The family-owned Baker Creek Mountain Resort has been sold.
After 29 years, Mike and Jan Huminuik decided to sell their resort along Bow Valley Parkway, west of Castle Mountain, to Calgary-based Intrinsic Investments.
“It is with mixed emotions that we decided it was time to part with Baker Creek,” said Jan Huminuik. “It has been our pleasure to host so many guests and share our mountain home.”
The Huminuiks listed the property at the end of July and immediately had interest.
Intrinsic Investments, a private family-run investment fund with approximately $20 million in assets under management, bought the property and the deal officially closed in early December.
“We certainly respect and appreciate the hard work, attention to detail and love that Mike and Jan poured into the property,” said Andrew Enciu, the company’s president and CEO. “We are truly excited to be part of the tourism industry in Banff National Park.”
The new owners have plans for cosmetic improvements to the accommodations, including new carpet in some of the older cabins and upgrading some of the kitchens, as well as a facelift of the lounge and bistro.
“One thing that will not change is the friendly ‘you’re part of our family’ service culture that Baker Creek Mountain Resort is known for,” said Enciu.
T.J. and Heather Carriere, who have been managing the property for the past 18 months, will remain at the helm.
Baker Creek is open year-round and features log cabins and lodge accommodations. The bistro is introducing a new menu.
Julianna Enciu, Intrinsic’s director of marketing, said she and her brother Andrew spent a lot of time in the mountains with their parents.
“We’re a family business and we really wanted something up in the mountains, we’ve grown up in the mountains,” she said.
“When the opportunity arose, it felt like a great fit for us. It didn’t feel like a hotel, more of a family gathering place.”
In the meantime, the Huminuik’s retirement plans include relaxing, travelling and continuing to enjoy Banff National Park.
“We’ll hike and ski, especially cross-country ski, our favourite trail from Baker Creek to Castle lookout,” said Jan.
