Emerald Lake Lodge

Activities & Events in the Rockies

• Banff/Lake Louise Events
• Banff Centre Events

Winter Activities

X-Country Skiing & Snowshoeing
There are numerous established and brand new trails around Emerald Lake that are marked and mapped. Ski rentals and instruction are available.
More information about trails and Emerald Sports

Downhill Skiing
The Canadian Rocky Mountains are home to some of the best skiing in North America, consistently ranked alongside Whistler/Blackcomb and Vail/Aspen.  Nearby ski resorts are:

• Lake Louise
• Sunshine Village
• Mount Norquay
• Kicking Horse
• Ski Big 3

Ice Skating
A portion of Emerald Lake near Cilantro is cleared for ice skating.

Other winter activities available in the area:

• Snowmobiling
• Waterfall Ice Climbing
• Tobogganing
• Ice Fishing
• Dog Sledding

Summer Activities

Hiking, Rock Climbing and Day Tours
Explore the second highest waterfall in Canada - Takakkaw Falls, the beauty of Lake O'Hara, the Natural Bridge, the Burgess Shale or the Spiral Tunnels (the CPR train track inside a mountain). We can also arrange guides or provide maps and directions. The surrounding mountains and wilderness offer something for every level of hiking/mountaineering experience and fitness.

Interpretive Hikes

• Yoho Pass to Takakkaw Falls: We will follow the Emerald Lake Trail around the lake to the Yoho Pass junction. The trail traverses a gravel outwash plain, climbs through the pass to Yoho Lake and descends to Whiskey Jack Hostel near Takakkaw Falls. Then travel across Yoho Valley to the base of Takakkaw Falls. (Elevation gain: 530m) (14kms one way)
  Takakkaw Falls hike map
• Hamilton Lake: We start the trail from the Emerald Lake Parks Parking Lot and follow the trail to Hamilton Falls. Follow the trail past Hamilton falls on a steady climb to a classic alpine lake. (Elevation gain: 850m) (11kms return)
  Hamilton Lake hike map
• Emerald Basin: Following around Emerald Lake trail around the lake to the Emerald Basin junction. After a short, steep section the trail levels. It ends in a natural amphitheatre of hanging glaciers and avalanche paths. (Elevation gain: 225m) (9.2kms return)
  Emerald Basin hike map
  
  
• Emerald Lake Lodge hikes flyer
• All scheduled hikes are weather permitting.  Please ask the front desk for details.
• Hike Waiver

Mountain Biking
There are countless mountain bike trails and numerous road riding options in Banff and Lake Louise. Biking is an excellent way to explore this very special place. Trails range from easy to difficult and the biking season typically extends from May to October.

• Mountain bike trail information
• Mountain bike rental information

White Water Rafting
White water rafting down the Kicking Horse River, exhilarating and wet! Numerous outfitters available.

Canoeing
The nearby boathouse rents canoes and accessories to our guests - an excellent way to fully appreciate the beauty and tranquility of Emerald Lake. All with the magnificent Mount Burgess towering overhead.

Fishing
Fishing is available at Emerald Lake from July 1st - October 31st (Please note permits are required) Other nearby fishing spots are: Wapta Lake, Ross Lake, Moraine Lake, Kicking Horse River and Fly Fishing in Golden.

Maps

• Yoho Backcountry Map
• Yoho Cross Country Skiing Map

• Emerald Lake Lodge will be closed for maintenance from 11am April 12, 2010 until April 23, 2010 at 4pm.
• The lodge will be closed for maintenance from 11am October 13, 2010, reopening at 4pm, November 17, 2010.