Emerald Lake Lodge

Discovered over 100 years ago by Rocky Mountain guide Tom Wilson, this charming lodge is steeped in history and full of mountain atmosphere. The main building is a dark wood two-story structure with lovely wrap-around verandas. In addition to rooms in the main lodge, there are 24 teal-roofed two-story cabins dotted about the wooded grounds, which are expansive and command scenic views of majestic snow-capped mountains and their reflections mirrored in the jade-colored lake. The vistas are stunning and one of the main highlights here.

The lodge has a cozy and inviting atmosphere and style, infused with equal parts rustic and historic details. Wood dominates: floors, wall paneling, furniture -- and is paired with leather touches like armchairs. There are old stone fireplaces, vintage trunks, brass candelabra-style wall sconces, a wrought-iron candle chandelier, and paintings of the lodge adorning walls. Vintage paraphernalia like maps, clocks, and typewriters are displayed here and there.

The dining room is all wood and scenic views unfold from large windows. The bar feels airy due to high ceilings and is full of natural light. The lounge has a more homey feel with green walls, Persian-style rugs, and a collection of mismatched sofas and comfy armchairs to sink into. 

Guests are mainly skiers or hikers, those wishing to unplug in nature who don't mind a lack of cellphone reception or TVs. Note that the lodge also gets plenty of day-trippers, which can cause some congestion in public spaces. 

The lodge occupies a scenic location in the beautiful Yoho National Park, a gorgeous protected park in the Rocky Mountains in British Columbia. It's a stunning, remote location right on the shores of Emerald Lake. The tiny community of Field is about a 15-minute drive away. There are many beautiful destinations within the park, including the Kicking Horse Pass (25-minute drive), Takakkaw Falls (about a half-hour drive), Mount Victoria (an hour away), and Lake O'Hara (70-minute drive). The lovely resort town of Banff, with boutiques, restaurants, and hotels, is around an hour away. Calgary and Calgary International Airport are around a two-and-a-half-hour drive. 

The 85 rooms are divided between the main lodge building and 24 cabins that dot the grounds. They feature simple, homey decor with beige walls, carpeted floors, and light wood furniture, but the spaces are a bit tired and show wear-and-tear. Some past guests have noted maintenance issues. All have wood-burning fieldstone fireplaces (that are stocked daily with free firewood), adding a cozy touch to the spaces. Seating includes couches or chairs and tables (some have both). All of the units also have private furnished balconies with gorgeous views. 

Amenities are a bit limited and suit those wishing to get away and unplug. There are no TVs nor Wi-Fi (except for in the main building). Rooms do have telephones, coffeemakers, irons/ironing boards, and alarm clocks. Note that there is no air-conditioning.

Bathrooms have roomy sink vanities with magnifying mirrors and shower/tub combos, but fixtures could use an update. L'Occitane toiletries are provided, as are bathrobes and hairdryers.

Emerald Suites include studios and one-bedroom suites with separate living rooms. They also have wraparound balconies. Point Cabins are the largest options, with spacious living rooms set with couches and dining areas, plus they have wet bars and added amenities like mini-fridges and stereos. Large bathrooms have showers and separate soaking tubs. Their wraparound balconies offer the best lake views.

The hotel offers a solid set of features that enhance a nature-focused stay here, one of the main highlights being the large outdoor hot tub that offers beautiful views of the scenic surroundings. The wooden deck it's surrounded by has a couple of sunbeds for lounging around while taking in the views. Other wellness features include a small fitness room, but it doesn't offer much equipment (just a treadmill and a stationary bike). It's a pleasant, sunny place, however, surrounded by windows. There's also a sauna that guests are free to use.

The Mount Burgess Dining Room serves Rocky Mountain cuisine accompanied by an award-winning wine list of over 400 wines. The seasonal menu includes  items like elk, bison, and caribou. The restaurant is open for breakfast and dinner. Another option is the Kicking Horse Lounge, which has a great drink menu that includes regional micro-brewed beers. It's open from lunch on and also serves the dining room menu, plus it has a lovely outdoor terrace.

Wi-Fi is available in the main building, but guests should note that there is limited cell phone reception. There are a couple of meeting rooms available for a variety of functions. Some local items, like jams and mustards, are for sale in the lobby. Parking is available a bit away from the lodge, and there are shuttles provided to transport guests to the property, which can be a nuisance depending on waiting times.