Joy Kimball, a beloved figure in the Banff National Park community, is being remembered by her two daughters for her dedication and hard work as the owner and operator of the Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse for over 50 years.
Kimball, who passed away at the age of 89, was known for her warm hospitality and delicious homemade treats at the teahouse, which is located at an elevation of 2,100 meters and can only be reached by a 5.5-kilometer hike.
Her daughters, Karen and Kathy, fondly recall their mother’s passion for the teahouse and the mountains. “She loved the mountains and she loved the people that came to visit,” says Karen. “She was always so happy to see them and make them feel welcome.”
Kimball’s love for the mountains began when she first visited Banff in 1948. She fell in love with the area and decided to make it her home. In 1960, she and her husband, Cliff, purchased the Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse and began their journey as business owners.
For over five decades, Kimball worked tirelessly to maintain the teahouse and provide a memorable experience for visitors. She would often wake up at 4 a.m. to start baking and would stay at the teahouse until late in the evening, serving up her famous scones and tea to hikers and tourists.
Her dedication and hard work did not go unnoticed. In 2010, Kimball was awarded the Banff National Park Superintendent’s Award for her outstanding contribution to the park.
Her daughters remember their mother as a strong and determined woman who never let anything get in the way of her passion. “She was a very strong woman, very determined,” says Kathy. “She never gave up on anything.”
Kimball’s legacy lives on through her daughters, who have taken over the teahouse and continue to run it in her honor. They say they will always remember their mother’s love for the mountains and her unwavering dedication to the teahouse.
As the Banff National Park community mourns the loss of Joy Kimball, her daughters are grateful for the memories and lessons she has left behind. “She was a wonderful mother and a wonderful person,” says Karen. “We will miss her dearly, but we will always carry on her legacy at the teahouse.”
