Emerald Lake Lodge – Canada’s Hidden Nature Getaway in Yoho National Park

A Hidden Gem in the Canadian Rockies

Tucked away in the heart of Yoho National Park, British Columbia, Emerald Lake Lodge feels like a world apart. The moment you cross the small wooden bridge to the island where the lodge rests, the noise of modern life fades into the distance. Surrounded by towering pine forests and rugged mountain peaks reflected in the turquoise water of Emerald Lake, this remote retreat captures the essence of the Canadian wilderness.

Built over a century ago, the lodge blends rustic charm with modern comfort. Each log cabin and suite features a wood-burning fireplace, handcrafted furniture, and views that look straight out of a painting. It’s the kind of place where you wake up to mist dancing on the lake and fall asleep to the sound of crackling firewood.

Emerald Lake Lodge is not just a stay — it’s an experience in connection with nature, ideal for hikers, photographers, and travelers who want to escape into the wild in Emerald Lake Lodge – Canada’s Hidden Nature Getaway in Yoho National Park

The History of Emerald Lake Lodge

Emerald Lake was first discovered in 1882 by Tom Wilson, a mountain guide working for the Canadian Pacific Railway. Struck by the vivid color of the lake, he named it “Emerald” for its jewel-like hue. The lodge was later established by the railway company to welcome elite travelers journeying through the Rockies.

Over time, Emerald Lake Lodge became an iconic symbol of Canadian wilderness hospitality — rustic, remote, and utterly enchanting. Its wooden beams and stone fireplaces still reflect the craftsmanship of an earlier era. Every stay here feels like stepping back into time, yet without sacrificing comfort or warmth.

Staying at Emerald Lake Lodge: Rustic Luxury in the Wild

The lodge is located on a private peninsula, giving guests a sense of solitude rarely found in busy national parks. There are 24 cabin-style buildings spread across the forest, each hosting cozy rooms with balconies overlooking the lake or mountains.

Highlights of the rooms and lodge:

Wood-burning fireplaces stocked with firewood daily
No TVs — allowing full disconnection from digital noise
Private balconies with panoramic nature views
A charming main lodge with lounge and fireplace
Mount Burgess Dining Room, one of Canada’s most scenic restaurants
Cilantro Café, a cozy spot for pizza and local dishes by the lake

Book your stay via Trip.com to enjoy seasonal discounts and flexible cancellation.

The Beauty of Emerald Lake

Emerald Lake owes its color to fine glacial silt suspended in the water, reflecting sunlight in brilliant shades of turquoise and green. In summer, the lake’s surface glows under the sun, while in autumn, golden larches frame its shores.

In winter, the lake transforms into a frozen wonderland — the lodge becomes a snow-covered retreat where you can snowshoe, cross-country ski, or simply sit by the fireplace with hot chocolate watching the snow fall silently outside.

Best time to visit:

Summer (June–September): Ideal for hiking and canoeing
Fall (September–October): Beautiful golden colors and fewer tourists
Winter (December–March): Peaceful, snowy escape for romantic getaways
Spring (April–May): Melting ice and waterfalls returning to life

Things to Do Around Emerald Lake Lodge

While the lodge itself is a destination, the surrounding Yoho National Park offers endless outdoor adventures. Here are the must-see natural wonders and hiking trails within easy reach:

1. Emerald Lake Loop Trail

Distance: 5.2 km (easy)
Time: 1.5 hours
Start: Right outside the lodge

This gentle trail circles the lake, offering incredible reflections of Mount Burgess, Wapta Mountain, and The President Range. The first half of the trail is gravel and accessible for most visitors, while the far side becomes a shaded forest path. Early morning walks are especially beautiful as the water is mirror-still. Emerald Lake Lodge

2. Yoho Pass and Hamilton Falls Trail

Distance: 8.5 km (moderate)
Elevation Gain: 520 meters

This hike starts near the lodge and climbs steadily into alpine meadows bursting with wildflowers in July and August. You’ll pass Hamilton Falls, a cascading waterfall hidden in the forest, and gain sweeping views over Emerald Lake from above.

3. Takakkaw Falls

Distance from lodge: 25-minute drive
Height: 373 meters

One of the tallest waterfalls in Canada, Takakkaw Falls thunders down from the Daly Glacier. The short 1 km trail from the parking lot leads straight to the base of the falls, where you can feel the mist on your face. It’s an unmissable photo stop and a great half-day trip from the lodge.

4. Natural Bridge

Distance from lodge: 10 minutes by car

On the way to Emerald Lake, you’ll cross the Natural Bridge, a rock formation carved by the power of the Kicking Horse River. It’s an easy stop with a safe viewing platform, showing how water has shaped the Rockies over millennia.

5. Wapta Falls

Distance: 40 minutes by car
Trail length: 4.6 km round trip

A slightly longer drive but worth every second. Wapta Falls on the Kicking Horse River is one of Yoho’s most powerful waterfalls, often surrounded by mist and rainbows on sunny days. The view from the base is unforgettable.

6. Yoho Valley Road & Iceline Trail

For serious hikers, this is one of the most rewarding trails in the Rockies. The Iceline Trail climbs above the tree line, offering close-up views of glaciers, alpine lakes, and distant peaks. You can even spot parts of the Waputik Icefield on clear days.

Wildlife & Nature Encounters

Emerald Lake and Yoho National Park are home to a wide range of wildlife. Keep your eyes open for:

Elk and mule deer grazing in the meadows
Black bears and grizzly bears (from a safe distance!)
Moose wandering near wetland areas
Eagles and ospreys soaring above the lake
Beavers and otters along the riverbanks

Always respect wildlife and maintain distance. Early mornings and late evenings are the best times for sightings.

Canoeing on Emerald Lake

During summer, you can rent a canoe directly from the lodge or the small boathouse on the shore. Gliding over the turquoise water surrounded by towering peaks is one of the most magical experiences in Canada. Emerald Lake Lodge

Canoe rentals usually operate from June through early October, weather permitting. For those seeking a quieter moment, try paddling at sunrise — the light is golden, and you’ll often have the entire lake to yourself.

Winter at Emerald Lake Lodge: A Snowy Wonderland

In winter, Emerald Lake transforms into a postcard-perfect landscape of snow-covered trees and frozen reflections. The lodge becomes a cozy retreat for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and stargazing far from city lights.

Snowshoe and ski trails start directly from the lodge’s entrance, looping through forests and frozen lakeshores. After a day in the snow, relax in the outdoor hot tub or enjoy a glass of Canadian wine by the fire.

How to Get There

Emerald Lake Lodge is located near the town of Field, British Columbia, about:

20 minutes west of Lake Louise
2.5 hours from Calgary International Airport
1 hour from Banff

Once you reach the Emerald Lake parking area, guests are transferred to the lodge by shuttle (as personal vehicles are not allowed on the island). This keeps the atmosphere calm and pristine.

Tip: Rent a car in Banff or Calgary for the most flexibility, or join a Yoho National Park Tour via Trip.com to explore the highlights with a guide.

Dining with a View: Mount Burgess Dining Room

The main restaurant at Emerald Lake Lodge, Mount Burgess Dining Room, is renowned for its fine mountain cuisine and panoramic views. Expect dishes crafted from local ingredients — like elk tenderloin, British Columbia salmon, and wild mushroom risotto.

For a more casual vibe, Cilantro Café offers stone-oven pizzas and hearty soups with stunning lake views. Emerald Lake Lodge

Practical Tips for Your Stay

Book early: The lodge is popular and sells out quickly during summer.
No Wi-Fi or TVs: This is intentional — the lodge promotes digital detox.
Bring layers: Even in summer, nights can be chilly.
Camera gear: The scenery is photogenic year-round, so don’t forget your tripod.
Park pass: A Parks Canada Pass is required to enter Yoho National Park.

Nearby Attractions Beyond Yoho

If you’re extending your stay, the surrounding area connects to Banff and Kootenay National Parks, forming part of the UNESCO-listed Canadian Rockies.

Don’t miss:

Lake Louise – 20 minutes away
Moraine Lake – 40 minutes away
Banff Gondola & Hot Springs – 1 hour
Golden Skybridge – 45 minutes west in Golden, BC

All can be visited as scenic day trips from Emerald Lake Lodge.

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Where to Stay:

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Conclusion: A Place Where Nature Still Whispers

Emerald Lake Lodge is more than a destination — it’s a reminder of how powerful simplicity can be. The still water, the scent of pine, the crackle of a wood fire… everything here draws you closer to nature’s rhythm.

Whether you’re hiking the surrounding trails, paddling across the glassy lake, or sitting by the fire as the mountains fade into dusk, Emerald Lake Lodge leaves you with one feeling above all: peace.

This is the kind of place you’ll dream of long after you’ve left — a true nature getaway in the heart of Canada’s Rockies.