Escaping for a few days has been on our mind for awhile lately. We’ve been doing our best at self isolating and restricting our visits out. But I’ve gotta say our mental health needed some clarity. We packed up the kids and Macy and drove to Emerald Lake Lodge. It has become one of our most loved places because it is also very isolated. There is little to no service, so our phones are off and our minds are also disconnected. It honestly feels so good.
This time we had met our friends and their kids there to spend three nights together hanging out and exploring. Let’s just say for as secluded it is here, there are a lot of fun things around that are great for social distancing. I’m here to share with you seven really great fun family things to do while staying at Emerald Lake Lodge! We will be sure to be back again. It’s honestly addicting to visit and disconnect!
Our drive from home to Emerald Lake Lodge is about 6-7 hours, depending on how many stops we take. The kids pre-downloaded their movies on Netflix, grab snacks, Nitendo DS and colouring sheets and they are good as gold. This trip we worked with Mercedes Canada and had the opportunity to drive the new 2021 GLA 250 Mercedes. It was such a smooth drive and both kids had so much space in the back which led to less bickering which is always a plus!
It was such a bonus having this driving through snowy terrain with full equipped snow tires.
Special Features Included:
- Heated Front Seats
- Power Folding Side Mirrors
- Brake Assist
- Rearview Camera
- Panoramic Sunroof
- LED Headlamps & Taillamps
- Tire Pressure Loss Warning System
- ECO Start & Stop
- 4MATIC All Wheel Drive
The 2021 GLA 250 Mercedes was by far one of our most comfortable rides through a long road trip. There was such a sense of security as well driving through dense areas and plowing through all the snow. We knew that it was reliable to get us to our destination.
Emerald Lake Lodge
Things to know… when you first arrive parking your vehicle will be in the first parking lot on the left coming up the road. Once you park your car, inside the little lodge you’ll find a phone where you call reception and a shuttle will come grab you to take you to the main lodge. It’s very secluded and relaxing. No vehicles can drive on the lodge lake except for resort vehicles.
Reservations are a really great idea because they do book fast. Right now there is a deal, if you stay two nights you get your third night free. There is also no tv in the room. It’s equipped with fireplaces and coffee machines. But honestly this is the place to go to disconnect. We love it. Anything you need when you’re comfy in your room can be delivered to your room to. So there is no need to stress about anything.
“When you visit Emerald Lake Lodge, you follow in the footsteps of legendary guide Tom Wilson – who discovered this magical location more than 130 years ago. With its century-old fireplaces and an oak bar salvaged from an 1890’s Yukon saloon, there is no shortage of history within these walls.“
6 Things To Do While Visiting Emerald Lake
- Emerald Lake Lodge Outdoor Hot Tub
We packed up all three girls, us two moms and just enjoyed the hot tub. In the Winter it is the most amazing. The snow covered mountain views, the quick dip in the hot tub and out on the snow. It’s so relaxing and honestly the best hot tub! haha Right now they only allow 5 in at once, unless you are apart of a family. Then everyone can join in!
2. Cilantro Bistro Mount Burgess Restaurant & Kicking Horse Lounge
Both such a good spot for a bite to eat. Cilantro is more causal while Mount Burgess is more high end dining. Cilantro is walk in as well, but defiantly physical distancing so tables are separated. Such a great lunch and dinner menu with more chill foods burgers, wings, fries. We took the kids for lunch and Ella indulged in the pizza and Owen loved the chicken fingers. Mount Burgess is to die for, we ate here all three nights and couldn’t get enough. Also they have a kids menu for the little ones. Drew loved the chicken and I loved the beef. Where we all were drooling over the cheesecake! Be sure to make a reservation or wing it and chill in the lounge. This is also the only place to grab wifi. So one morning I snuck down to the fireplace in the lounge for coffee and check my emails!
Mount Burgess Hours of Operation Kicking Horse Menu until 5pm
Breakfast Open daily: 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Dinner Open daily : 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Cilantro Cafe
Hours of Operation
Open daily: 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
3. Hike Emerald Lake Loop
Holy! This hike was incredible. We didn’t get a chance to hike it when we visited in October but this time we did. It is 5.1km around the whole lake and right now the lake is frozen and gorgeous. It took us almost an hour and half. The mountains were surrounding and if your quiet enough you can hear avalanches in the distance. Around the back of the lodge you’ll also spot a few other really great hikes as well which are cleared to see!
4. Fire Pit For Smores
The kids loved this just as much as the adults. The fire pit is in the centre of the main lodge and cottages. With wood bundles nearby as well as everything you need like newspapers, matches and kindling right there. Inside the main lodge the reception helped us get smore kits and sticks! We warmed up by the fire and it was so much fun.
5. Snow Shoeing & Cross Country Skiing
This is something that we didn’t do but our friends and their little ones went and had a great time. There are cross country skis small enough for little ones but only adult snow shoes. There are tons of trails wrapped around and on the lake so you can easily follow the trails!
Bucket list was checked off here. We went on a Friday, early morning I think we got there at 9:30-10am. Either way I recommend a weekday and morning. It was bright and blue! Such a gorgeous day. The drive from Emerald Lake to Lake Louise only takes about 30 minutes to 45 minutes. It’s not that far away which is perfect. We went inside the Fairmont Lake Louise to Alpine Social Rentals and we rented skates and helmets for the whole family for two hours. It was just the right amount of time. Once it started to get later in the morning it defiantly got more busier which is when we scooted.
A mini zamboni would go by every once in a while. The kids had a great time. There are lots of benches nearby the lake to put on your skates, lots of hand sanitizers and lots of social distancing. Drew and I have been wanting to head to Lake Louise to skate since the first time we visited. We just didn’t even know you could rent skates until we really researched it for this most recent trip. Either way, if you bring your own you just jump on the ice! Easy as that!
Keisha Lynne, xx
{Disclosure this post was sponsored post as part of an collaboration program, however all opinions are my own}