Emerald Lake is an extremely picturesque destination in Yoho National Park. With its serene beauty and endless activities at your doorstep, Emerald Lake Lodge is a fantastic home base for a trip through the Canadian Rockies. In this blog post, am excited to share our experience at this unique hotel and why we think you’ll love it, too!
This January, David and I had the pleasure of staying at Emerald Lake Lodge. Being the only property on the dazzling shores of Emerald Lake, this historic lodge is unlike anywhere we have ever stayed before.
It boasts a charming combination of rustic elegance, fine dining, and spectacular scenery. Because there is no cell service or TVs in the rooms, Emerald Lake Lodge makes it easier than ever to disconnect from our digital world and reconnect with nature.
After a busy week of work and travel, this peaceful getaway was exactly what we needed. From the stunning patio views to the cozy wood-burning fireplace, we melted into cabin life as though we had been yearning for it forever.
From now until February 21, 2023, you can get 15% off your entire stay with the discount code madetoexplore15. Click here to book your next mountain getaway!
Emerald Lake Lodge is a wonderful accommodation option if you are visiting the Canadian Rockies and want a more secluded experience. It keeps you close to can’t miss trails and viewpoints while offering more peace and quiet than other hotels in the area.
Few destinations in Canada offer the unique mix of exceptional dining, tranquility and nature that Emerald Lake Lodge offers.
-Emerald Lake Lodge
The Location: The Best Hotel in Yoho National Park
Nestled on a 13-acre peninsula on the shore of Emerald Lake, this historic lodge is truly one of a kind. Whether you are looking to relax and unplug or pack your stay full of activities, Emerald Lake Lodge has got you covered.
In the winter, there are several places to cross-country ski and snowshoe nearby. You’ll also find options for skating, winter hiking, dog sledding, and downhill skiing. Don’t miss the Natural Bridge, which you will drive by 8 minutes before arriving at Emerald Lake. You can view it from a manmade bridge that begins at the parking lot.
When the ice is frozen, you can even walk inside the cave! Here, you can marvel at the frozen waterfall and impressive rock formations. If you decide to visit, make sure the ice is at least 20cm thick before entering. You will want to wear micro spikes and always use your best judgment when it comes to safety and your comfort level.
In the summer months, you are in close proximity to some of Canada’s most famous hikes and landmarks such as Moraine Lake, Lake Louise, Takkakaw Falls, and the Icefields Parkway. You can also rent a canoe and paddle it out onto the scenic lake.
Another huge advantage of staying here is that you get to experience the lake at off-peak hours. In the mornings and the evenings, when the crowds of tourists have dissipated, you can enjoy peaceful, breathtaking moments all to yourself.
The Property at Emerald Lake Lodge
Emerald Lake Lodge has a variety of rooms and suites with options for every desire and budget. From lodge rooms with balconies to waterfront cabins, you are sure to find something that suits your needs.
With 24 cabin-style buildings dotted through the trees, a number of scenic pathways connect each area of the resort. Boasting incredible views of the surrounding mountains and vivid green lake, this property is outrageously picturesque.
You cannot drive across the bridge to Emerald Lake Lodge, which adds to the tranquil environment. There is a parking lot for overnight guests just off the main road and a 24-hour shuttle that brings you and your luggage to and from the main lodge.
Amenities include an outdoor hot tub(sadly, it was closed when we visited), snowshoe rentals, canoe rentals, an outdoor fireplace, and three wonderful restaurants. There is also a bar, a large fireplace, and a pool table in a spacious games room above the reception for guests to enjoy.
Accommodation Options at Emerald Lake Lodge
Emerald Lake Lodge offers four different types of rooms and suites. Lodge Rooms, Lakeview Rooms, Emerald Suites, and the Point Cabin. For those of us who love bringing our four-legged friends along, there are a limited number of pet-friendly rooms available.
We stayed in an Emerald Suite and fell in love with the wrap-around porch and the beautiful stone fireplace. There is no cell service, wifi, or TVs in the rooms. This offers the perfect opportunity to completely unplug and unwind.
The room was stocked with firewood, cozy robes, a coffee bar, and a bottle of wine. We also received a welcome card and a bag of treats for Bailey!
From now until February 21, 2023, you can get 15% off your entire stay with the discount code madetoexplore15. Click here to book your next mountain getaway!
The Exquisite Restaurants
Emerald Lake Lodge is home to 3 different restaurants that all boast fantastic menu options. Whether you are in the mood for fine dining or a more casual meal, you are sure to be blown away by the quality of each dish.
The Kicking Horse Lounge
This Kicking Horse Lounge in the main lodge exudes a one-of-a-kind flare that is hard to put into words. I imagine it as a high-class lounge from the roaring 20s that collided with a rustic mountain lodge and kept only the best parts of both.
The Kicking Horse Lounge features a selection of superb regional micro-brewed beers as well as some of the world’s finest single malt Scotches, Cognacs and Ports. The bartender behind the original 1890’s Yukon Bar will take – and make – all drink requests.
-Buffalo Mountain Lodge
On top of the fantastic drink options, they serve charcuterie boards, salads, burgers, pizza, goulash, and an out-of-this-world grilled cheese. The lounge is open daily from 11 AM to 10 PM.
Cilantro Café
This is one of the most photographed buildings of Emerald Lake Lodge and for good reason. Situated near the bridge with a view over the water, this casual fare restaurant is one you don’t want to miss.
Open daily from 11 AM to 5 PM, Cilantro serves quick bites like homemade pizza, burgers, sandwiches, poutine, and chicken wings by the pound. If you are visiting in the summer, try to snag a table on the patio!
The Mount Burgess Dining Room
This upscale dining room is located in the main lodge, serving breakfast and dinner with a view. Open from 7:30 to 11 AM and 5 to 10 PM, the food here is absolutely heavenly. We arrived at 7:30 and enjoyed tasty oat milk lattes as we watched the sun rise over Emerald Lake. For breakfast, we ordered a Sweet Potatoe Roesti and a Breakfast Burger which were both delicious.
For dinner, we started with a Wedge Salad and Goat Cheese Soufflé before moving on to our main courses, The Elk Striploin and Roasted Cabbage Wedge. They even have a vegan, gluten-free brownie on the dessert menu!
Mount Burgess dining room is renowned for its signature Rocky Mountain Cuisine and a comfortable, warm atmosphere. Experience Chef Valerie Morrison’s seasonal menu – featuring free-range elk, bison and caribou along with seafood, pasta and a sophisticated array of desserts.
-Emerald Lake Lodge
Recommended Activities in The Area
Emerald Lake Lodge is in a prime location to experience countless activities and landmarks in the Canadian Rockies. A few of our favourite year-round destinations include The Natural Bridge, Lake Louise, The Icefields Parkway, Takkakaw Falls, The Bow Valley Parkway, and numerous hot springs located throughout the Canadian Rockies.
In the summer, make sure to check out Moraine Lake, Lake O’Hara, Peyto Lake, and the countless hiking trails in the area. You could also choose to explore the Rockies by bike. A few great options include the Legacy Trail, The Bow Valley Parkway, and the road to Lake Minnewanka in the spring.
In the winter, we would highly recommend cross-country skiing on the Great Divide Trail or around Emerald Lake. If you are interested in snowshoeing or winter hiking, there are endless options at your fingertips. Emerald Lake Lodge even has several pairs of snowshoes for guests to use at the boathouse.
You can’t miss a day of downhill skiing at Lake Louise or Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. And last but not least, make sure to bring your skates and visit Lake Louise if the ice is frozen.
From now until February 21, 2023, you can get 15% off your entire stay with the discount code madetoexplore15. Click here to book your next mountain getaway!
We hope you enjoy your time in Yoho National Park. Please feel free to contact us with any questions or comment below with your thoughts on Emerald Lake Lodge. We would love to hear from you!
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Ganesh Adhikari
Really informative post for outdoor activities. Love to read your Yoho National Park travel tips.