We’ve lived in the Rocky Mountains for almost 20 years, but for some bizarre reason, we’ve never stayed at Mount Engadine Lodge. Maybe it’s a case of wanting to take vacations farther from home, but I certainly regret not staying sooner!
Located at the base of Mount Engadine and Mount Shark in Spray Lakes Provincial Park, the lodge is accessible in 90 minutes from Calgary, Alberta, Canada, or less if you’re travelling from Banff. This location is a serious mecca for outdoor activities. If you’re a winter warrior, strap on your snowshoes or skies and literally head right out the front door into some of the best snow the Rockies have to offer. If you’re more of a cross-country ski buff, you can explore the meadow below the lodge, or take a short drive to the Peter Lougheed Provincial Park and enjoy an impressive trail system that is rated for skier ability. If you’ve got some cash burning a hole in your pocket, enjoy a helicopter tour or go dog sledding to fully appreciate the beauty of the area. Our intention was to rent fat-bikes, but the -30 degree reading in the car told us that wasn’t happening. We tolerate cold, but with the wind chill, it was unbearably cold. If the cold isn’t your thing, in the summer you can hike, bike, or trail run without having to get in your car to go anywhere. As a bonus, the friendly and accommodating staff at the lodge will pack you a hearty lunch so you don’t need to worry about getting hangry on the trail.
Ok, we need to talk food. The Lodge has got it dialed. When we arrived, the staff made us “afternoon high tea” (a.k.a. a charcuterie platter that could have almost been dinner). We had to remember that dinner was being served in 3 hours, and needed to hollow our legs to make room for the serious feast that Chef Leandro Vega created from many locally sourced ingredients. We had some hesitations about the “family-style” dining, but ended up enjoying some great company. For dinner we enjoyed a perfectly cooked Cornish game hen with polenta and seasonal vegetables. Coupled with a (very reasonably priced) house wine, it was a memorable meal. There were some guests with dietary restrictions, and they were fully accommodated, even making a special gluten-free dessert for one guest. After dinner we ended up spending hours in front of the fire playing scrabble and taking advantage of the house wine. Peering outside, we discovered a night sky ablaze with stars, something we forget living a city with light pollution. Even though we only stayed one night, our batteries were recharged. Needless to say we booked our next stay upon check-out. The fat-bikes will be waiting for our return.
Learn more and book your stay now at Mount Engadine Lodge.
We’ve lived in the Rocky Mountains for almost 20 years, but for some bizarre reason, we’ve never stayed at Mount Engadine Lodge. Maybe it’s a case of wanting to take vacations farther from home, but I certainly regret not staying sooner!
Located at the base of Mount Engadine and Mount Shark in Spray Lakes Provincial Park, the lodge is accessible in 90 minutes from Calgary, Alberta, Canada, or less if you’re travelling from Banff. This location is a serious mecca for outdoor activities. If you’re a winter warrior, strap on your snowshoes or skies and literally head right out the front door into some of the best snow the Rockies have to offer. If you’re more of a cross-country ski buff, you can explore the meadow below the lodge, or take a short drive to the Peter Lougheed Provincial Park and enjoy an impressive trail system that is rated for skier ability. If you’ve got some cash burning a hole in your pocket, enjoy a helicopter tour or go dog sledding to fully appreciate the beauty of the area. Our intention was to rent fat-bikes, but the -30 degree reading in the car told us that wasn’t happening. We tolerate cold, but with the wind chill, it was unbearably cold. If the cold isn’t your thing, in the summer you can hike, bike, or trail run without having to get in your car to go anywhere. As a bonus, the friendly and accommodating staff at the lodge will pack you a hearty lunch so you don’t need to worry about getting hangry on the trail.
Ok, we need to talk food. The Lodge has got it dialed. When we arrived, the staff made us “afternoon high tea” (a.k.a. a charcuterie platter that could have almost been dinner). We had to remember that dinner was being served in 3 hours, and needed to hollow our legs to make room for the serious feast that Chef Leandro Vega created from many locally sourced ingredients. We had some hesitations about the “family-style” dining, but ended up enjoying some great company. For dinner we enjoyed a perfectly cooked Cornish game hen with polenta and seasonal vegetables. Coupled with a (very reasonably priced) house wine, it was a memorable meal. There were some guests with dietary restrictions, and they were fully accommodated, even making a special gluten-free dessert for one guest. After dinner we ended up spending hours in front of the fire playing scrabble and taking advantage of the house wine. Peering outside, we discovered a night sky ablaze with stars, something we forget living a city with light pollution. Even though we only stayed one night, our batteries were recharged. Needless to say we booked our next stay upon check-out. The fat-bikes will be waiting for our return.
Learn more and book your stay now at Mount Engadine Lodge.