How It All Started

Look, I'm gonna be straight with you - this place wasn't born from some corporate dream or investment portfolio. Back in 1967, my grandfather Thomas McAllister was a logging foreman who'd spend every spare moment in these mountains. He wasn't rich, but he had this crazy idea that people needed a real escape from city life.

Started with a single cabin he built with his own hands on this ridge. No electricity for the first two years, just kerosene lamps and a wood stove. My grandmother Margaret thought he'd lost his mind, but she rolled up her sleeves and made it work. That first summer they hosted twelve guests - mostly Tom's buddies from the mill and their families.

The name "Mythral" comes from an old tale Tom heard from a Squamish elder about these mountains holding a legendary strength - kinda like mithril from those fantasy books, but our own spin on it. He figured if you spent time up here, you'd leave stronger than you came.

My dad, Robert, took over in '89 and expanded things. Added the main lodge, brought in proper amenities - though he fought to keep that rustic soul intact. He's the one who started the guided wilderness programs 'cause he got tired of rescuing unprepared tourists who wandered off trail.

Now it's my turn, and honestly? Some days I wonder what I got myself into. But when I see a stressed-out executive finally relax by day three, or watch kids discover they can handle a challenging hike, I get why Grandpa Tom was so stubborn about this place.

We've kept it family-run on purpose. Yeah, we've upgraded - got Wi-Fi now and our chef actually went to culinary school - but we're still those same mountain people who think the best therapy is a good day's hike followed by a massive dinner.