Emerald Lake Lodge
Yoho National Park, Field, BC
Few destinations offer this unique mix of luxury and seclusion in one of the Canadian Rockies' most striking settings. Built of hand-hewn timbers with century-old fireplaces and a massive oak bar salvaged from an 1890s Gold Rush-era Yukon saloon, Emerald Lake Lodge exudes historic ambience. Legendary guide Tom Wilson first stumbled across this exquisite gem of a lake, which became famous for its jade-green waters, in 1882 during the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway. Early travelers began to arrive by train, continuing by horse-drawn coach to its shores. Located in what today is Yoho National Park, the lake and lodge lie at the heart of some of North America’s most outstanding accessible wilderness.
Guests stay in 24 individual chalets scattered along the lakeshore on a 13-acre peninsula. Each mirrors the traditional mountain architecture of the lodge, and private balconies offer compelling views of the lake and mountains. Wood-burning fieldstone fireplaces, fully stocked with logs, are standard in all rooms. A spacious sitting area with comfortable chairs allows you to sit back and enjoy the crackling flames. Amenities include warm feather duvets and pillows, telephones, in-room coffee makers, hair dryers and alarm clocks. Please note that there is no air conditioning in the rooms, though high-altitude mountain breezes generally keep things cool. Note, too, that there is no cell phone reception at the lodge, and very little within Yoho National Park, but free Wi-Fi is provided in the main lounge. Public spaces include an elegant dining room, quiet reading nooks, and sitting rooms appointed with leather sofas. Upper and lower verandas offer magnificent views of the lake. Relax after a day of hiking and canoeing in the dry sauna or soak in the large stainless steel outdoor hot tub with a view of the lake by day and the stars at night.