What's up fellow travelers, hikers and mountain lovers!
A few of you already found me out and I know you have been waiting for one of these yet I keep posting that other crap!! What gives? I'm finally giving in, time to give the people what they want and been waiting for. Lets see how many more will discover my little secret. A few years back, I had gone on a quick day trip to Emerald Lake and took a hike around the most beautiful vivid emerald color lake we are familiar with all over the Canadian Rockies.
I quickly realized one day spent at this gem just wasn't enough to fully take it in and I wanted more...so much more! A return was in order. With so many other wonderful places, it quickly took a backseat and made it's way to the long bucket list to visit that keeps getting longer with every trip. The Rockies is my favorite playground, all of it and trust me when I say there is a lot of land to cover especially on foot.
This precious gem is located in Yoho National Park in British-Columbia near Fields, a small town with not to many places to stay but at the resort. It's pretty close to Banff NP, just on the other side of Lake Louise, another world renowned tourist destination, staying in Banff or Canmore is probably the most affordable way to go and just drive to the lake for the day.
As I mentioned, there is a resort to stay at the lake but it's actually very expensive to stay even for a night that can cost up around $700 or more for one night in a cabin near the historic lodge that was first established in 1902 by Canadian pacific railway after the lake's discovery by Tom Wilson in 1882. In 1979, the lodge was bought for the purpose of turning it into a lovely resort getaway experience in the Canadian wilderness further expanding the property to 24 cabins to accommodate guests that re-opened in 1986 upon completion of the project.
I always thought this was a little outside my price range and could only dream of winning the lottery to be able to afford a small stay. Living just a few hours from my beloved mountains, we keep an eye for last minute discounted accommodations when they go unfilled and they just want to fill the cabins at whatever cost. somehow with a lucky strike, like discovering that big gold nugget in disguise, Emerald Lake Lodge had a super deal of $200 CAD per night pretty much during my partner and I's 12 year anniversary! Thank you universe! It almost sounded too good to be true, my friends it was real!
Still rather expensive but compared to the normal pricing, we took our stroke of luck and indulged ourselves in the luxurious wilderness cabin escape for 4 days, what if that was our only chance? we book our accommodations and a few days later, we were all packed up and on the road to this exciting journey. Of course, it's like 6 hours drive away from our home and the days are short here in the fall season, it was already dark when we got there and couldn't take in the full view right away. We would have to wait until the next day to see our dream as a reality.
Shameless in my PJ's in a highscale resort haha, unapologetically me! In my defence, it was like 8pm but I was in my pj's the whole drive for comfort. On the menu, Bison burger
The bar and kitchen was still open, why not indulge in a drink and a meal, after all, we had been on the road for quite some time and during check-in at the main lodge, our breath was taken away by the large historic stone fireplace that filled many of the walls of the lodge, in the lobby, near couches, on the second floor, the hard wood finish you would expect from such a place just completed the luxurious look. Since it is located in bear country, keeping the grizzly population at bay isn't easy in such a remote location and food is an attractant. In order to keep guests safe, no food is allowed on the resort or personal cabins beside what the lodge offers. Sounds like a gimmick but trust me, the risk is real and we were pleased to see how seriously they take guest safety.
All night, I could hardly sleep in anticipation of the precious view that was imprinted in my mind from the last visit, it was impossible to forget. Many favor Lake Louise, but this is quite the sight and I prefer it over it's near-by more popular counterpart. As anxious as I was to experience it's glory, in the morning the fog over the lake is pretty thick and it's hard to see anything until noon. A proper day starts with a proper breakfast and a few cups of coffee. We headed back to the main lodge to explore the menu further. Everything looked so delicious, I was anticipating trying EVERY SINGLE THING ON IT during our stay, this was a good place to start.
We had to change cabins late at night after the pipes froze and suddenly found ourselves with no water so the resort gifted us with 2 free breakfast for our troubles, now it was time to indulge and take the most expensive thing on the menu. A plate filled with delicious Bison sausage, their home smoked bacon, eggs pan potatoes, fruits, homemade saskatoon berry jam, it even came in it's own individual portion country jar. The plates were so full, we could hardly finish it but we did our best and the bread ended up as the sacrifice but finished everything else of a more gourmet value.
Now here came the first dilemma of the day, we were so full we could hardly move and we had a day of hiking and exploring planned, perhaps we could just push each other down the hill and roll away like a ball rather than hike, it was a mountain after all, in theory, it works 🤣. Good thing the view was too magnificent to rush anything so we slowly made our way around catching every angle as the fog was beginning to lift from the lake revealing the mountain and it's reflection.
Most lakes, the stillness required for a perfect reflection that may happen either early in the morning or closer to golden hour before sundown. Not here, as long as it's not windy, the crisp reflection greets every one of it's visitors all day with an impressive double landscape. What a dream, I had to pinch myself to make sure this was real! Being in the colder months, the lake isn't the deep emerald green it is in the summer but quite a worthy view and picture perfect nonetheless.
It is possible for non guest of the resort to visit at anytime since it's in a National Park and open to anyone with the proper park pass required, only the kitchen, shuttle and other services are reserved for guests only. A pass will cost about $20 CAD a day or a year round pass for any of the Canadian national parks for just under $150 CAD. The pass offers certain perks like free entry to certain exhibits across the Rockies along with discounts and the privilege of avoiding line-ups over those with a day pass. In other words, there are enough perks to make the yearly pass well worth it.
The money generated gets divided and supports various conservation programs along with establishing easier access and building parking lots to accommodate visitors in some of the most remote hard to access locations for ease of enjoyment to a greater number of people. Due to their dangerous nature, many need handrails, bridges and platforms to access and this type of funding is crucial for the park's survival dependent on tourism revenue.
In the summer months, there is canoe rentals available but obviously not in November as the lake is beginning to freeze and perhaps a little to cold to be in the lake. The trail to go around the lake isn't that long and mostly flat, can easily be done at any time of year and very popular. The longer connecting trails are rarely visited in the winter and due to the avalanche risk, are better to be avoided in the snowy months. It was on the agenda for the day but we were still so full that we decided to scrap it altogether since we were going to be there for a few days. This view kept us busy all day anyway and it was the coldest day of the trip, staying near the resort gave us the chance to go warm up every once in a while in the main lodge's many fireplaces.
After a full day of doing next to nothing in the most beautiful place in the world, night was setting in and it was only 5 pm! On the property, another historical building used as a venue for weddings and all kinds of other celebrations that turns into a café in the summer months is coveted by many photographers as the darkness rolls in, the cabin begins to glow with a crisp reflection of the cabin, bridge and the gorgeous mountains in it's stillness. As we were waiting, we met 2 gentlemen waiting for the exact same thing. I can't say I was shocked.
We were all shivering and trying to maintain a conversation without freezing to death but we were sitting ducks and it was cold, just waiting, waiting and waiting. Well after an hour we all got the hint that, it probably wasn't going to happen and we all went our separate ways to our other anticipated plans. We headed back to our cabin to warm up under a good shower and get cleaned up and proper for dinner. with the fine dining experience, we wanted to look our best rather than my usual homeless look I generally sport for the trail 😅. Of course food and drinks around the fireplace was the perfect way to end the night before retiring to our cabin with another fire in our personal fireplace.
Luckily, the next day, they were preparing for a wedding planned for the next day and guess what!! THE LIGHTS CAME ON omg 😍🤑 this was my money shot, it was finally mine, no more drooling and being jealous of other photographer's prized photo as they circulate online, it was finally MINE ALL MINE I was overjoyed and still am. If that wasn't enough, it was lit up again for the wedding so I actually got 2 shots! We met the wedding party as they were visiting the lake area the next day and their eyes sparkled when they realized that their special moment created a different special moment for someone else on their anniversary, like a good omen of sorts for longevity of their own moment. Love was in the air all around...Must be the lake spirits 😘😇
We did end up meeting the same two fellows a few days later in a different near-by National Park, what a small world haha, this happens more often than most would expect and it's great every time. It's a short lived friendship but these little moments with all smiles as we recognized each other like long lost friends become a precious memory forever imprinted in our brains. Naturally the first question they asked, did you get it? and I knew exactly what he was talking about. YESSS SIR I DID. They were relieved to know it didn't happen just after they left and they just didn't stand a chance! Just not meant to be.
We may have been rebels and brought some afterhours contraband, we know bear safety and how to keep things secure. OOPSY, my bad😁😆😁
We did end up doing the hike but that might have to be on another post, this one is pretty long as it is. Haha, looks like I get to be the first pin on the map for this location, continuing my legacy. Figure out who I might be yet? I'm back! 🙃
Cheers my friends! xox
Those reflections are stunning! I'm happy for you that you could enjoy the cabin for much less money and on your anniversary 🙂
I would also be too excited and not able to sleep if such landscape was waiting for me. It looks amazing!
Thank you for sharing!
Pamatuješ na @ladybug146? Moc milá holka z Kanady, co vždy sdílela úžasné fotky Rockies... Tak tohle je ona ;) Nemohla se dostat na svůj starý účet, tak si založila tento. Jsem rád, že jsi na ni narazila. Tvoje fotky z Alp a ty její z Rockies si prohlížím moc rád ;)
Pamätám 🙂 Ale neuvedomila som si, že nepostovala. Ľudia prichádzajú a odchádzajú, tak je ťažké to sledovať. Ale je super, že vytvorila nový účet a vzala to 'športovo'. Neviem ako by som reagovala ja. Tiež som jej posty mala rada 🙂
To som rada, že si moje fotky rád prezeráš 🙂
Thank you! Yes, it was hard to hold out! I got to have plenty of fun chasing the reflections at all times of the day. Thanks for stopping by xox
Thank you for telling us about your trip to Yoho National Park's Emerald Lake. The more you talk about the bright emerald lake and the nice resorts, the more I want to go to the Canadian Rockies. It's great to hear that you got a discount and were able to spend a few days relaxing in the wilderness. I also like how you put a lot of importance on guest safety in bear country and how important it is to follow resort rules. Your pictures are lovely and really show how beautiful Emerald Lake and the old lodge are. Thanks for telling us about your adventure.
I really liked reading your blog, so if you're interested, I'd like to invite you to read mine and vote on it.
If you get the chance to visit the Rockies, you should...promise you won't be disappointed! This was definitely my favorite to visit, sometimes they are all my favorites, hard to choose locations as they all have their unique charm that catches me once I'm there. Yes the discount was great, we do actively look for them since living just a few hours away, it's just a matter of jumping in the truck and going.
Unfortunately, many visitors leave food trash everywhere and it attracts them and they have to be removed, sometimes neutralized (killed). In essence, it works both ways also for the safety of the bears since the parks are supposed to be for conservation first. Thank you for stopping by and your kind comment!
Wonderful this place looking very beautiful with an amazing view the food looks also great hope you enjoyed a lot
Yes it was so beautiful indeed and enjoyed every minute of it! The food tasted as amazing as the view looked, the whole thing gets the Lady Rainbow stamp of approval . Thank you for stopping by!
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This sight is simply amazing! The beautiful and calm natural atmosphere makes my heart feel peaceful.
It certainly was peaceful and I'm happy it also made you peaceful, gotta love when good emotions are felt from my posts. thank you for visiting! xox
There we go. Lady Bug at it again, at her finest. Spectacular pictures as always ;) Love the location and love the lodge. As wild and romantic as it gets. Epic way to celebrate your anniversary guys. Glad that you were able to get that special shot too, looks amazing! :)
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Thank you! ladybug is back 😁, just needed to get a little warmed up I think. The lodge was amazing, the overall vibe. Most guest only stay one night, I feel like I got 4 for the price of one and really had the chance to absorb it all, yes a romantic destination for sure and it was epic... everything just flowed so perfectly.
As always, thanks for stopping by!!😍
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What a wonderful place I'm so jealous 🤭. I've always wanted go to some place like that... In the mountains with snow and a little cabin far of all.
It's expensive but sure it worth it.
It was a great place to visit and glad I got the opportunity to experience it myself in such a way, certainly worth it, every $$. Being remote like that is so peaceful but you also give up other things like internet and cell reception.
Never know what life has in store for you, you might get your own experience of cabin with snow cap mountains. thanks for visiting my post! 😍
so beautiful place 💙
Thank you!
Wow 🤩
This looks like heaven .
I could definitely spend some holiday time here.
It was like heaven!! It's a great place to stay. I love any time spent in the mountains.
Lovely
One of my goal in life is to travel the world and see the beautiful nature out there.
It's so wonderful to hear about your return to Emerald Lake and the amazing adventure you had. Your love for the Canadian Rockies and all the beautiful sights it has to offer is truly inspiring. It takes a lot of courage to chase your dreams, and you did it! Your passion for travel and adventure is admirable, and your dedication to making the most of your experiences is truly remarkable.
Your photos are breathtaking, and it's evident that you had an amazing time during your stay at Emerald Lake Lodge. I'm so happy that you were able to snag such a great deal, and that you enjoyed every moment of your luxurious wilderness cabin escape. It's great to see someone being unapologetically themselves and having a blast doing it.
Thank you for sharing your story with us, it's truly an inspiration to others to follow their dreams and pursue their passions. Keep up the great work, and keep sharing your amazing adventures with the world.
Happy to be !ALIVE
AWWWE, your comment is so sweet! 😍
Life is about balance and what we make of it. Too easy to get lost in the rat race(responsibilities), this is a good place to shake it off. Like hitting the reset button.
I did have an amazing time, hopefully I get to be experience it again but I certainly enjoyed it like it was going to be my only chance just in case. You know what they say, middle aged women start to not care so much what people think. I like just being me, it's a lot less pressure. If I can encourage others to be more themselves and chasing their dreams, it was all worth it!
I def will be sharing more of my trips to the rockies, I have no issues finding any excuse to go lol. Thank you for stopping by and this great comment.
$WINE
Wow, spectacular shots! I love this place. The dilemma of eating too much, then trying to hike shortly after is real..I have learned to cut back on the food a lot when out and about, breakfast is almost nothing for me, but bring a lot of trail mix type stuff and munch away as needed.
Thanks! Yeah, it's hard not to love it, it's so amazing and relaxing. Normally I would watch my food intake for hikes and like you bring snacks but food like this I indulged to the max all 4 days until the minute we left. I did gain a bit of weight haha, I lost it back by now but all the food there was sooo good, especially them deserts...OMG
As always, thanks for stopping by! 😍
What amazing scenery! So happy for you and your partner that this was something that could be done together and enjoyed. Hey, maybe bears love maple rye too?
Pictures still doesn't do it justice. They probably do, they like sweets they probably don't care if it comes with a kick haha...funny berries 😆
What a beautiful and engaging post! I thoroughly enjoyed reading about your experience at Emerald Lake Lodge. The pictures are breathtaking and I can only imagine how amazing it must have been to witness in person.
Thank you for this sweet comment and I'm glad you enjoyed it! Everything is so much better in person, the view is breathtaking, the pictures hardly do it justice, the all day reflections are superb and unlike any other lake in the Rockies. Thank you for stopping by!
Nice photographs 🧗♀️
Thank you!
What took you so long to get this post out? tut tut tut 😁
Seriously, good to have you back
Bahahaha I know right! I dunno, it just wasn't flowing and since it's a labor of love, I didn't want to force it until my brain was just right. Maybe my brain was a bit of a rusty bucket, had to warm it up with a few posts first.
I'm glad to be back. It feels good to write again. Thanks for stopping by Sweetie! 😍
Romania has one or two Emerald lakes too but it's hard to compare the landscapes of my home country with those from Canada which always seems like is home to all the outstanding views. Can't wait to read more about the hike tho! :D
I'm sure Romania his hiding some gems of her own, the landscape is so unique all around the world, we always crave what is far away, it's the dreamer in us!
It's hard to beat the Rockies, these mountains are giant. We are a large country compare to most of European ones so it's easy to have so much landscape when we are half of a continent! Can't wait to post about it just for you 😁. Thank you for stopping by.
What a beautiful place!! I love how you smile in the pictures, clearly you spent a great time over there!! The. Lake is stunning, and I can’t believe how the sky and the whole landscape is reflecting in the water. It’s a place to dream! And to have a tasty beer as well!
AWE Thank you, your so sweet! I had a great time indeed, everything needed is there, no need to stray from the stunning reflection, it looked like that all day for 4 days, had lots of time to take it all in. I will have a part two with a hike around the lake full of more reflections in the next couple of days. The place that just kept on giving! Thank you for stopping by 😍
It’s so cool 🌺😍
Thank you!
Good food, great company, dope hotel and beautiful nature! Couldn't ask for more @ladyrainbow!
The mountain reflections on the lake are freaking awesome, rad photos!
Thank you! The reflections were something special, it looked so much better in person too. Everything was so super, like you said couldn't ask for more. Thanks for stopping by 😁
And just like the number one post on HIVE Trending! :) Well done have a !BEER on me.
Not to bad, a trending post in the first 2 weeks, I feel like I never left!! Thank you Brother, I was getting pretty thirsty celebrating my glory! I knew I could count on your experience on brews. Thanks for stopping by! xox
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Thank you!