In the heart of the Canadian Rockies, among towering peaks and glacier-fed lakes, lies the stunning Emerald Lake Lodge (ELL). Located near Field, British Columbia, in beautiful Yoho National Park, this iconic lodge offers a truly unforgettable Rocky Mountain experience for visitors looking to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature.
Emerald Lake Lodge offers a tranquil retreat for nature enthusiasts and travellers seeking a serene escape. This historic lodge, surrounded by towering mountains and the stunning turquoise waters of Emerald Lake, promises an enchanting experience.
The lodge features charming accommodations that blend rustic elegance with modern comforts, providing guests with an authentic mountain lodge atmosphere.
Whether you are looking to explore the myriad hiking trails, enjoy canoeing on the lake, or simply unwind in the peaceful surroundings, Emerald Lake Lodge is an ideal base for discovering the natural beauty and heritage of Yoho National Park.
History of Emerald Lake
Emerald Lake has a rich and storied history. Discovered in 1882 by renowned Canadian legendary guide Tom Wilson during the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway. It was named for its strikingly clear and vibrant green waters.
This picturesque body of water quickly became a highlight for visitors exploring the Canadian Rockies. Over the years, Emerald Lake has maintained its allure, drawing tourists, nature enthusiasts, and photographers from around the world.
The area around the lake is dotted with hiking trails, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and forests, making it a premier destination within Yoho National Park.
Emerald Lake Lodge
Built in 1902 by the Canadian Pacific Railway, Emerald Lake Lodge has a rich history that adds to its rustic charm. The historic lodge boasts hand-hewn timber beams and century-old fieldstone fireplaces, creating a cozy, relaxing atmosphere.
The property offers a variety of private chalet-style cabins, each with private bathrooms, with both lake views and mountain views from private balconies.
The lodge is situated on the shores of Emerald Lake, a 13-acre peninsula, and is a cherished gathering place for many. But it’s not just about the remote location at Emerald Lake Lodge – it’s also about the experience.
The main lodge features massive stone fireplaces that create a cozy and inviting atmosphere, housing the main dining room and the lounge.
“Our goal is to provide first-class experiences, and we are always seeking ways to enhance the stay of our visitors, whether it be renovations or new experiences. This year we’ve refreshed the main historic lodge with new decor, flooring and upgraded bathrooms, and we’ve completed extensive renovations to our Clubhouse and outdoor Hot tub—a project that was over two years in the making, and now ready for our guests to enjoy,” says Andre Lowenberg, Hotel Manager at Emerald Lake Lodge.
“These updates are a testament to that commitment. We’re excited about the improvements and eager to welcome guests from around the world this summer and beyond to experience the magic of Emerald Lake Lodge.”
The accommodations
A short stroll from the main building, the cabin-style buildings feature wood-burning fireplaces and can accommodate up to 200 guests. It’s the ultimate relaxation that you’ll find here, complete with awe-inspiring mountain vistas. The environment is perfectly conducive to quiet reading or reconnecting with nature.
Each room is cozy and comfortable, with rustic decor that complements the natural beauty outside. There are no air conditioners here, and no flat-screen TVS. Limited free wi-fi at the main lodge.
Free parking at the lot below is available to all, and you can take the van up to the lodge or simply send your luggage and walk.
Come for the scenery, stay for the food
It would be an understatement to say the food outlets at ELL are creative restaurants. It’s world-class dining here, a vanguard of delicious Rocky Mountain cuisine. I have to mention here that great care has been taken to create and identify menu items that are gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan.
Mount Burgess Dining Room
The Mount Burgess Dining Room at Emerald Lake Lodge in Canada offers a dining experience that is both exquisite and quintessentially Canadian. The elegant dining room boasts panoramic views of the pristine Emerald Lake and the surrounding Rocky Mountains via large glass windows.
The menu features a tantalizing array of dishes crafted from locally sourced traditional ingredients, including game meats, fresh fish, and organic produce. With a rustic yet elegant atmosphere, complete with a décor that reflects the lodge’s rich history, guests can enjoy a meal as memorable as the breathtaking natural beauty that envelops them.
After a day of exploration, inspired bites are what you’ll be choosing for dinner. Organic poultry products, high-quality elk and buffalo products are a la carte.
Cilantro on the Lake
Cilantro on the Lake is open daily from 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., but the hours are always subject to change. This can be a busy place, so it makes sense to plan your itinerary around getting a table here if it’s on your list to do. For an incredible experience, and if the weather is pleasing, try a table on the deck so you can eat close to the water.
I highly recommend the Roast Beef & French Onion Panini, with caramelized onions and Swiss cheese. It comes with a horseradish cream that takes this sandwich over the top.
There is also a takeout window there from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. offering hot and cold drinks, sandwiches and snacks.
Kicking Horse Lounge
The Kicking Horse lounge bar features a wooden 1890s Yukon saloon-style oak bar. It’s almost worth the trip just to see this piece. An outstanding wine list and cocktail menu are featured here, one would expect nothing less. Excellent care has been taken to include many British Columbia wineries.
That same care can also be appreciated in the cocktail menu, where local distilleries and breweries are featured. Even Golden’s own Whitetooth Brewery made the list.
Because the main dining room isn’t open during the earlier part of the day, the lounge has an excellent menu of shareable plates in addition to individual entrees. You gotta love a place that serves an all-day breakfast.
And while they may not have dessert on the menu, they always have dessert. Be sure to ask your server. My personal favourite is the Sweet Potato Pie, with the Saffron Orange Syrup Cake a close runner-up.
Emerald Lake Lodge is owned and operated by Canadian Rocky Mountain Resorts.
