Idyllic rustic inns accessible, inviting
To get to many of the most rustic and idyllic fire-warmed lodges in the Rockies, a little sweat equity is often required. Slapping on the skins and skiing for hours on end can be a prerequisite. Or, perhaps, an expensive helicopter ride is your only ticket to the “pot of gold.”
But fortunately, if your time, energy, budget or backcountry know-how is at minimal level — and all you’ve really got is a set of wheels — driving to many of the Rockies’ best lodges can easily be done.
Without a doubt, cosy and historic lodges plunked in the middle of the Rockies’ snowcoated slopes — soaked with wood smoke and adorned with ancient photos of Royal visits — are some of the most esteemed destinations in Canada. But the difficult-to-access nature of many of these lodges means that, sadly, many people will never get a chance to see them. Enter the great “front country” lodges of the Rockies. No skis, snowshoes or helicopters are required. All you need are wheels. Here are four of the best lodges in the Rockies you can motor to.
EMERALD LAKE LODGE
If location is everything, then Emerald Lake Lodge — perched on a perfect peninsula that juts into pristine Emerald Lake — has everyone beat. The beautiful lodge, which features massive stone fireplaces, hand-hewn timber, and an oak bar salvaged from an 1890s Yukon saloon, exudes Canadiana character throughout.
The Mount Burgess Dining Room, which features delicious Rocky Mountain cuisine (think free-range elk, bison and caribou), is definitely sophisticated, yet approachable for your average tourist. With the fire crackling and the stars sparkling, a quick hot tub followed by an after-hours single-malt in the Kicking Horse Lounge are also things to savour. As are the peaceful, well-appointed cabins for guests. crmr.com/emerald
STORM MOUNTAIN LODGE
Although its location on Highway 93, just five minutes west of Castle Mountain junction on the Trans-Canada Highway, might seem a little suspect, don’t let it stop you from pulling in! Indeed, hundreds of cars pass every day and are oblivious to its beauty and charm. The quaint and rustic lodge is about as intimate and inviting as they come. If you can pull yourself away from the cosy, winterized cabins — which feature antique soaker tubs, rock fireplaces and elegant down duvets — you’ll find the dining experience in the 1922 lodge one of the best in Banff National Park. stormmountainlodge.com
FAIRMONT JASPER PARK LODGE
True, the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge isn’t exactly a tiny little tucked-away retreat for the discerning traveller. But, then again, depending on what lens you’re looking through, that might be exactly how some people would describe it! Snug on the shores of beautiful Lac Beauvert, this storied place has all the ingredients for the classic Canadian lodge getaway. The dining is unforgettable, the service world-class, the ambience first-rate, and the village of timber-framed cabins and chalets that poke out of the snow in winter make for a fairytale setting. fairmont.com/jasper
DEER LODGE
Located just a five-minute walk from the shores of Lake Louise, Deer Lodge is a rustic, one-off, history-rich lodge that has an eclectic flavour all its own. Built in 1923 as a tea house, the property has undergone some substantial renovations and restorations over the years. What remains are 71 quaint and private rooms, plenty of original handhewn timbers, award-winning cuisine and an amazing rooftop hot tub with majestic views of the Victoria Glacier. crmr.com/deer