.
From traditional strudel and sauerkraut to hearty pumpkin soup and homemade jams, Gundy’s passion for cooking is evident. Despite the demanding daily routine of running a business, she remains wonderfully spontaneous and dedicated to her guests. B&B owners are a special breed—often chasing an ideal or a dream. The secret, perhaps, is keeping one’s feet firmly on the ground while still daring to dream big.
The Columbia River, interrupted by a series of massive dams, serves as a vital water reservoir for cities like Portland and Seattle. Here, it stretches so wide that it feels more like a vast lake. The ferry crossing takes about twenty-five minutes, offering a magical panorama of alpine forests and snow-dusted peaks. In late October, the foliage is still a vibrant tapestry of crimson, ochre, and pale green.
On the waterfront near Nakusp, we discover the Halcyon Hot Springs. This tranquil thermal spa features calcium-rich waters emerging at over 50°C. The main lodge, a stunning log structure, offers visitors three pools ranging from a refreshing 12°C to a soothing 42°C. The view across the Columbia River (known here as Upper Arrow Lake) to the mountains beyond is breathtaking. Originally purchased from the British Crown by Captain Robert Sanderson in 1890, the area was once the local "Deauville" until a fire in 1955. Today, it remains a serene sanctuary of relaxation.
Mount Revelstoke National Park offers a fascinating vertical journey through diverse ecosystems. A single hike can take you from lush rainforest to subalpine woods and finally to high alpine meadows. In July and August, these meadows are a riot of wildflowers. Higher still, the landscape turns rugged and barren, dotted with small lakes that serve as vital reservoirs for local wildlife. The development of all life here is shaped by the heavy winter snows that blanket the valleys for months on end.
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The New International Family of Innkeepers
"As we age, we miss the days when family was important. It gave us a sense of security. I am part of the "baby boomer" generation born after World War II, and I think back nostalgically to the past years; a lifestyle that has disappeared. Many of us are divorced, the children have grown up and their lives are elsewhere; we often live alone, in a big city where no one talks to anyone. My way of escaping this life was to move from Toronto, the largest city in Canada, to the small town of Revelstoke in the Rocky Mountains, 5,000 km further west."
To avoid loneliness, I bought a Bed & Breakfast, hoping to welcome visitors from all over the world. It was a wonderful decision. People who enjoy Bed and Breakfasts are very different and interesting people. Most of them are well-traveled, highly educated, and it is fascinating to talk with them and learn their life stories. Many of them have become friends; they often return or keep in touch via email. I meet extraordinary people, most of whom are more interesting than the rest of my family. I am always sad when they have to leave.
One day, I received an email from Philippe Papadimitriou, the owner of L'Etoile Guest House in France; he asked me if I was interested in an exchange between innkeepers. What a wonderful idea! He too is someone trying to escape today's new lifestyle. I was impressed!
He has a very interesting website with reports and photos of all the people he has exchanged with in places like Canada, the USA, Australia, Poland, and Morocco. The webpages were well made, and I was very enthusiastic about the possibility of being part of this new international family.
Philippe came for 5 days with a charming girlfriend from the Czech Republic, Radka. Right away, we felt like old friends, and we exchanged stories about our lovely visitors who make our lives so special. After only a few hours, Philippe, a complete stranger, felt as close as a brother.
I married Syd Blackwell, also a B&B owner in Revelstoke, and we left for our honeymoon in Europe. We have a lot in common. We were both teachers, we have traveled extensively over the last 30 years, we love people, cooking, and especially our new life as bed and breakfast owners.
We arrived at L'Etoile on the same day as Philippe, who was returning from an exchange in the United States. Right away, we felt at home in his house. It was pleasant, even if the house was empty because it was closed for the season (open from 06/15 to 09/15), and it was cold and rained for 3 days. Despite the weather, we had a wonderful stay."We arrived at L'Etoile on the very same day Philippe was returning from an exchange in the States. We felt at home immediately. Even though the house was officially closed for the season and the weather was cold and rainy for three days, we had a marvelous time. While other tourists might have stayed cooped up in a hotel, Philippe took us out to explore. We couldn't believe how beautiful the region was, even shrouded in mist and fog."
Other tourists might decide to stay bored in their hotel until the rain stops, but we went out with Philippe to visit the surroundings. We couldn't believe our eyes at the beauty of this region, even in the rain and fog. Narrow and winding little roads, after every curve a splendid view: waterfalls, impressive rock formations, small rivers, and varied vegetation—it was splendidly beautiful in the mist. I lived in France when I was married to my first husband, who was French. I had visited extraordinary places across France, but I had never seen this region of the Cévennes; what splendor!
Philippe, a bon vivant, always positive and easy-going, took us to small medieval villages with narrow streets. He showed us Romanesque and Gothic churches and chapels, and a picturesque market with fruits, vegetables, cheese, and good bread, as well as clothing of all kinds.
I had told my new Canadian husband about the diversity of markets in France, but we hadn't found a single one in the 3 weeks we spent in France before arriving at Philippe's in La Bastide-Puylaurent. He took us to excellent little restaurants for lunch; what a difference it makes to have a guide. Our experience with restaurants in France prior to visiting Philippe was not always what we had hoped for.
At L'Etoile, everything was simple, with no eccentric attitudes. We felt right at home, eating as a family and helping with the cooking and the dishes. It was an unforgettable experience. We hope that more innkeepers will be drawn to this idea of doing exchanges all over the world and meeting people they would never have been able to meet while staying as tourists in an anonymous hotel. Syd and I dream of returning one day during the summer to cross the magnificent, wild countryside by bike. In the meantime, we will keep this little treasure in our memories. By Gundy Baty
Green Gables Loft B&B in Revelstoke, British Columbia, Canada - Map
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