Last updated on March 19th, 2025 at 01:39 am
Winter is a time where I have to hunker down and focus on work, I say goodbye to the trails and campsites of summer and hello to a shrinking number of days off. For the last three years however I have made a point of taking a weekend to escape and I head to Emerald Lake Lodge. The deep fluffy snow, beautiful lake views and cozy in room fireplaces draw me back year after year. Emerald Lake attracts a huge number of visitors particularly in summer where you’ll struggle to find a space in the parking lot. Transition into winter and the place is almost empty, spare a few hotel guests, a perfect place to relax!
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Staying At Emerald Lake Lodge
Nestled on an island in the lake, Emerald Lake Lodge is inaccessible to vehicles, beside the shuttle bus you pick up from the hotel car park. The main lodge where check in is located, is also home to the bar, restaurant and games/tv room, plus it is the only place where you’ll pick up wifi!
Rooms at Emerald Lake Lodge are spaced out among cabins lining the ;lake and around the island. Spacious, clean and with huge balconies these rooms are the perfect place to hang out and disconnect! My favorite part is the in room fireplace, all set up and ready to light upon arrival, a quick call to reception and more wood appears for your use. We like to pull up the comfy chairs, light the fire and enjoy a glass of wine. They have started to update some of the rooms as they have started to show their age. We stayed in one of their older rooms but it is possible to book one of their renovated rooms specifically if you wish.
In our current world it is rare for you to be able to spend such uninterrupted time with another person, no wifi, no cell reception and no TV. I always book a king room at Emerald Lake Lodge, the bed is super comfortable and falling asleep snuggled under the huge duvet while the fire crackles makes for a perfect night’s sleep.
Emerald Lake Lodge also boasts an outdoor hot tub with mountain views, an ideal place to unwind and warm up in the middle of winter! There is also a dry sauna and an outdoor communal fire pit.
By far my favorite hotel amenity at Emerald Lake Lodge is the bar and restaurant! We prefer the casual atmosphere of the bar which they’ve recently redone but the large windows boasting lake views in the restaurant are also an incredible spot to eat. The bar has a limited menu which offers more snack style items while the restaurant offers incredible culinary meals. I have some of the best food while visiting Emerald Lake Lodge, from wild boar to lamb, the flavors are amazing and they try to source as much local produce as possible. You can see the restaurant menu online and if you wish to eat there, reservations are required.
What To Do While Staying At Emerald Lake Lodge
Even in the winter Emerald Lake boasts numerous activities to keep you entertained without the normal items of modern life. A trail runs around the lake in summer and winter for those who wish to hike, however a path is usually maintained during winter which cuts across the lake to avoid a major avalanche path before reconnecting with the main year round trail. From the boat dock shop you are also able to rent cross country skis and, while weather permits, ski trails are maintained around the lake. For those who have never cross country skied before Emerald Lake makes a mostly perfect place for beginners to learn the sport, flat and track set with beautiful views.
Last time we stayed at Emerald Lake Lodge, we skied the lake shore trail and then the alluvial fan trail which offered incredible views of the surrounding mountains. The trail was very quiet and are numerous benches so you could stop and relax, mid ski. For more difficult trails head to the Natural Bridge back towards Highway 1 where there is a number of different green and blue ski trails to pick from.
For hikers who are staying at Emerald Lake Lodge in the winter, the trail out to Hamilton Falls is a nice easy hike to stretch the legs. For those looking for something a little longer, you can continue on to Hamilton Lake. Alternatively the hiking trail around the lake starts from the lodge and is an ideal, flat and easy hike.
Either on your way to or from Emerald Lake Lodge, make sure to stop at the Natural Bridge, a rock formation carved out by the river, catch a glimpse of the frozen waterfall behind the rock but don’t go down on to the river ice.
Emerald Lake Lodge will continue to be one of my absolute favorite winter hideouts for when I most need to disconnect from the world and I hope I’ll be visiting for many more winters to come!
If you would like to enjoy a cozy getaway, the winter season is always cheaper and quieter than the summer months, so I’d recommend experiencing it then.
Other Winter Getaways
Another incredible spot for a winter getaway is the Fairmont Hot Springs Resort, located in the Columbia Valley with huge natural hot springs and hiking options all around, this spot is another incredible option!
A winter trip to Jasper National Park can be a magical experience and so much more peaceful than a summer trip.
For those who like a bit more adventure a winter trip to an Alpine Club of Canada Hut can be quite the fun time! Check out Elk Lake Cabins and cross country skiing to Lake O’Hara where you can stay at the Elizabeth Parker hut for inspiration.
Things You Might Need To Enjoy A Winter Getaway
A great winter jacket goes a long way for anyone looking to experience the rockies in winter. I absolutely love my Rab jacket for those super cold days when the sun is shining but its negative 35 out. For warmer days or if I’m going cross country skiing, my Arcteryx Atom is the perfect layer, lightweight and easy to throw in a backpack if you get warm.
For hanging out in the room or walking to the hot tub, I always pack my North Face Thermoball slippers, with their rugged bottoms, they are perfect for a quick walk outside and keep your feet toasty warm while you are hanging out by the fire in your room.
If you are planning on taking a dip in the hot tub, make sure to pack your swimsuit!
