Tucked away just off the world-famous Icefields Parkway sits a historic retreat, The Lodge at Bow Lake.
Words :: Carina Ludgate
Whether you’re coming from the north or south end of the legendary Icefields Parkway in Alberta, Canada, you can’t miss a bright red roof peeking through the trees as you approach the magnificent turquoise glacial waters of Bow Lake. Nestled between Crowfoot and Bow Glaciers and under the watchful eye of Mount Jimmy Simpson (named for The Lodge’s 1922 founder), The Lodge at Bow Lake is a historic must-see for visitors to Banff National Park.
With check-in between 3 pm and 5 pm, I want to get to The Lodge in good time to soak in the beauty and sneak in a little après-hike happy hour (or après-ski if you’re visiting in the winter). Walking through the front doors promptly at 3 pm, I am greeted warmly by their team, after which I am continually addressed by my first name — a personalized touch that I love.
Upon check-in, I am led up a solid set of wooden stairs (no doubt part of the original 100-year-old structure), guided down a hallway filled with historic pictures of the people who brought The Lodge to life so many years ago, and shown my quarters — a spacious, simple room, yet elegantly rustic. The best part? Out every window are magnificent views of Bow Lake and the surrounding peaks. I can’t wait to snuggle under the inviting duvet, but curiosity calls me beyond the walls of my room.
I head back downstairs to Jimmy’s Living Room to enjoy the light snacks put out by the friendly Lodge staff. Ambling up to the bar for something to whet my palate, I meet The Lodge’s co-owner and CEO, Bruce Millar, who informs me of the house special: Bruce’s Famous Pisco Sour. Not one to pass up a famous libation, I happily imbibe while Bruce tells me more about the place.
Acquired in 2022 by a new group of owners who are deeply committed to the stewardship of the property and the land, The Lodge underwent restoration in 2023. The tasteful updates bring the building to modern-day standards while maintaining the natural and historic character of the original dwelling. The Lodge’s architectural uniqueness is not something to be missed. With an octagonal shape and multifaceted roof peaks, there isn’t anything quite like it as mountain lodges go in Western Canada.
At 6:30 pm, the other guests and I make our way to the Elkhorn Dining Room to tuck into a four-course dinner. The large dining room is a warm, welcoming space with big, picturesque windows and adorned with old trophy heads from Jimmy Simpson and his visitors. Guests are seated together at long tables, encouraging you to get to know your fellow adventurers. The dinner menu is a thoughtful curation of local ingredients turned into delicious, hearty dishes offered with a carefully selected drink menu. All of your meals at The Lodge (breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner) are included in the price of your stay — a wonderful feature that saves you the stress (and cost!) of having to find somewhere to eat.
After dinner, some guests retire to their rooms, while others continue the evening back in Jimmy’s Living Room, where a library of books, games, and a toasty fire keep you entertained before bed. Having had a busy day of travel, I opt for the former and make my way back to my room to indulge in the Rocky Mountain Soap Company products I find in my shower. After a good night’s sleep, I’m ready for a full day of exploring the area around The Lodge.
Breakfast is served at 8:00 am and consists of a couple of options for guests, depending on their preference. I go for the Mountaineer’s Breakfast: fresh fruit, yogurt, granola, and a house-made croissant. Delightful! While we dine and sip our coffee, The Lodge staff lay out an incredible buffet of sandwiches, veggies, granola bars, cookies, and fruit, and invite guests to pack their bagged lunch on their way out for the day. I grab mine, add it to my pack, and depart toward the trailhead for the hike to Bow Falls — literally out the back door of The Lodge.
While I pick something closer, The Lodge is ideally situated as a home base for loads of Rocky Mountain adventuring. With its central location, you’re never more than a quick drive from four national parks, countless destinations, and historic sites. Open during both summer and winter seasons, The Lodge is a central point for all sorts of activities, no matter the time of year.
After my day of hiking, I’m already looking forward to returning to The Lodge for another fantastic meal and find myself excited to hear what my fellow guests saw during their day of exploring. Not to mention, I’m salivating at the thought of another one of Bruce’s Famous Pisco Sours. With so much to see, do, and experience, I can understand why The Lodge has a two-night minimum for guests, and really, two nights doesn’t seem like enough to fully experience the wonder, relaxation, and magic of the place. As I depart on my third day, I’m already excited for my next visit to The Lodge at Bow Lake.
Article sponsored by The Lodge at Bow Lake.
