Q&A with Alta & Bear
Get to know our Fairmont Canine Ambassadors
At Fairmont hotels around the world, there’s an elite fellowship for hardworking, furry members which started in Canada—the fellowship of Canine Ambassadors. Their job is simple, but very important: to make guests feel at home when they’re away from theirs. Each canine ambassador lives with a member of the Fairmont team and has the pleasure of working in some of the most beautiful, dog-friendly destinations in Canada.
We spoke with Executive Chef Isabel Chung at Fairmont Chateau Whistler and Laurent Pelletier, Director of Food & Beverage at Fairmont Banff Springs who share what it’s like working with our Canine Ambassadors. Get to know Alta and Bear, resident four-legged concierge, hotel guest best friends, and members of our Furmont family.
Fairmont Chateau Whistler
Meet Alta, canine Ambassador
Black Labrador, heart of Gold
How long have you been a canine ambassador for Fairmont?
5 years… which is really 35 dog years. Furrrrmont for life!
What’s the best part of your canine ambassador job?
My GM gives me all the cookies I want and as the Adventure dog I get to go hiking with all the guests! They love me.
What’s your favorite toy/game?
I love teddy bears! I take such good care of them and I take them everywhere. I also have a S-N-A-K-E but we aren’t allowed to say that word as my godmother Sue hates them!
Which trick have you mastered?
Is asking for cookies a trick??? I like to go see Norm when he is thinking too much and working too hard and I nudge his elbow until he gives me a treat!
Finish the sentence: “I’ll _________ for a treat”.
do anything!!!!!
This or that?
Fetch or Tug-of-war
Dog Park or Hike a Trail
Swimming or Digging
Dog Biscuits or Peanut Butter (both!)
Walkies or Belly Rubs
Camping or Beach Day
Canoeing or Road Trip
Winter or Summer
Meet Executive chef isabel chung
Proud owner of Alta
How did you meet Alta?
Alta and I met at the Vancouver International Airport as she arrived on a flight with her handler from Guide Dogs Canada. She is what you call a “career change” guide dog so she was perfect from day one!
How did you come up with Alta’s name?
Alta is named after Alta Lake in Whistler. Alta Lake was the original name for Whistler before it was changed to Whistler.
What do you enjoy most about bringing Alta to work with you every day?
She is the best company on my commute to and from work (we live about half an hour away in Pemberton). We have great conversations about plans for the day and how the day went. I usually do most of the talking.
What is your favorite memory you share with Alta at work?
We have definitely enjoyed many memories together but most of all visits from her dog friends. Alta always makes sure that they get special VIP treatment.
If you could travel to any destination with Alta, where would you go?
A tour of all Fairmont Hotels that have canine ambassadors is on our bucket list.
Fairmont Banff Springs
Meet Bear, Canine Ambassador
50% Yellow Lab, 25% Black Lab, 25% Golden Retriever, 100% good boy.
How long have you been a canine ambassador for Fairmont?
Since June 2017 and counting!
What’s the best part of your canine ambassador job?
Starting each day with treats and joining our guests for hikes and walkies around Banff National Park.
What’s your favorite toy/game?
I love to chase rabbits at home in Canmore. Don’t worry, they always hop away safely.
Which trick have you mastered?
My ‘pity look’ must be impressive for humans because I am always rewarded with treats.
Finish the sentence: “I’ll _________ for a treat”.
do anything!
This or that?
Fetch or Tug-of-war
Dog Park or Hike a Trail
Swimming or Digging
Dog Biscuits or Peanut Butter
Walkies or Belly Rubs
Camping or Beach Day
Canoeing or Road Trip
Winter or Summer
Meet F&B Director Laurent Pelletier
Proud owner of Bear
How did you meet Bear?
Bear is from the Canadian Guide Dogs in Ottawa. He completed the full training as a Guide dog, but during Bear’s final check-up, the vet notice that he had cataracts, and this ended his career as a Seeing Eye dog. Lucky for us, our canine ambassador program was his second career choice.
How did you come up with Bear’s name?
With his change of career, Bear decided to change his name as well. The hotel voted on his new name.
What do you enjoy most about bringing Bear to work with you every day?
Bear doesn’t have bad days and he really enjoys coming to work. Bear also brings a smile to everyone that gets to meet or play with him.
What is your favorite memory you share with Bear at work?
I relive my favorite memory every day–
seeing the smile on people’s faces and the joy and comfort he brings to them.
If you could travel to any destination with Bear, where would you go?
A bacon factory. Bear loves bacon.
Traveling with Pets
Canada’s Western Mountains are filled breathtaking sights and endless outdoor activities perfect for you and your pooch to enjoy. Discover dog-friendly favorites, trails, and useful tips to keep their tails wagging all trip long.
Pet Friendly Hotels
Fairmont Hotels & Resorts are pet friendly so you can bring your four-legged family members along on your next vacation. Spoil them with amenities, comfy beds, treats & more at Fairmont Mountain Resorts in Banff, Jasper, Lake Louise and Whistler.