Emerald Lake Lodge

Emerald Lake itself is absolutely stunning and well deserving of its name. The water sparkles, and the setting is magical, though with so many day visitors, it’s hard to fully enjoy the natural beauty in peace. The lodges are tucked among the trees, which feels secluded, but it also meant we didn’t have much of a lake view despite being so close. They are described as “lodges,” but in reality each building contains four units with very little sound insulation, so it doesn’t feel like a private cabin. The décor is tired and basic, and while our room had been given a standard clean, it really needed a proper deep clean. The bathroom was closer to two-star standard, oddly contrasted by L’Occitane toiletries. The waffle robes were poor quality — my husband even got a static shock putting one on! Check-in (around 5 p.m.) was disappointing. We were told we could eat in the restaurant or try the bar on a first-come, first-served basis. When we opted for the restaurant, we were promptly told it was full due to a large group booking, and the games room was also closed for the same group. We visited in August, but it felt like summer is dominated by coach tours staying overnight, which puts pressure on catering and facilities. Another frustration was the arrival process: you park in a large lot, ring for collection, and wait for a very tired-looking minibus to take you to the lodge. The staff accommodation is also at this car park, so it serves both staff and guests. The team were all friendly, but service felt student-led or run by temporary staff passing through. There didn’t seem to be much oversight to deliver the “high-end” experience they’re aiming for. The food in the bar was good, and staff were pleasant - they served our main while we were still eating our starter, so we sent it away. This was clearly just left on the pass, as my salmon was returned crisp! Kayaks are available to rent at CAD 100 per hour (from 10 a.m.), but queues start forming at 8:30 a.m. with day visitors. Overall, the lake is breathtaking and absolutely worth seeing, but stay elsewhere. The lodge is overpriced for what it offers.

Emerald Lake is beautiful, and walking around the lake or canoeing it are both spectacular experiences. We've been a few time and would come more often if it was more affordable.

A truly one of a kind experience. To wake up in the morning and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea on the our balcony all the way to catch sunset as it hit the mountain tops superb. The facilities and room were exceptional. We stayed in a newly renovated queen room with a view of the lake, and we were very impressed with the room itself. The staff ensured we were welcome taken care of from the moment we arrived. We were greeted and helped by a friendly shuttle driver, and then front desk. They offer delivery of your bag to your cabin. The front desk was able to assist us with answering questions about hikes in the area, and even had bear spray available for rent for hotel guests. We dined at both the lounge and the Mount Burgess dining room. Highly recommend trying them both. Would highly recommend staying at Emerald Lake Lodge!

From the moment we arrived and the phone for the shuttle bus not working this visit to this hotel was a complete disaster. After finally being given our room 1hr and 30mins after arriving we found our room to be in an awful condition. The room had not been cleaned properly from the dirty carpet to the hairs in the bathroom it was truly horrible. It was clear that not a penny had been spent on the room for 30/40 years and the furnishings didn’t do justice to the word justice. The staff seemed disinterested and perhaps disillusioned from any direction from management if that is any management exist(we didn’t see anyone in charge). The hotel advertises peace and serenity. What a complete joke that is as there are literally thousands of visitors running roughshod over the entire hotels property with them there from 9am until 6pm. The lack of TVs and WiFi probably says more about the owners unwillingness to spend any money more than them wanting peace and serenity. We booked the hotel through MyCanadatrips and are disappointed that they recommend this very poor hotel. The views at the lake are incredible and would encourage everyone to visit but stay away from this hotel. They do not deserve the business.

The only positive of this place is the amazing views and location. So if this is what you are looking for I would 100% recommend visiting for a couple of hours. Please don’t stay. It sells its self as a peaceful haven to unwind and disconnect with the outside world. In reality there are hundreds of tourists streaming past your chalet from 9am -6pm. The shuttle bus from the car park cannot even get over the bridge for the amount of tourists blocking it. The accommodation is in outdated, unclean cabins which look like they haven’t changed since the 1970s, the bath was badly stained, tile grout dirty and the shower head fitted so low we couldn’t stand under it. The staff all seem young and stressed with no managers in sight and when we asked to be moved to a clean cabin we were moved to another one which was just the same and given a breakfast voucher. We were told the manager would be in touch but wasnt around to speak to us. The restaurant is very expensive and not worth the money they charge. We were so looking forward to our stay here as recommended by Mycanadatrips but it was so disappointing and nothing like we were expecting!