The Emerald Lake Lodge is one of the most dream-worthy places to stay in Yoho National Park. Situated on the shores of the world-renown Emerald Lake, the lodge offers incredible views and luxurious amenities to its guests.
Most visitors stop by Emerald Lake and hang around the lake for a few hours. It is one of the most photogenic lakes in the Canadian Rockies. Staying at Emerald Lake Lodge was a bucket list stay for us, and we had the opportunity to stay there in Nov 2025. We highly recommend staying overnight to enjoy the surrounding towering mountains and turquoise waters of Emerald Lake.
Staying at Emerald Lake Lodge
There are no other places to stay at Emerald Lake than Emerald Lake Lodge. The lodge is open to its guests year-round. For a tranquil escape, the famed Emerald Lake Lodge stands as a rustic retreat, embracing guests in a secluded cocoon. Built by the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1902, the historical lodge allowed us to disconnect from the outside world. TVs and Wi-Fi were conspicuously absent, leaving room for serenity and views that reached the heavens. Just imagine waking up in the rustic cabins around the lake that gives you amazing mountain and lake views.
An experience to stay in history
In 1882, guide Tom Wilson saw Emerald Lake during the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway. The lake was given the name for its jade-colored waters. The Main Lodge is filled with history with its century-old fireplaces and an oak bar salvaged from a Yukon saloon from the 1890s. Whether you’re visiting for a romantic getaway, an outdoor adventure, or a relaxing retreat, the lodge provides you a unique experience.
A Unique way to disconnect to reconnect
To be free from any kind of distractions, there are no televisions or wireless internet in the rooms and suites. It may sound weird in the era of the internet however, in my opinion this is one of the best ways to connect to nature and yourself. This has become one of the most appreciated aspects of the stay by the most guests. Although you will get a wireless internet in the Main Lodge.
Cell service at Emerald Lake Lodge
One of the most unique aspects of Emerald Lake Lodge is its focus on unplugging from technology. There’s no cell service anywhere around Emerald Lake.
Accommodation facilities
There are multiple rooms at Emerald Lake Lodge, varying in size and types. There are 24 cabin-style buildings that are designed to resemble the traditional architecture of the Main Lodge. These buildings are home to rooms and suites with private balconies (some with lake views) and wood-burning stone fireplaces. All the rooms and suites feature cozy seating areas in front of the fireplaces.
The most basic is the lodge room which has a fireplace and also a private balcony. The next level is the Lake View Room which has a king-size bed, sitting area, and wood-burning fireplace and obviously views of Emerald Lake. The top tiers are the Emerald Suite and the Point Cabin. The Point Cabin is the largest cabin that has a kitchen, wrap-around balcony, and whirlpool bath.
Dining Facilities at Emerald Lake Lodge
Although there aren’t many places to eat outside the town of Banff. However, at the Emerald Lake there are three options for dining- Mount Burgess dining room, Kicking Horse Lounge and Cilantro on the Lake.
- Mount Burgess Dining Room serves signature Rocky Mountain Cuisine. This is one of the nicest places to eat when you are in the Canadian Rockies. If you are not staying at the lodge, reservations are recommended.
- The Kicking Horse Lodge is the place where you enjoy a cocktail by the fire, coffee or light snacks.
- Cilantro Cafe is located just across the bridge on the right side when you enter the property. It is worth having a quick meal at Cilantro Cafe.
Plenty of things to do without leaving Emerald Lake Lodge
As the lodge is open year round. There are plenty of things to do both in summers as well winters. In the summer, you can go for canoeing and hiking. In the winter you can opt for walking, snowshoeing, and ski touring.
Is Emerald Lake Lodge Pet Friendly?
Yes, Emerald Lake Lodge is pet friendly. Definitely, you can bring your pets along with you. Keep in mind there are only selected rooms that are pet friendly. Keep in mind, there may be additional charges if there is a pet.
Wellness & Relaxation Facilities
Outdoor Hot Tub
The lakeside outdoor hot tub is one of the top facilities at the lodge. Especially, when you are visiting here during the winters. Imagine relaxing in the hot tub surrounded by mountains.
Sauna
To relax after a day of hiking or skiing, there is a dry sauna available to help guests relax and recover.
Fitness Centre
The lodge also offers a small fitness area with cardio machines, yoga mats, fitness equipment and weights.
Shuttle service at Emerald Lake Lodge
There is a separate parking area for the overnight guests which is separate from the parking lot close to the lake (for daytime visitors). There is 24-hour shuttle service that runs between the overnight lot and the lodge.
Walk the Emerald Lake loop trail early in the morning
We highly recommend waking up early and walking the 3-mile Emerald Lake Loop trail. At this time, the water is still which gives stunning reflections across the water. The trail is pretty flat and easy to walk. Also, if you are lucky you can capture an amazing sunrise.
We hope this post will be helpful if you are planning for a stay at this magical place. Undoubtedly, it is a unique experience for every guest.
