The 10 Most Romantic National Park Lodges In Canada
Canada is well known for its national parks. Often located in remote wildernesses, many of these parks feature accommodations for visitors. While several of the towns and cities near these parks have hotels and motels, staying at a lodge inside or near a national park's borders is the most romantic and luxurious way to experience these iconic protected wildlands.
Uncover 10 of the best lodges you can find inside or near the gates of some of Canada's favorite national parks. They will have you romanticizing these wonderful destinations and planning a whole lot more than just a simple day trip.
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, Banff National Park, Alberta
The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, located in the renowned Banff National Park in Alberta, offers a romantic escape amidst the breathtaking beauty of the Canadian Rockies. Situated along the turquoise waters of Lake Louise, the eye-opening lodge will give you unobstructed views of Victoria Glacier across the water.
Built in 1890 as a simple log cabin (with several expansions in the early 1900s), its timeless design includes luxurious rooms, shops, bars, and fine dining options. Here, you can enjoy year-round activities such as canoeing, hiking, and ice skating directly from the property. Moreover, the on-site spa offers relaxing treatments, ideal for unwinding after a day of adventure.
Additionally, the dining options range from casual to gourmet, featuring menus with dishes inspired by local ingredients, from fresh elk steaks to cocktails supplied by local distilleries.
Its secluded yet accessible location from Banff and Calgary makes the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise a quintessential destination for anyone seeking natural beauty and refined comfort, whether in the summer or a ski trip in the winter.
The Lodge at Bow Lake, Banff National Park, Alberta
Lodge at Bow Lake sits along the shores of Bow Lake in Banff National Park, offering a quintessential Canadian Rockies experience. Built in the early 1920s, this romantic lodge features rustic log architecture and cozy interiors, giving it a real cottage-like vibe that totally fits into the wildernesses of Canada. The lodge offers simple yet comfortable accommodations, with a number of rooms having balconies that overlook the lake, too.
You can take in clear views of Bow Glacier and the surrounding peaks, making it an excellent base for landscape photography, hiking, and exploring nearby attractions such as Peyto Lake and the Icefields Parkway. With its proximity to some of Banff's most iconic landscapes, Lodge at Bow Lake is a practical choice for traveling through the area.
Elk Ridge Resort, Prince Albert National Park, Saskatchewan
Elk Ridge Resort, located at the eastern boundaries of Prince Albert National Park, is a scenic retreat amidst Saskatchewan's central boreal forests and lakes. This year-round resort features a variety of accommodations, including lodge rooms and townhouses. It also contains a beautiful golf course with an attached conference center.
Elk Ridge's on-site restaurants, which include The Wyld at Elk Ridge Resort and Fredrich, serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. More dining options can be found in the town of Waskesiu Lake, which sits on the shore of a lake of the same name. The town also has a sandy beach and other attractions like Prince Albert National Park Nature Centre.
Be sure to check out the park’s network of maintained trails, which are ideal for hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing, with the chance to see species like elk, black bears, and white-tailed deer. You can also rent a canoe at the Waskesiu Lake Marina or bring your own to paddle almost any of the numerous lakes in Prince Albert National Park.
In the winter, the area attracts cross-country skiers, snowshoers, and ice fishers to its maintained and backcountry trails and lakes.
Prince of Wales Hotel, Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta
The Prince of Wales Hotel is an iconic landmark within Waterton Lakes National Park, in southern Alberta (very close to the border of Montana). Perched on a hilltop, the hotel offers breathtaking views of the park, including Upper Waterton Lake, the town of Waterton below, and the surrounding Rocky Mountains that sweep across the American border.
Completed in 1927, this hotel has been a favorite for romantic getaways and vacations, including members of British royalty, for almost a century.
There is a lot to see and nearby, from hiking the scenic trails around the lake to taking a boat tour or exploring the nearby townsite. The hotel’s location provides immediate access to some of the park’s most notable features, including Red Rock Canyon and the abundant wildlife in the area.
Whatever you may do while here, this is another famous Canadian UNESCO World Heritage Site that is a must-see for anyone traveling through the area.
Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, Jasper National Park, Alberta
Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge is a renowned resort located in the heart of Jasper, Alberta. Set along the shores of Beauvert Lake, this romantic lodge features a huge selection of rooms and on-site amenities. Guests can choose from charming cedar chalets and cabins to rooms in the main lodge building, many with views of the lake or surrounding mountains.
Known for its exceptional outdoor activities, the lodge's grounds alone feature access to an award-winning golf course, extensive footpaths, and winter sports such as ice skating and cross-country skiing. Wildlife sightings, including elk and deer, are common on the grounds as well.
With its blend of luxury and natural beauty, the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge provides an ideal base for exploring Jasper National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site containing landmarks such as Pyramid Lake, the Jasper SkyTram, and Maligne Lake, just to name a few.
Emerald Lake Lodge, Yoho National Park, British Columbia
Emerald Lake Lodge, located within Yoho National Park, is set on a narrow spit of land jutting out into the stunning glacial waters of Emerald Lake. Constructed in 1902 by the Canadian Pacific Railway, this famous lodge has a distinct historical charm with timber construction and cozy stone fireplaces throughout. Accommodations include private guest cabins and rooms within the main lodge.
The lodge’s Mount Burgess Dining Room highlights regional cuisine, including game meats and local produce. Another on-site eatery is Cilantro On The Lake, which serves up more basic fare, a perfect spot for lunch with a view after a day outdoors.
Hiking trails and canoe launches are easily accessible directly from the property. Emerald Basin and Hamilton Falls are popular trails, while a simple hike on the shores provides an opportunity to see the area to people of all fitness levels.
With its breathtaking surroundings and easy access to the town of Field, and other Yoho attractions, such as Takakkaw Falls and the Burgess Shale, Emerald Lake Lodge is a timeless favorite among tourists in the Canadian Rocky Mountains.
Moraine Lake Lodge, Banff National Park, Alberta
Moraine Lake Lodge overlooks Moraine Lake, one of Banff National Park's most famous natural landmarks. Surrounded by the Valley of the Ten Peaks, this lodge provides unmatched access to what is also widely considered one of the most stunning landscapes in the entire world.
Here, guests can choose from a limited selection of rooms, all featuring handcrafted furniture and breathtaking views from adjacent balconies. This lodge is also notable for operating sustainably. With no televisions or telephones in guest rooms, visitors are encouraged to fully disconnect and embrace their natural surroundings.
Complimentary canoe rentals and guided hikes are available to enhance the experience for those staying at Moraine Lake Lodge. Trails you can walk to right from your room include the Moraine Lake Rockpile Trail, and the Consolations Lakes Trail, a pathway that will allow you to break away from the crowds that often gather at Moraine and take you to another, more private, glacial lake nearby.
Auberge De l’île Aux Perroquets, Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve, Quebec
Auberge De l'île Aux Perroquets is a romantic and remote lodge located on the scenic Île aux Perroquets, within the Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve in Quebec. Accessible only by boat or helicopter, this secluded inn offers a truly immersive experience in one of eastern Canada’s most pristine natural environments.
The historic inn is housed in a restored lighthouse keeper’s residence, with rooms that have views of nearby islands and the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
During your stay, make time to explore the archipelago's remarkable landscapes, including its famous limestone monoliths and diverse wildlife, such as puffins, seals, and migratory birds. The island also contains various trails, and boat launches for kayakers. Guided boat tours for a closer look at the region’s ecosystems are also available to book.
Fairmont Banff Springs, Banff National Park, Alberta
The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel has the appropriate nickname of "Castle in the Rockies." It is one of Canada’s most iconic and romantic lodges, located inside Banff National Park.
Opened in 1888, this historic luxury hotel offers grand accommodations with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and Bow Valley. Although notoriously pricey, the hotel features a range of rooms, suites, and signature cabins, all designed with elegant furnishings and modern amenities that will make you feel like a king. Definitely try out one of the restaurants within the hotel, with Castello Italiana and The Vermillion Room serving as higher-end options.
During your stay, explore the picturesque downtown Banff, too, or visit natural attractions such as Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, or Johnston Canyon.
If you are here in the winter, try to hit up a local ski resort with several world-class options located close by, like Sunshine Village and the Lake Louise Ski Area.
Glacier House Resort, Glacier National Park, British Columbia
Glacier House Resort, nestled along the Columbia River near the entrances of both Mount Revelstoke National Park and Glacier National Park, is one of the best of its kind in British Columbia. Surrounded by dense forests and the snowcapped peaks in the Selkirk Range of the Columbia Mountains, this lodge offers a mix of regular rooms and log cabins to rent.
The resort is an excellent base for exploring the park’s highlights, including the Rogers Pass National Historic Site and the extensive hiking trails that wind through Glacier's scenic meadows and glaciers. In winter, it’s a haven for backcountry skiing and snowmobiling.
A trip to the nearby town of Revelstoke is also recommended, where its historic streets are filled with many great eateries, bars, shops, and other attractions. The Revelstoke Railway Museum is a particularly popular locale, highlighting the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway with its collection of unique train cars and other related exhibits.
Within the lodge, you can relax in the indoor pool or enjoy meals at the on-site restaurant, which emphasizes hearty mountain cuisine.
Stay the Night in One of Canada's National Parks
With these accommodations in mind, a stay at any of the national park lodges can be made into a truly luxurious romantic getaway. From the Rocky Mountains to Canada's Atlantic coast, these lodges represent among the best this country's robust park system has to offer.
Whether you are looking to hike in Alberta or canoe on a lake in Saskatchewan, definitely try to add one of these iconic landmarks for the full experience. Even if you are not staying the night, most of these spots feature highly recommended restaurants and other activities to partake in during the day.