Explore This Bizarre 'Swiss' Village Hidden In The Canadian Wilderness

Explore this incredible time capsule village

Offering charming architecture, breathtaking landscapes and a fascinating history, this remarkable Swiss-style village is tucked away in Canada's Rocky Mountains. 

Void of residents for many years, the picturesque 'ghost town' was a time capsule of yesteryear, languishing in the wilderness until it was snapped up and revived by the Canadian real estate company Montayne. Click or scroll on to take a tour...

Picturesque Swiss colony

While it may look as though it's been plucked straight from the Alps, Edelweiss Village is actually located in British Columbia, Canada.

The unique settlement was built between 1910 and 1912 as the base for the Swiss guides, mountaineers from Switzerland hired by the Canadian Pacific Railway to help tourists navigate the peaks of the Rocky Mountains.

Edelweiss Village

 At the time, Swiss mountain guides were seen as experts in tackling the world's most challenging trails. It's clear that even getting to the front door of some of these retreats is a bit of a task! 

The guides started out living and working in the Rockies between May and September each year, but not wanting to leave their families behind for such long periods of time, the Canadian Pacific Railway offered them a permanent place to stay.

A home away from home

To help the guides feel at home in their new surroundings, the Canadian Pacific Railway decided to construct a village of Swiss-style chalets set over 50 spectacular acres.

They named the new community after the iconic mountain flower, the Edelweiss – a plant that many see as the symbol of the Alps.

Breathtaking scenery

Nestled amongst dense woodlands and rocky terrain in the hills overlooking the town of Golden and the Columbia Valley, the village's location is nothing short of breathtaking.

The guides' new homes placed the mountaineers right on the doorstep of the region's most beautiful hiking trails. How's that for a seriously impressive backyard?  

Remote outpost

While the settlement's remoteness might appeal to those looking to escape the hustle and bustle, it did cause some issues for the guides and their families back in the early 20th century.

Located over a mile uphill from Golden, the nearest town, it was incredibly difficult to access amenities. Adding to the problems, the houses were purportedly cold and draughty in winter and unbearably hot in summer. Over time, residents began moving to central Golden, leaving Edelweiss to become a ghost town. 

Preserving history

Despite the village's abandonment, all six chalets in Edelweiss are still standing, thanks to the preservation efforts of the descendants of one of the original Swiss guides, Walter Feuz.

In 2020, the unique properties were listed as a package for a very reasonable CAD$2.3 million, which equates to $1.7 million. In July 2023 Canadian property firm Montayne purchased the settlement, for just a touch under CAD$2.2 million ($1.6m) according to this listing.  

Unknown future

Considered an important part of both Canadian and Swiss history, before the sale, there were concerns over the future of the village, should it fall into the wrong hands. While some saw the buildings as a development opportunity, others believed these historic homes should be protected and given landmark status.

High hopes

Brittany Newman, the director of the Golden Museum, hoped that the chalets will be preserved and even opened to the public as a local tourism attraction – a place where visitors could learn about how the Rocky Mountains came to be one of the most acclaimed mountaineering regions in the world, all thanks to the Swiss guides. 

Charming chalets

It's easy to see why Newman considers the residences to be so important to the local vernacular. Historic, one-of-a-kind structures, each house in Edelweiss Village is bursting with charm and beautiful period features. 

What's more, they've each received updated plumbing, heating and electrics over the last few years, taking some of the strain out of renovation works.

Reminders of the past

Each house was named after the guide that lived there, and the original signage can still be seen decorating the exteriors of some of the homes, offering a poignant reminder of their origins.

Their legacy is also preserved in the local landscape too, as 15 peaks in the Rocky Mountains were named after Swiss guides, including Hasler Peak, after mountaineer Christian Hasler. 

Unique architecture

Each home has its own distinctive aesthetic too, which gives an insight into the town's original residents. This quaint chalet features an intricately carved wooden trim, an ornate textured façade and two cheerful sunflowers on its gable. 

Far from your typical wilderness homes, we'd love to see these heritage gems preserved for future generations.  

A new addition

One of the largest houses in the village is this lodge-style home, which was added a little later in 1978. Positioned on a flat plot encircled by dense woodland, it certainly isn't short of breathtaking outlooks. 

It's also the most modern chalet on offer in the village, though its interior doesn't appear to have been updated since its construction.

Frozen in time

Stepping inside, the 5,554-square-foot home is something of a 1970s time warp, though its kitchen appliances look to be relatively up to date.

The spacious two-storey property comes equipped with multiple decks and large windows that frame the landscape outside. Vintage touches include floor-to-ceiling stone fireplaces, shag-pile carpets and antique furnishings.

Relics of yesteryear

As for the other homes, it's clear that work will be needed to bring them back to their former glory. While restorative efforts will be essential, these remarkable chalets still offer a fascinating insight into how the Swiss guides lived during their time in British Columbia. 

Vintage interiors

Each Swiss-style chalet is overflowing with unique features that hark back to the guides' homeland. From stunning woodwork to carved staircases, original fir planking, gas fireplaces and eye-watching wallpapers, these vintage interiors could be preserved for tourists to admire.

Century-old home

Yet one of the homes is in better condition than the others. The former chalet of mountaineer Walter Feuz has been beautifully preserved by his family. In fact, it remains in almost the same condition as it was when he resided there decades ago. 

A step back in time

Step inside and you'll be transported back in time. Decorated with memorabilia from the early days of Swiss mountaineering, the property is still filled with Feuz's personal effects, including family photos, trinkets and furnishings, offering an incredible snapshot of the adventurer's life. 

Pristine time capsule

Even the kitchen has been left intact, as though Feuz had just stepped out for a walk. With its brown and mustard patterned flooring, white cabinetry and eye-watching wallpaper, this remarkable time-capsule space is sure to fill you with nostalgia.

Characterful living spaces

Feuz's former bedroom might just be the most haunting room in the village. Left untouched, the space is still steeped in character thanks to its vintage furniture, personal items and mementos. Somewhat of a shrine to the mountaineer, it's clear the room, and the house as a whole, has been lovingly cared for by the Feuz family.

A bright future

However, now under the ownership of Montayne in partnership with the Swiss Edelweiss Village Foundation, the village’s future looks bright. Montayne recognises the historical significance of the settlement and has pledged to restore the houses to avoid further decay and to turn Edelweiss into a popular holiday destination. The chalets will be rented out as holiday homes to cover the cost of the work. Dr. Ilona Spaar, President of the Swiss Edelweiss Village Foundation, said she was "delighted" with the work undertaken so far.

Most significantly, there are plans to open a museum space of artefacts dedicated to celebrating the history of the Canadian Rockies and the Swiss Guides who made them accessible.

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