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We’ve just recently returned from an amazing 5 night stay at Cross River Retreat. We absolutely loved everything about it from the wonderful warm hospitality to the stunning beauty of the area that really lived up to how we imagined the Canadian Rockies would be. The peace and tranquility of this vast wilderness was incredible and worlds away from some of the more touristy areas. Loved being off grid- such a treat to immerse in something wonderful with no distractions! There is solar powered electricity btw so can charge phones for photos and there’s lighting etc. The cabins are gorgeous- so cosy with comfortable beds, full bathroom with hot shower and we enjoyed making use of our wood burner in the cooler September evenings. The place is made so special by Marilyn, Rob and Troy- they’re so welcoming and we felt so relaxed- it was like staying with friends. Thank you Marilyn for nourishing us with all the delicious homemade meals! There are many activities too to get involved with if you so desire. We did some self guided hikes, but it was fabulous to do a guided hike with Troy- he was lovely to be with and so knowledgeable! We honestly had such a memorable experience- a great escape from the rat race!! Highly recommend. …
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Date of stay: September 2023
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Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A truly unique and wonderful experience, we really enjoyed our stay. If you’re looking for an escape from the more touristy areas and from modern day distractions, look no further. The cabins are absolutely beautiful and are restored with completely handmade furniture. There is even a wood-fired hot tub to enjoy with a beer. Troy is an absolute gem and was very welcoming. We particularly enjoyed the half-day hike he took us on and the wonderful meals he and his parents in law staying cooked for us. We would love to come back in the future and would recommend it to anyone!
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Date of stay: June 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Troy Patenaude, Owner at Cross River Education & Retreat Centre
Responded Jul 24, 2023
Hi Alice! Thank you so much for the kind words. I was glad to read that the peace and seclusion out here made an impression on you. It does for me too still, even after all these decades. My dad is grateful for the mention of his handmade furniture too! I loved hiking with you as well, and also hope our paths can cross again one day. Thanks for the wonderful visit and all the best, Troy
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Quite simply, an overall fantastic experience from meeting Marlyn on arrival to hiking with Troy and enjoying meals and chat with Ron and the clan. We enjoyed the comfort of our cabin and absolutely nothing was a problem for Ron, Troy and Marlyn. Unfortunately, we had to leave a day earlier than originally planned due to flight issues, but Marlyn provided a delicious pack lunch for our journey back to Calgary. For those who enjoy peace, tranquility and a good walk in this area of Canada, go go past this location.
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Date of stay: June 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Troy Patenaude, Owner at Cross River Education & Retreat Centre
Responded Jul 24, 2023
Hi Victor! Thanks for the great review and mention of the cabins, meals, and guided hike. We were sad to see you go early as well, but glad to know you got to the airport on time and back to the UK safely. I loved our conversations and your curiosity on the trail. I learned a ton having you here too and I'm thankful our paths crossed. PS: Erica and I had a great meal together the other day! All the best and talk to you soon, Troy
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Our 2 nights stay at Cross River Cabins (25 & 26 June 22) was midway through our holiday. 14km down Settlers Road then across the bridge, up the hill and turn right to the Cabins. It’s a fantastic location, you really feel as though you are in the wilderness, and was just what we wanted. It offers great trail walking, spectacular views, waterfalls, and all the wildlife you could want. Whatever you do, you must head up the hill behind the centre and follow the trail for 25 mins until you reach the double seat; it’s a short after-dinner stroll but you will get a breathtaking view across the valley, and don’t forget the camera! Our visit was capped-off with two sightings of black bears that never cease to amaze We want to say a big thank you to Rob, Marilyn and family for their hospitality, information and advice, with a particular mention for Theresa and her fantastic cooking and packed lunch (thank you all for the family recipe which is a hit with our family too). A stay here comes highly recommended….the only problem was we didn’t stay longer, and it was definitely one of the highlights of our holiday…
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Date of stay: June 2022
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Troy Patenaude, Owner at Cross River Education & Retreat Centre
Responded Jul 29, 2022
Hi Andrew. Thanks so much for the review. Everyone was sad that you couldn't stay longer as well, lol! It was a pleasure having you visit us and all the best in everything back home. Take care!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We stayed in a sweet little cabin in the woods, with such peace and tranquility and fabulous hosts. It was so good to be so remote, but we felt like we were staying with dear friends. The food was so yummy and plenty of it. The lady who cooked for us(amongst other things!) was a wonderful source of information and such a cool person. She was so easy-going and very kind indeed and worth her weight in gold! It was so good to have no distractions like tv and Internet....just to be and to watch and listen to the nature around us. It was the perfect end to a road trip. We really couldn't have asked for more.
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Date of stay: June 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Troy Patenaude, Owner at Cross River Education & Retreat Centre
Responded Jul 29, 2022
Hi Mary. Thanks for the kind words. There are so many occasions over the decades that we've felt so connected with the travellers and people visiting us as well that we totally know what you mean. Everyone--Teresa, who cooked the meals, as well--enjoyed your company too. Many past guests have indeed become friends of ours, so feel free to keep in touch and all the best!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
From start to finish this was an incredible experience. We stumbled across this experience last minute and it ended up being nothing short of amazing. Rob, Mar and Teresa were wonderful to be with and made it a very special time. River rafting and camping was top notch and we will definitely be back. Bucket list material. Strongly recommended! John and Alexis
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Date of stay: August 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We started our holiday here and it was an absolute highlight. It started auspiciously as we met a black bear on the long unmade road that takes you to this remote and wonderful spot. The hospitality from Rob and Marilyn the owners and their brilliant and welcoming chef and helper, Theresa was one of the standouts of the stay. The cabins are ancient (originally they housed workers building the trans continental railway I think) and solid and wonderful, eclectically and thoughtfully decorated and very comfortable and soooo quiet. It was great being "off grid" and having to think about power and light usage. We had wonderful meals at the lodge (breakfast, dinner and a thoughtful packed lunch) and went on a number of spectacular hikes. We also had a fantastic morning on the river with Kootenay Rafting Company under the brilliant guide Carson. Highly recommend this place as a fabulous place to get away from it all into spectacular and wild countryside, we loved it! One day I hope we will be able return and do it all again!…
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Date of stay: August 2019
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cross River is the stand out memory of our Canadian trip. We opted to explore on our own and Rob's advice and assistance was invaluable. It enabled us to walk for hours without seeing a soul! The views over the Kootenay and Cross Rivers epitomised, the Rockies for us. The cabins were cosy and comfortable and the woodburner was a treat on late summer evenings. The food was delicious thanks to Teresa's flair and imagination and the use of top quality ingredients. Marilyn, Rob and Teresa made us feel very welcome and the atmosphere at Cross River is very special.
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Date of stay: September 2018
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Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Haven't been able to visit for several years, so we were really looking forward to our visit. Well it certainly didn't disappoint! Beautiful scenery, wonderful hosts, Incredible food and lovely peace and quiet! The cabins are as usual lovely and homely with a nice wood burning stove for those cold nights. I HIGHLY recommend Cross River!
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Date of stay: September 2018
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Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We have just returned from an amazing holiday in Canada. We spent 3 days at Cross River in our beautiful cabin. The beds were so comfortable and the food, cooked by Teresa, was the best food of the holiday. We did a half day hike with Rob and Marilyn to the Kootenay river seeing canyon and waterfalls on the way. We returned to make our own Dreamcatchers with Marilyn. The next day we joined a white water rafting trip just 5 mins from the centre, this was a wet, fun trip and highly recommended. We were really sad to leave this oasis. Thank you for a wonderful time.
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Date of stay: July 2018Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.