About to Addison's Bungalows

Addison's Bungalows were built by Addison Scratch, a renowned builder and architect who built many of the Western Parks' original cabins including bungalows at Jasper, Banff, Lake Louise and Miette Hot Springs. These were so well constructed that when the bungalows at the Banff site were to be demolished to make room for higher density structures the bulldozer simply skidded them along. They were consequently moved instead and taken to Canmore without, of course, the stone fireplaces.

The construction favored by Addison Scratch was post and beam. One can see by examining the bungalows just how carefully fitted each joint is. The windows and doors were built by hand with many small panes of glass meticulously fitted into place.

Addison's Bungalows were originally in the Kootenay National Park across from the Radium Hot Springs pools on a forested 1.8 acre site amid tall 110 year old Douglas firs. The original site boasted 21 of Addison's bungalows and later 2 duplexes, a motel and office. In the fall of 2001, Parks Canada bought all but 8 of the cabins. The cabins were removed so the Rocky Mountain Big Horn Sheep would have more habitat.

The 8 cabins kept by the Reid family have been relocated 20 km North to a 4 acre site south of Brisco, BC on highway 95.