Cold Lake has the best boutique bed and breakfast in the province, according to LUXLife Magazine.
Waterfront Harbour Bed and Breakfast, located on the shores of Cold Lake, was chosen as the 2019 recipient of the Best Boutique Bed and Breakfast in Alberta award by the luxury travel magazine.
“I was really happy and proud of our business,” exclaimed owner and innkeeper Isabel Myshaniuk, adding she sees the nod as confirmation their dedication doesn’t go unnoticed.
“We work hard at our business. I know economic times aren’t good, and I understand that people don’t have extra money to always purchase the quality that they want. We always try very hard to give good quality here, so I recognize that its hard to stay fully occupied in these kinds of times, but we still feel that it’s important that we give a high standard of cleanliness, food that people really enjoy, and a nice… elegant place where they can have a special treat.”
LUXLife Magazine is a lifestyle publication based in the United Kingdom. Every year, they present businesses with awards ranging from food and drink to technology.
Myshaniuk was stunned to learn someone had nominated Waterfront Harbour for the hospitality category in Alberta, and offered her thanks to the person who put their name forward.
“It makes us proud that people do see the hard work we do for our job, and we want to give good quality,” she expressed.
When she purchased the building five years ago, Myshaniuk never could have imagined the accolades the business would receive. In 2018, the lakeshore accommodation was also named one of Trivago’s top 10 bed and breakfasts in Canada.
Waterfront Harbour has been praised by guests for its location and intimate atmosphere.
Myshaniuk made her dream of opening a bed and breakfast a reality when she bought the business after a 25-year career in nursing.
“I’ve always liked Cold Lake, and I’ve always spent a fair bit of time out here,” she said. “Especially me and the kids. We always spent a lot of time up here, and so it was kind of something that I always wanted to do.”
Myshaniuk isn’t sure what the future will hold for her. She may decide to retire, but isn’t ready to say goodbye
Myshaniuk is currently deciding what to do with the business. She originally opened the Waterfront Harbour since she wasn’t ready to fully retire, and isn’t sure if it’s time to hang up the key or not.
“I do have four grandchildren now, so that’s pretty exciting. We can do a lot with that, and I do have a lot of hobbies and things like that,” she said.
For the time being, Myshaniuk plans to keep offering a home away from home for those visiting Cold Lake.
