Emerald Lake, British Columbia is one of our favourite destinations in the Rockies, we have visited several times both summer and winter. The lake is famous for its is clear jade-colour during summer – surrounded by mountains the view is breath taking! There is no cell phone connection and no internet. This makes it the perfect getaway for a social media detox. Just enjoy the tranquility and beauty of this secluded Rocky Mountain lake.
Emerald Lake Lodge is the only property by this secluded lake, the lodge has 24 cabins hidden among the threes. During winter this is the perfect getaway destination as there are almost no tourists during winter- an additional bonus is that the rates for the cabins are significantly less during winter. You can probably get away with rates close to 180CAD per night during winter, if you go during summer expect the price to be close to double.
Cilantro – one of the newer buildings at Emerald Lake Lodge. The lodge and cabins are hidden behind the threes.
The lake is surrounded by mountains, and the most famous of them is probably Mt Burgess. Burgess Shale Formation close to the top if Mt. Burgess has a large amount of well preserved fossils. It is actually one of the world’s most celebrated fossil fields and between 1954 and 1971, Mount Burgess was featured on the back of the Canadian ten-dollar bill. I remember seeing a program with David Attenborough where he travels up by helicopter to the shale formation. In summer there is a hiking trail that takes you there.
Take in the beauty of the area. For photographers there are endless opportunities for a great shot.
The discovery of the lake and development of the lodge is also an interesting history. In every cabin there is an book called Emerald Lake Lodge ‘A History and A Celebration’ for the guest to borrow during the visit telling you about the first discovery of the lake by mountain guide Tom Wilson back in 1882s and building of the lodge by Canadian Pacific Railway in 1902. Word has it this was a popular spot among ‘high society’ in the early 1900s.
The groomed cross country ski tracks around the lake offers easy skiing for anyone who wants to get some fresh air and try out their cross country skis. Don’t have skis? No worries, there is a small rental shop where you can rent them. The rental shop also has a small gift shop that is worth stopping by.
When cross country skiing we discovered this beautiful creek towards the end of the lake. We tried exploring it on skis, but had to give up. We came back later on show shoes.
Mount Burgess dining room at the main lodge building is known for it’s fine dining and well worth a visit. The menu usually has a Rocky Mountain theme to it with buffalo and elk, we have never been disappointed!
Mount Burgess dining room – picture courtesy: https://www.crmr.com/emerald/
And last but not least, we enjoyed a glass of hot apple cider in front of the fire place after skiing around the lake. Every cabin at Emerald Lake Lodge has its own fire place and fire wood is delivered to the door as part of the rental.
The lake and lodge is located in the heart of Yoho National Park, about 30 minutes past Lake Louise. The turn off from highway 1 is just after you pass Field, then the road in is about 10km. If you are staying the night there is an overnight parking, once you get to it you’ll find a waiting room with a phone. Call the lodge and they will send the shuttle to pick up you and your luggage.
Are you ready for a winter getaway? Where would you go?
Thanks for stopping by our blog, your comments are much appreciated.
I would totally stay there and enjoy the internet detox, the mountains and the skiing.
Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment! After a busy week at work there is noting better then escaping into the mountains to relax and this destination is just perfect for it. Also a very romantic getaway location:)
Incredible shots of winter…mountains and freedom, and there is nothing quite like having a nice fire roaring in the cabin after a great day out in snow ~ Cheers!
Thanks! This getaway location had endless photo opportunities. And I couldn’t agree more – a glass of wine in front of the fire in the evening is the perfect end to a day spent outdoor!
What a beautiful place to be, Inger! We will put that on our list of places to visit! Thank you for posting it!
Jim
Thanks Jim! This location is a bit pricey, but still worth a visit! We have probably been here 5 times by now and are still not tired of this little hidden gem in the Rockies:)
Oh wow, I want to go!!! So beautiful!!!
Agreed, quite an amazing spot in the Rockies! We love this secluded romantic getaway location:) Thanks for stopping by!
A fun place to be anytime of the year. Rocky Mountains does not disappoint.
Emerald Lake is at least equally beautiful in summer as winter. We should probably post a blog from the summer time here as well. The colour on the lake during the summer is amazing! Thanks for commenting! Inger
I really would like to go there. It looks very inviting. And your photos show much fo the calmness you decribed.
Thanks! This hidden gem has welcoming atmosphere, we love going here, even for day trips:) In winter this is the place to go if you want to get away from the crowds in Banff and Lake Louise!
Simply stunning!!
Thanks! It is one of the locations in the Rockies that doesn’t get crowded during winter and that creates a very inviting atmosphere, and great photo opportunities!
Love those vintage posters that adorn the lodge buildings! Is it pricey to stay there?
Me too! I have a thing for vintage posters so had to include it in the post:) It definitely is not one of the cheapest places to stay, but you’ll find better deals in the winter. During summer prices typically start at $330-ish. You’ll probably get away with half the price during winter. And less people during winter as well! During summer there are bus loads with tourists coming on day trips to photograph the green water. None of that during winter:)
Beautiful location ! Do you have some tips for cross country skiing ?
A perfect secluded little getaway destination! It is also a good place for learning how to cross country ski as the lake is flat with good tracks! What do you want to know about cross country skiing? I am by no means an expert, but usually refer to my husband who was actually a cross country couch when he was younger:)
If you’ve never done it, what should you be careful about ? Are there different size ? Is it possible to do it when the snow is fresh ?
If it is the first time I would make sure it is in flat terrain, like a lake or a golf course. And I would rent waxfree skis! You can use waxed skis, but applying the correct wax is something you need to have some knowledge on as there are different types on waxes for different snow and temperatures. I usually leave this part for my husband. With the waxless you can ski on any snow without a problem. A general rule for cross country skis is that the skis should be about 20 cm longer than your height. The rental shop should also ensure the stiffness of the ski is correct for you.
Thanks for the information ! I’ll keep that in mind !
We’ll take you cross country skiing if you decide travelling to the Rockies. Just let us know! 🙂
I will 🙂
I will share some photos this year from one summer 20 years ago, here. Thank you GirLX
It would be absolutely amazing to see how it looked like at this magical spot 20 years ago! I imagine there was not as many buildings there yet? Looking forward to the photos. Thanks for visiting!
When I look at these pictures, I get a nice, warm, fuzzy feeling!
Especially the wood fire and the hot apple cider right? This is such a lovely place to go to, we have been here several times. Such calm and quiet, especially during winter. Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment!