Canalta Hotels Deepens Alberta Roots with Strategic Rebrands

CALGARY, AB – April 02, 2026 – By Sharon Henderson

Family-owned hospitality group Canalta Hotels is reinforcing its commitment to Western Canada with the significant rebranding of two properties in Olds and Wainwright, Alberta. The hotels, formerly operating under the Ramada brand, have officially joined the Canalta portfolio, signaling a new chapter of investment, upgraded guest services, and community-focused initiatives for the two key regional hubs.

This strategic move is more than a simple name change. It represents a multi-year commitment from the Alberta-based company to enhance the travel experience in these communities through immediate upgrades and extensive future renovations. For travelers in central and east-central Alberta, the transition promises a refreshed and reliable accommodation choice backed by a brand with over 50 years of regional expertise.

A Strategic Expansion in Key Alberta Markets

The selection of Olds and Wainwright is a calculated decision, reflecting Canalta's deep understanding of Alberta's economic landscape. Both towns are vital service centers that align with the company's target demographic of business travelers, work crews, families, and sports teams. By planting its flag firmly in these locations, Canalta is positioning itself to capture a diverse flow of visitors driven by unique local economies.

Wainwright, located at the intersection of Highways 14 and 41, is a robust economic hub supported by a trifecta of agriculture, the oil and gas sector, and a significant military presence. It is home to Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Wainwright, a premier training ground that generates consistent demand for accommodations from personnel and support services. The newly minted 83-room Canalta Hotel, which includes 26 suites, is well-equipped to serve this steady clientele. Its location in a town that serves a trading area of over 50,000 people further cements its strategic importance.

Similarly, the 98-room Canalta Hotel in Olds, featuring 13 suites, is situated along a primary travel corridor in central Alberta. The town's economy, with strong agricultural roots and the influential Olds College, creates a consistent need for quality lodging. The hotel's comprehensive amenities, including conference space, an indoor pool, and a waterslide, make it an attractive option for visiting families, prospective students, and business professionals alike.

Redefining the Regional Stay: Upgrades and Amenities

Canalta is ushering in its brand with a series of tangible improvements designed to immediately elevate the guest experience. Both the Olds and Wainwright properties have already been outfitted with new TVs, mattresses, refreshed bedding, and signature Canalta in-room amenities. These initial enhancements ensure that the hotels meet the company's established standards for comfort and quality from day one.

Looking forward, Canalta has planned a comprehensive, two-year renovation project for both locations. These upgrades will modernize public spaces and guest rooms, bringing a contemporary look and feel to the properties. A key feature of the redesign is the planned addition of outdoor patio and BBQ spaces, slated for completion in the summer of 2026. This amenity is specifically designed to foster a more social and comfortable environment, catering particularly to guests on extended stays and traveling groups who appreciate a touch of home.

Brooke Christianson, Vice President of Canalta Hotels, expressed enthusiasm for the project. "We're very excited about what's ahead for these properties," Christianson stated in the company's announcement. "From immediate upgrades to long-term renovations, this rollout reflects our commitment to continually improving the guest experience in meaningful, tangible ways."

This investment positions Canalta competitively within the local markets. In towns like Olds and Wainwright, where travelers can also find brands like Best Western and Pomeroy Inn & Suites, Canalta's strategy of blending full-service amenities—such as pools, waterslides, and fitness centers—with modern upgrades and a distinct brand identity aims to set a new standard for mid-market hospitality.

More Than a Room: Loyalty and Green Initiatives

Beyond physical upgrades, the rebranding introduces guests to Canalta's unique corporate ethos, which intertwines customer loyalty with environmental stewardship. A cornerstone of this philosophy is the Million Tree Project, an ambitious initiative to plant one tree for every room night stayed across its network, with a long-term goal of planting one million trees.

In partnership with the environmental organization WEARTH, the project has already made a substantial impact, with over 436,363 trees planted and $1.2 million invested in reforestation efforts in Alberta and Saskatchewan. This initiative is not just a corporate mandate but an interactive part of the Canalta Rewards loyalty program. Throughout April, the company is amplifying its efforts by allowing members to redeem loyalty points to plant trees at half the usual cost, with Canalta tripling the impact by planting three trees for every redemption.

This integration of sustainability into the loyalty program offers a powerful incentive for environmentally conscious travelers, allowing them to see their stay contribute to a tangible, positive outcome for the region. It differentiates the brand in a crowded market by offering value that extends beyond points and room discounts.

From a Single Inn to a Western Canadian Force

The rebranding of the Olds and Wainwright hotels is the latest chapter in a story that began in 1974. Founders Cam and Sharlene Christianson started with a single motor inn in Stettler, Alberta, building a company grounded in hard work and service. Over five decades, and now with their sons Blair and Brooke helping lead the way, that single property has grown into a formidable hospitality network.

Headquartered in Drumheller, the Canalta Group now comprises over 40 hotel properties and employs more than 3,000 people across Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. The company's portfolio is diverse, including not only its flagship Canalta brand but also franchised properties under banners like Hampton Inn & Suites and Best Western Plus. This multi-brand strategy demonstrates a sophisticated approach to capturing different market segments.

Furthermore, the group's expertise extends beyond lodging, with management of 57 A&W Express restaurants and 13 Boston Pizza franchises. This broad hospitality experience provides a stable foundation and deep operational knowledge that informs its hotel growth. The acquisition and upgrading of existing properties, as seen in Olds and Wainwright, is a proven model for the company, allowing it to expand its footprint while ensuring every location reflects its core values of quality and genuine Western Canadian hospitality.