Copperstone Resort by CLIQUE

Built in 2011, Copperstone Resort is the little sister to Clique Hotel Group's three other Canmore-area resorts. Like those that came before, it functions as a condo-share property, with roughly just over half of the rooms available in the rental pool (which means that even when completely booked, the hotel may not be at full occupancy). From the outside, the resort has the usual lodge-like architecture, design, and decor. A small lobby with a fireplace and scenic photos is a good introduction to the hotel's self-catering, home-away-from-home vibe. Guests mostly stick to themselves at this private and quiet property, thanks to the small amount of public space and the roomy apartment-style units. Additionally, quiet hours are enforced between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m.. Again, the setup here is more vacation home than hotel, so if you are looking for a more social atmosphere with all the same in-room features, check out the Blackstone Lodge sister property. 

Copperstone Resort is located 12 minutes outside of Canmore in the small, quiet hamlet of Dead Man's Flats. There's not much in the area outside of a Husky gas station/restaurant (with great breakfasts), a handful of other hotels and motels, and a cafe; most people stay here to get away from the town or save on room rates. The hotel is right off the highway, as well as directly in the path of roaming wildlife, so there's also a higher chance of spotting deer, bears, elk, moose, rabbits, and other animals here than in town. During our visit in mid-2017, a walking and biking path was being paved just behind the hotel. Pigeon Mountain is under five minutes away by car; the Nordic center's summer and winter activities are about seven minutes away; and the indoor playground center, Elevation Place, is just an eight-minute drive. Golfers have their choice between Silvertip Golf Course (11-min drive) and Stewart Creek's 18-hole course (eight-minute drive). Calgary Airport is around an 80-minute drive away. 

Copperstone's rental pool has 54 big one- and double-level two-bedroom units, which are spacious enough for guests to bring in a banquet table for group meals. The gourmet kitchens here are stocked with everything you'd need to make a holiday meal and then some, however, unlike the other Clique properties, there are no personal Napoleon barbecues out on the balcony. A similar contemporary style in earthy neutral tones runs throughout the units (some with a bunk bed-equipped den), plus they include stereo systems with iPhone hookups, tons of closet space, and semi-private balconies -- most with forest or courtyard views. Lower-category One-Bedroom Suites with queen beds provide more than enough space for two, but can sleep up to four thanks to the living room sleeper sofas. Two-Bedroom King With Den units can sleep up to eight. Laundry rooms, stocked with free detergent and dryer sheets, help keep the space smelling fresh. Bathrooms are clean, tiled, and decently sized, and come stocked with a standard range of Aqua Suffusion toiletries, bath salts for the shower/soaking tub combos, vanity kits, and makeup remover wipes. Select rooms are pet-friendly. 

One of Copperstone Resort's most endearing features is the dedication to its four-legged guests. If a dog is checking in, they'll snag personalized homemade treats, a potty bag holder with refill stations on the property, and list of dog walkers, groomers, and sitters in the area (out of respect for other guests, pets cannot be left alone in the units). This hotel doesn't go heavy on the on-site features, lacking a swimming pool and spa. However, the 10-person outdoor hot tub is a booze-friendly hit with guests, especially during winter. It shares the central courtyard with a casual barbecue area set up with Napoleon gas grills, high top tables, and a gas fire pit with seating. Local and exotic meats from Valbella are available to order through the front desk. There's no restaurant on-site, just a few vending machines in the basement -- a characterless space where you can also find a bathroom, pool table, TV, and small, depressing gym with a few dated cardio machines and free weights. Freebies include Wi-Fi, heated underground parking, and DVD rentals from the front desk. The front desk is also available to book tours and restaurant reservations, and guests get discounts at Silvertip Golf Course and Stewart Creek Golf Course and Country Club.