Yes, our hotels allow both assistive animals and pets. (Hotel fees may vary.)

Are your reception desks 24 hours?

Most of our reception desks are open 24/7. Please call ahead if you require a reception desk at irregular hours.

When is Check In/Out?

Check-in is at 4 PM, check-out at 11 AM - but you may use our exclusive facilities all day on the day of check-out. Redeem your INNPOINTS © for early check-in and late check-out

Are there booking fees, cancellation fees, or hidden fees?

No, except a fee for cancellations within 24 hours of the reservation date.

Do you accept credit cards at the reception desk?

Yes, you may pay for anything at our reception desk with most major debit or credit cards.

How fast is your Free Wifi?

During peak hours, maintains below 250ms ping and above 2mb/s upload and downoad per user. Excludes Terracana, which has the central wifi in the main lodge for all users.

Continental Breakfast?

Most of our hotels offer free deluxe continental breakfasts for all our guests.

What is INNHotels VIP Rewards?

INNHotels VIP Rewards is our loyalty program to reward guests.

A Visionary Entrepreneur

Gerry Levasseur (1933–2024) was a true pioneer in Alberta’s hospitality industry, transforming small-town dreams into a thriving network of hotels and resorts. Born in Edmonton during the Depression era, Gerry learned resilience early, helping to support his mother and five sisters after losing his father at just 17. That experience shaped the grit, determination, and generosity that would define his life’s work.

1952

At just 19 years old, Gerry Levasseur opened his first business: a confectionery in Devon, Alberta. Situated near the famed Leduc #1 oil well, it became a popular stop for visitors coming to see the well that transformed Alberta’s economy. This first business was the spark for a lifetime of entrepreneurship.

1960s

After years in car sales, Gerry partnered with friend Dave Brewer to open a Volkswagen dealership in Kamloops, BC. This was the first of many automotive ventures, laying the foundation for his reputation as a savvy businessman and trusted community figure.

1970s

Gerry acquired Grove Pontiac Buick GMC in Spruce Grove, Alberta, which he operated for more than 40 years. The dealership became a well-known fixture in the community, earning a reputation for quality service and customer care.

1980s

Hospitality became a greater focus as Gerry developed and managed hotels in Stony Plain, and Hinton. Each property embodied his philosophy that every traveler deserved a comfortable stay and a warm welcome.

1971

Gerry’s greatest contribution to tourism began when he partnered to build Jasper Inn & Suites. It quickly became a cornerstone of hospitality in Jasper National Park and remains a flagship property in the INNhotels portfolio today. Gerry often spoke with pride about the people who worked there, crediting their hard work and passion for making the hotel - and later, the company - what it is today.

1980s

Gerry, his wife Helga, and daughter Lisa established Excella Arabians, a breeding and training program for world-class Arabian horses. Over decades, they produced national champions, represented Canada internationally, and built a global reputation for excellence in horsemanship.

1990s

Many of Gerry’s ventures were brought together under Sunrise International Inc., which was established as a public company and later privatized. At its peak, the company employed over 500 people and became a major force in Western Canada’s hospitality and tourism industries. Today, we remain grateful to all those who have supported us over the years.

2000s

For more than two decades, Gerry owned and operated the iconic Maligne Lake boat cruise and chalet in Jasper National Park, one of Canada’s most photographed and visited natural attractions. Carrying more than 100,000 visitors a year across the turquoise waters of Maligne Lake to Spirit Island, the operation became a cornerstone of Jasper’s tourism industry and a lasting part of Gerry’s legacy.

2019

Lisa Levasseur stepped into daily leadership of the company in 2019, creating the INNhotels brand and preparing it for its next chapter while preserving the values Gerry had built over decades.

2021

Sunrise International celebrated its 50th anniversary, marking half a century of growth, innovation, and community connection.

2020

Gerry’s daughter, Lisa Levasseur, became President of Sunrise International, bringing all ten hotels together under the INNhotels brand. This marked a new era for the company, uniting unique properties across Alberta and BC under one shared commitment to True Canadian Hospitality. INNhotels was built on values rooted in Gerry’s belief in hard work, respect, and family.

"We are only as good as our staff"

- Gerry Levasseur

2021 - A Going Concern

A feature documentary on Gerry’s life, A Going Concern, premiered at NAIT’s Shaw Theatre in Edmonton, celebrating his remarkable journey as an entrepreneur and community builder. The event brought together family, friends, and business leaders to honour more than five decades of innovation, generosity, and determination. Through heartfelt storytelling and reflection, the film captured Gerry’s unwavering belief that success means little unless it uplifts others, a principle that continues to shape Sunrise International and INNhotels today.

Watch Movie

2024 - A Legacy Remembered

Gerry passed away peacefully in 2024, surrounded by his family. He often said, “We are only as good as the people we have working for us.” That belief shaped the culture he built at INNhotels and continues to guide the company today. His vision, respect for staff, and love for community remain cornerstones of everything we do.

2024 - A Year of Transition

Following Gerry's passing, 2024 marked an important period of transition for INNhotels. In the fall, two of the company's ten properties - Canmore Inn & Suites and The Suites at Red Deer - were bought out by Gerry's son, Gerard Levasseur.
Lisa Levasseur now leads INNhotels forward as the owner and President of the company's eight remaining properties.
With a strong foundation built on longstanding values and operational excellence, INNhotels remains focused on strategic growth and long-term success.

2025 - A Legacy of Love

In late 2025, INNhotels' story was shared with a wider audience through a feature in Western Hotelier Magazine. Titled “A Legacy of Love,” the article reflected on the heart behind the brand: the people, values, and relationships that have shaped INNhotels over the decades. More than a look at our growth or milestones, the feature honored a way of doing business rooted in care, family, and genuine hospitality. It served as a meaningful reminder that INNhotels' legacy lives not only in its properties, but in the teams, guests, and communities that continue to be part of our story.

Moments of Gerry

Do You Have History with Gerry?

Gerry has touched so many lives over the years, and we'd love to gather those memories in one place.
If you have a story, a special moment, or a favourite photo with Gerry, please share it with us below.
We will lovingly add your story and picture to Moments of Gerry.

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About Us

The Legacy of
Gerry Levasseur

Our Founder

A Visionary Entrepreneur