The Crossing Cafeteria

Brownie was stale, ham sandwich had something that was close to but not quite meat and terrible cheese. Soup was good. Food was expensive.

I have always loved the location of The Crossing, the setting is beautiful, it’s services a welcome site. I do not expect the prices to be economical, I understand it’s expensive to run a resort in this area, I am fully willing to pay high prices for this convenience. So yesterday when we decided to eat in the dining room for lunch, I only flinched a little at the $ 20 per person price tag. When they asked to have it paid for in advance, and asked if we wanted to look at it first, I kidded: «is it that bad?». In short it was! The food was incredibly bad! There is no excuse on this planet for the low quality of food that we were charged $ 20 for. I have never been served kernel corn that was almost inedible before, I did not know it could be that bad! From the poor quality of the instant potatoes to the colourless watery salad, this buffet would embarrass a jailhouse! If yesterday represented the quality of their food, DO NOT EAT HERE! I personally hope they just had a bad day & correct this in the future!

This place was ricockulously expensive, and they DGAF because they’re the only place available to eat for 4 hours. That being said, I was extremely glad and touched that they had two vegan soups available. Most places on roadtrips; the «vegan option» are fries cooked in five week old, chicken infused vegetable oil. So, for that, and because the ladies that work here are so nice, they get 2 extra stars.
Next time, extra sandwiches in the cooler. Well, I had some. But everyone turned up their noses at my vegan sausage sandwiches. Fine! You deserve to pay $ 20 for the worst Salmon Burger of your life!

One of the many highlights of driving the Icefields Parkway is the point where the road crosses the mighty Saskatchewan river. My trips have been in the winter and seeing The Crossing for gasoline and a little something to eat is a welcome sight.
The Crossing Resort is a family owned and operated resort and was originally called the Saskatchewan River Bungalows Camps. The Crossing was built by George Brewster in 1948. It consisted of what is now the office and two cabins. The old location of The Crossing was approximately one mile south on the old dirt road that runs behind the motel today. In 1963. Highway 93 was opened and The Crossing was relocated to its present site.
As a previous reviewer indicates, the food is pretty good, yet pricey. But besides what you packed, what are you going to do way out here? I also appreciate the convenience on this scenic stretch and the economic challenges to keep places like this running. That means that I’ll throw these guys some business every time I’m in the area.

The Crossing is one of the few stops that exist between the Lake Louise and Jasper, so it is not uncommon for people to stop there to stretch their legs and grab a bite to eat.
Over the years, I have stopped there a number of times, and I have stopped to eat in the cafeteria.
The good news, is that the few things I have tried have always been okay. They are what I would expect from any cafeteria. They have also proven to be pretty flexible. One of my trips through, I had a hankering for a grilled cheese sandwich. When I stopped at the crossing for lunch, I knew exactly what I wanted. Sadly, thjey didn’t have a grilled cheese sandwich on the menu. The good news, is that they made me one anyway. So… I was pretty happy.
The bad news, is that this is the most expensive cafeteria I have been in — ANYWHERE that I have travelled. I can appreciate that this is a very remote location and that it would cost a fair amount to get fresh food onto their premises. However, I am only so sympathetic. I have also eaten at the Cafeteria at the Columbian Icefields, which is equally remote and I did not feel gouged. So… I get it. But… I don’t get it entirely.
As an example, an order of yam fries is $ 6.95. Baked Macaroni and Cheese is $ 15.95. A chicken caesar salad is $ 13.95. I posted a few pictures from the menu, so people can take a look at some of the prices.
Despite the prices, I will likely continue to support this business, because when a gal is hungry, she has to eat — period. I’m not one to starve on principle if the food is good.
Also, I believe this stop plays an important role in people’s commute to Jasper, so for that reason, it is important to throw them some business from time to time to make sure that they are still around.
I can control what I eat and how much money I spend. Therefore, I can choose items that are a better value. I can just as easily grab a snack and a softdrink to get me through, or to split an order of yam fries with whoever I am travelling with. And I have done that (they are delicious).