Charmed Resorts Crowsnest Pass - Where Fairy Tales Come to Life in the Canadian Rockies

Deep in the rugged beauty of Crowsnest Pass, Alberta, something magical is happening. Where once there was just mountain wilderness, 16 fairy tale cottages now dot the landscape like something plucked from the pages of a Brothers Grimm collection. This is Charmed Resorts, the brainchild of Tyson and Audy Leavitt, who have turned their passion for whimsical architecture into one of Canada's most enchanting family destinations.

The story begins, as all good fairy tales do, with a dream. Back in 2015, the Leavitts started crafting luxury playhouses - not your average backyard sheds, but elaborate miniature castles and treehouses that caught the attention of celebrities like NBA star Stephen Curry. Their work was so captivating it earned them a reality TV show, "Playhouse Masters," on TLC.

But as their playhouses grew more elaborate, the couple yearned to share their creations with a broader audience. The result? A glamping resort where guests can literally step inside their favorite childhood stories.

The transformation didn't happen overnight. Starting with just one cottage - the Shakespeare-inspired Midsummer Cottage - in 2020, the resort has grown into a sprawling storybook village.

Rapunzel's Cottage invites guests to let down their hair, while Belle's Cottage offers a Beauty and the Beast experience complete with enchanted details.

The Lost Boys' Treehouse transports visitors straight to Neverland, and the Gingerbread Cottage brings the darker side of Hansel and Gretel to life.

Each cottage is a masterpiece of attention to detail, handcrafted by the Leavitts' team of artists and builders.

Tree sculptures house electric fireplaces, chandeliers cast gentle glows over rustic furniture, and every nook tells part of the story.

Outside, wood-fired hot tubs beckon under star-filled skies, while fire pits create perfect settings for marshmallow roasting and tale-telling.

The location adds to the magic. Crowsnest Pass, nestled in the Southern Canadian Rockies, offers a dramatic backdrop of mountain peaks and endless wilderness. You can explore the historic Frank Slide, hike quiet trails, or simply stargaze under some of Alberta's darkest skies. In winter, the area transforms into a snowy wonderland perfect for skiing and snowshoeing.

The Leavitts haven't been content to rest on their laurels. Their newest venture, a second location at Mulhurst Bay near Pigeon Lake, opened in 2025, bringing the fairy tale experience closer to Edmonton.

Plans for expansion continue, with dreams of creating similar magical retreats across Canada and the United States.

As the sun sets over the Canadian Rockies and the cottage lights begin to twinkle like something out of a fairy tale, it's hard not to feel that the Leavitts have tapped into something universal.

Sometimes, we all need a little magic in our lives. And sometimes, that magic can be found in the most unexpected places - like a fairy tale village nestled in the Alberta wilderness, where once upon a time isn't just the beginning of a story, but the start of an unforgettable adventure.