Family Winter Getaways at Mount Engadine Lodge, Kananaskis

I like winter wilderness getaways, backcountry retreats, and off-the-grid weekends away to reconnect as a family. Add decadent meals, drive-up accessibility, and a private room or cabin for your family, and you have the Mount Engadine Lodge experience.

Remote backcountry accommodations at decadent Mount Engadine Lodge

We got the opportunity to spend a night at Mount Engadine Lodge last month and it was a great way to launch the winter season in a fabulous setting. And while the Spray Valley still desperately needs more snow, we did manage to get out for a short ski on the day we arrived at the lodge.

Watridge Lake, Spray Valley Provincial Park 

Introduction to Mount Engadine Lodge

Mount Engadine Lodge is located in Spray Valley Provincial Park on the Smith Dorrien/Spray Trail (highway 742 south) outside of Canmore. The Lodge is located off the access road to the Mount Shark Day Use Area past the Spray Lakes Reservoir.

While the lodge is considered "front country" due to its drive-up approach, you will definitely get a backcountry experience as you stay in this remote setting for a night or two.

November at Mount Engadine Lodge

Accommodations at Mount Engadine Lodge 

Accommodations at the lodge come in various options depending on your budget. The lodge suites overlooking the meadow are ideal for families with a queen sized bed and a pull out sofa bed. Well-behaved pets are even welcome in some rooms at the lodge (and in all common areas of the lodge other than the dining room.)

The second option available for families is the Meadows Edge Chalet on the Mount Engadine property. The chalet has three separate rooms in the cabin, each with private bathrooms and showers. My favourite, the Whiskey Jack room has two bedrooms (one with a king bed, and the other with a queen) and its own private deck.

On our recent visit, we stayed in the Whiskey Jack room and enjoyed decadent comfort! There's nothing like having a separate bedroom for the kids so you can stay up past 8pm as adults! And my son was impressed with the heated floors.

The third option for families at the lodge is the yurt where we have stayed in the past. This is by far the cheapest option at $125 per person for a night (including all meals at the lodge.) Families wanting to stay without meals can rent the yurt for $50 per night and treat it as more of a real camping experience. Children receive a discounted rate and the yurt sleeps four people.

Read more about the various rooms and cabins on the Mount Engadine Lodge website.

Read about our experience winter camping in the yurt here.

Our cozy cabin at Mount Engadine Lodge in the Spray Valley, Kananaskis 

Dining at Mount Engadine Lodge 

One of the best parts about staying at Mount Engadine Lodge is the food! I love all-inclusive resort packages where meals are included with your stay. Otherwise, it becomes very easy to rack up a large bill at the resort restaurant, and quickly turn an "affordable" vacation into something you didn't budget for. When you stay at Mount Engadine Lodge, you know that once you've paid for your stay, everything is included (alcohol aside.)

All stays at the lodge include afternoon tea (coffee, tea, charcuterie board, and desserts) a three-course dinner with soup or salad, main course, and dessert, breakfast or Sunday brunch the next day, and a packed lunch for your adventures.

Afternoon tea at Mount Engadine Lodge

On our recent stay, evening dinner consisted of a decadent meal with elk rib-eye salad as an appetizer, pork tenderloin with a variety of fresh vegetables and sides, and chocolate mousse for dessert. For brunch the next day we ordered the nutella stuffed pancakes and had our choice of bacon or sausage to go with them. Then lunch was freshly prepared sandwiches, made to order, on homemade bread with your choice of sides (granola, cookies, and/or vegetables.)

Dinner is served "family style" in a communal style where you share a table and platters with other lodge guests. Be forewarned if visiting with young kids, that dinner doesn't start until 7pm and that it lasts well until 8:30pm. We had to ask for our son's dessert a bit early so that we could get him to bed. There are also long breaks between each course so you might just want to allow kids to excuse themselves with a book in the adjoining living room.

Also note, that if you are staying overnight on a Saturday, the Sunday brunch does not begin until 10am. And once you order your choice of breakfast (it is not a buffet,) you won't be checking out until noon. (So you'll be eating those bag lunches later in the day.) Fortunately, there is also a "cold breakfast" that starts at 8:00am, and this was a salvation for us and our early-riser. The cold breakfast included yogurt, fruit, granola, and freshly baked scones. It held us over until the hot brunch started at 10.

Sunday Cold Breakfast before the main brunch 

5 Reasons we LOVE Staying at Mount Engadine Lodge

1. I love the main lodge building and how it feels (and even smells) like a backcountry ski lodge. I like curling up by one of the wood fireplaces, playing a game of crib or scrabble with my family while we listen to the crackling fire and I sip a glass of fine wine.
   
   
2. I like the down time we enjoy at the lodge. While there is wifi at the lodge, it's not exactly "fast" and you'll enjoy your time a lot more if you just unplug and spend time as a family playing games, reading, and relaxing.
   
   
3. I love all the dogs at the lodge. There's never a shortage of staff and guest dogs hanging out in the main building and they contribute to the cozy setting, curled up beside a sofa (usually waiting for some affection.)
   
   
4. I like the proximity to the Spray Valley and Peter Lougheed Provincial Parks. From the lodge door, we can easily drive over to Mount Shark to go cross country skiing, we can take a 5 minute drive up to the Chester Lake trailhead, or you can walk right out the door and go exploring in the meadow below the lodge (where there will be a cross country ski trail set this winter.)
   
   
5. I love the comfort! There's no cooking required, no sleeping bags (unless you're in the yurt,) you sleep in soft comfy beds with warm duvet blankets, and spend your time relaxing in a toasty lodge without having to lift a finger to chop or haul in firewood. A weekend in the mountains doesn't get easier than this!

Family Time in the Main Building at Mount Engadine Lodge

What's NEW at Mount Engadine Lodge

More Options to Drop in for a Day

Out skiing or snowshoeing in the Spray Valley for the day? Stop in at the lodge after your outing and enjoy afternoon tea with a charcuterie board and desserts (just like lodge guests receive) for $17.50 per person. Reservations are generally not necessary but check the website for possible private events or closures. You can also order a bowl of homemade soup with a bun for $10 on weekends if you'd prefer this to go with your coffee or tea. Afternoon tea runs from 2-5pm. 

Visit the lodge for Strudal Sundays from 2-5 every weekend. Freshly baked strudel + a hot beverage can be ordered for $7.50 per person (until the lodge runs out of strudel - so go early.) Full afternoon tea can also be ordered with your strudel for $20.50.

Finally, drop in for Sunday brunch between 10am and 1pm and experience the decadent rocky mountain cuisine we've enjoyed as lodge guests. Brunch is very reasonable at $25 per person (including beverages) - and children pay $17.50. Reservations are recommended for brunch so call ahead if planning to drop by. 

Drop in at the lodge and warm up by the fire over afternoon tea (photo credit: Mount Engadine Lodge)

Visit the Lodge for a Special New Year's Eve Brunch

Newly added to the Mount Engadine Lodge calendar of special events, Chef Mandy Leighton will be serving up dishes including, Homemade Salmon Lox, Eggs Benedict & Huevos Rancheros this New Year's Eve Day.

Tickets are a reasonable $25 per person, $17.50 for children, (including a feature cocktail for the adults) and the event runs from 10am to 2pm on December 31st.

Visit the lodge website for more information, and to make reservations.

And you'd better believe we'd be attending this special brunch if we were going to be in the Spray Valley.

Rocky Mountain Cuisine at the Lodge (photo credit: Mount Engadine Lodge)

Exploring the Spray Valley from the Lodge 

On our recent trip to Mount Engadine Lodge, we cross country skied to nearby Watridge Lake from the Mount Shark trailhead.

On other visits, we've skied or snowshoed into nearby Chester Lake, and we even carried our son's downhill skis up to the lake one time so that he could enjoy some easy backcountry ski touring down from the lake. (Read about that adventure here.)

In the future, we hope to return and try out the new 7-8 km ski loop that will be created in the meadow below Mount Engadine Lodge this winter.

Chester Lake, Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, Spray Valley 

Other opportunities are plentiful in the area including:

• Fat biking from the lodge to Watridge Lake
  
  
• Cross country skiing or snowshoeing in nearby Peter Lougheed Provincial Park
  
  
• Snowshoeing up to Rummel Lake, across the road from the lodge
  
  
• Downhill skiing at Nakiska Ski Area on your way to the lodge from Calgary
  
  
• Cross country skiing, snowshoeing, or fat biking at the Canmore Nordic Centre on your way to or from the lodge.

And note that Mount Engadine Lodge has a great assortment of gear to rent or borrow including snowshoes and two fat bikes (one medium, and one large.)

Early season skiing to Watridge Lake, Spray Valley Provincial Park 

For more information, please visit the Mount Engadine Lodge website.

Our recent stay at Mount Engadine Lodge was generously provided for us in exchange for continued publicity and promotions (something I'm happy to do when I love a place as much as I do this lodge.)

As always, all words and opinions are my own. 

Yurt-Camping in Kananaskis at Mount Engadine Lodge

Raise your hand if you like winter camping? In a tent. While it's snowing outside. After you've been skiing all day and you're already wet and cold. Thought so - I don't see many hands raised. And I don't blame you because I don't like winter camping either. "Usually."

Now ignore the classic idea of winter camping and picture this instead:

You drive up to your beautiful backcountry lodge perched on a bench overlooking a snowy meadow with awe-inspiring mountains in the background. You then grab your bags and set off on a two-minute hike through the forest to reach your cozy home for the night - a small yurt tucked away in a remote corner of the Mount Engadine Lodge property. The yurt is cool upon entry but you know that it will warm up as soon as you turn on the propane heater, and you look forward to crawling into your down sleeping bag later that night. First though, you have a three course gourmet meal waiting for you at the lodge (included with your stay) and if you've arrived early enough you can go enjoy afternoon tea in the sunny dining room complete with a charcuterie and pastry board (with home-made apple strudel also available if you're checking in on a Sunday.)

Now who's interested in winter camping?

Winter Yurt-Camping at Mount Engadine Lodge

The Mount Engadine Lodge Experience

This front country lodge is located in Spray Valley Provincial Park on the Spray Lakes Road outside of Canmore. The Spray Lakes Road turns into the Smith Dorrien/Spray Trail (highway 742 south) and the Lodge is located beside the road to the Mount Shark trailhead past the Spray Lakes Reservoir.

While the lodge is considered "front country" due to its drive-up approach, you will definitely get a backcountry experience as you stay in this remote setting for a night or two. For more information on the location and how to reach the lodge, visit their website for driving instructions.

Mount Engadine Lodge, Spray Valley Provincial Park, Kananaskis

Accommodation at Mount Engadine comes in various options depending on your budget. The lodge suites overlook the meadow are ideal for families wanting to stay at Mount Engadine. Well-behaved pets are even welcome in some rooms at the lodge so you won't be stuck finding a dog-sitter during your stay.

Lodge Suite at Mount Engadine Lodge

The second option available for families is the Meadows Edge Chalet on the Mount Engadine property. The chalet has three separate rooms in the cabin, each with private bathrooms and showers. My favourite, the Whiskey Jack room has two bedrooms (one with a queen bed and the other with twin beds) and its own private deck.

The Meadows Edge Chalet at Mount Engadine Lodge

The third option for families at Mount Engadine is the yurt where we recently stayed. This is by far the cheapest option at $125 per person for a night (including all meals at the lodge.) Families wanting to stay without meals can rent the yurt for $50 per night and treat it as more of a real camping experience. Children receive a discounted rate and the yurt sleeps four people.

Winter Yurt Camping at Mount Engadine Lodge

Five-Star Dining at Mount Engadine Lodge

All stays at Mount Engadine include afternoon tea (coffee, tea, charcuterie board, pastries, apple strudel on Sundays,) a three-course dinner with soup or salad, main course, and dessert, breakfast the next day, and a packed lunch for your adventures.

And lest you worry about the "quality" of your food during your stay, this is 5-star dining at it's finest! Chef Gerard Garnier serves up gourmet meals that could include Eggs Benedict with smoked bacon for breakfast along with slow cooked bison ribs or rack of lamb for dinner. Even the sandwiches for lunch taste better than anything I could prepare myself with fresh baked bread and homemade cookies to take on the trail.

Charcuterie and Pastry Board at Mount Engadine Lodge

Enjoying Mount Engadine Lodge as a Day-Guest

Afternoon tea is available for visitors to the lodge every day between 2 and 5pm without a reservation if you just want to pop in after hiking or skiing in the Spray Lakes area. More information on the cost and on what's included is here at Afternoon Tea at Mount Engadine Lodge.

Dinner reservations can also be made if you just want to drop by for dinner without spending the night. Information on making reservations for dinner can be found on the website.

Winter Camping in Style at Mount Engadine Lodge

More on the Engadine Yurt Experience

As I mentioned earlier, we recently stayed in the yurt at Mount Engadine Lodge for a night. We spent the day skiing at nearby Chester Lake and then checked in with plenty of time to enjoy afternoon tea. We spent the rest of the afternoon  reading and playing games by the fireplace and enjoyed a fabulous gourmet dinner. After dinner we retreated to our cozy yurt and crawled into our sleeping bags for the night. We woke up the next morning and returned to the lodge for our breakfast with the other guests. We placed our lunch orders, spent some more time hanging out by the fireplace, and then left for our day's adventures.

A look inside the yurt at Mount Engadine Lodge

The yurt is primarily advertised for use during the spring, summer, and fall seasons, but if you are willing to "rough it" a little bit, you are more than welcome to make a reservation during the winter months as we did. The only request is that you  bring your own sleeping bags if staying in the off-season. During the summer months, bedding is provided for you in the yurt and it's more of a "glamping" experience.

We certainly didn't mind bringing our own sleeping bags and we were never cold in the yurt while sleeping. We didn't make use of the propane heater at night but it was there should we have wanted. We also had a fire pit located outside our little cabin which would be fun to sit around before bed.

The Mount Engadine Lodge yurt in its remote forest location

Other information you'll want to know before making a reservation:

• The nearest bathrooms are located in the lodge, a short 2 minute walk away. The lodge is open all night though should you need it
• If there are problems during the night, the lodge is always available for retreat. This is good news for families with little ones who may wake up early. You can just go into the lodge and hang out in the warm building at any time
• The yurt does not have any furniture in it other than two bunk beds, a small table and a portable heater. Expect rustic. Fortunately you have the lodge just down the path and you are really only sleeping in the yurt
• You are welcome to spend as much time in the main lodge as you want. You are official guests at Mount Engadine Lodge when staying in the yurt

Snowshoeing in the meadow below Mount Engadine Lodge

To make a reservation at Mount Engadine Lodge, visit the Mount Engadine Lodge website.

Big thanks to Mount Engadine Lodge for accommodating our stay in the yurt for the night. As always, all words are my own and I wasn't paid to write this story.

Family Bike Adventures in the Spray Valley

Want to get off the beaten path in the Canadian Rockies?  The Spray Valley beyond the popular mountain town of Canmore beckons families to come explore - without the crowds. Love biking?  Even better because chances are high you'll have many trails all to yourself.  (and no, you don't have to be terrified of bears out there alone as long as you make a lot of noise and bike in a group.)

Backcountry Mountain Biking in the Spray Valley

Introduction to the Spray Valley

Spray Valley Provincial Park is located along the Spray River and near the Spray Lakes Reservoir off of Highway 742 out of Canmore.  The provincial park also stretches to Highway 40 near the Wedge Pond day use area but I am going to focus purely on the area off of the Smith Dorrien Trail (Highway 742) in this story.

Scenery off the Smith Dorrien Trail

Bike Trails in the Spray Valley

There are only a handful of bike trails in this valley but that just means you don't have to debate over which trail to do.  Plan a long weekend to the valley and conquer all of the bike trails in one shot.  They are all family-friendly and doable by children on 16-20" bikes.  We've even had our son out here biking to Watridge Lake on his balance bike back when he was just 4 years old.

Biking to Watridge Lake in the Spray Valley

What I love most about the bike trails in this valley is the remoteness and the feeling of solitude you'll get as you ride way into the backcountry on well maintained trails and old roads perfect for young riders not up for the challenges of single track riding. 

Backcountry riding in the Spray Valley to Watridge Lake

Biking Mount Shark to Watridge Lake

The Watridge Lake trail is an 8km bike ride (round trip distance) that we try to do once a year.  The trail starts from the Mount Shark Day Use area and follows an old logging road that is very family-friendly.  Our son has been doing the ride since he was 4 years old and we've just walked the occasional steep hill we come across.  Most of the trip is pretty gradual though without huge amounts of height gain or loss.

Biking the Watridge Lake Trail from Mount Shark

At the 3.9km mark, you'll reach a sign for Watridge Lake.  Here is where we leave our bikes and walk down a steep hill to reach the lake.  From the lake, you can hike an additional 0.8km (one way) up to Karst Spring which is highly recommended during run off season when water is high.

Watridge Lake, Spray Valley

There are no technical challenges on this outing and it is Chariot-friendly for the entire distance. Children on balance bikes will also have few problems on this gradual trail. 

My son  made it all the way to Watridge Lake and back on his balance bike at the age of 4

Biking The Goat Creek Trail from the Spray Valley to Banff

The Goat Creek Trail starts from the Goat Creek Day Use Area just outside of Canmore and is a 19 km one way ride from the Spray Valley to the Banff townsite.  Strong riders can bike the full return distance in 3-4 hours but it will take families the same amount of time to ride one way to Banff.

Canmore to Banff on the Goat Creek Trail

While many people set up a car shuttle, leaving a second vehicle at Bow Falls in Banff, we chose to make things simple on ourselves since we were staying in the Spray Valley overnight.  My son and I biked one-way into Banff while Dad turned around at the final bridge and headed back for the truck.  Yay Dad! He then came into Banff to pick us up and we tried to keep it a secret that we'd been eating ice-cream while he was biking back uphill to fetch the vehicle.

The Goat Creek Bridge en route to Banff

What to expect on this trail:

•  Double track riding on gravel and dirt
•  Some loose rocks and a few hills that are quite challenging with big rocks you must dodge. The hill down to the first big bridge is the worst and should probably be walked by young children.  We rode it but it was a bit scary. (it has a sign at the top of it warning people to take caution.)
• Downhill riding with 435m of height loss spread out over 19km in the Canmore to Banff direction
• A few significant hills in the up direction with 176m of height gain (something we weren't prepared for - and why kids really should have gears for this ride)
• Remote backcountry riding (make sure you have spare tubes and a bike repair kit)

Lots of cool bridges to cross on the Goat Creek Trail

Exploring the Trails near the Spray Lakes West Campground

If you're looking for a sense of  remoteness, this is the place for you to go biking!  You likely won't see a single other person on your ride and you might even come across a moose if you're lucky.

There are two main trails that start from the Spray Lakes West Campground (which is great if you're camping here.) First, you can follow the West Side Lake Trail which is a gravel road connecting the campground with the Mt. Shark trail system near Watridge Lake.  The West Side Lake Trail follows the Spray Lakes Reservoir all the way to the far end at Canyon dam.  The trail is 10.8km one way and is typically done as an out and back trip. It is relatively flat and easy for family-riding.

This will be your backdrop as you bike around the Spray Lakes Reservoir on the West Side Lake Trail

For information on how to connect the West Side Lake Trail with the Mount Shark trails, pick up a copy of Doug Eastcott's book, Backcountry Biking in the Canadian Rockies. Families will likely just want to ride the West Side Lake Trail out for about 5km, and then return the same way for a shorter day.

Remote riding near the Spray Lakes West Campground

We haven't tried the West Side Lake Trail yet, but the trail we did bike (and thoroughly enjoyed) was the Goat Pond Canal trail which connects the Spray Lakes Reservoir with Goat Pond further up the Smith Dorrien Trail towards Canmore.  This was a lovely family ride, relatively flat and easy going on a gravel maintenance road.

This trail won't show up on maps and I challenge you to find any information on the trail in a Google search.  However, if you go to the Spray Lakes West Campground, you can't miss the trail. The trail starts right below the dam at the campground and follows the gravel road beside the canal on the other side of the Smith Dorrien Trail. You'll be paralleling the highway (hidden by a forest of trees) the whole time and you'll end up within sight of Goat Pond.  (we hiked a bit further to explore the pond and marsh area once our trail had ended.)

Easy riding on the Goat Pond Canal from the Spray Lakes West Campground

Where to Stay in the Spray Valley

If you're looking for budget accommodations, you'll probably want to stay at the Spray Lakes West Campground mentioned in the previous paragraphs.  However, if you have the means to splurge for a weekend, you definitely want to upgrade your digs and stay at Mount Engadine Lodge near Mount Shark.  Not only will you be within a short bike ride's distance from the Watridge Lake trailhead but you'll also get an unparalleled stay in one of the finest lodges of the Canadian Rockies.

Mount Engadine Lodge

What you can expect from a stay at Mount Engadine Lodge:

• Gourmet breakfasts and dinners served family style while dining with other guests from countries around the world
•  Packed lunches for your day's adventures (and you won't have to lift a finger to pack your own lunch.)
• Afternoon tea served daily in the sunny dining room as you scan the meadow for wildlife sightings (look carefully and you might see moose, bears, deer, or elk while you sip on your cup of tea.)

Afternoon tea at Mount Engadine Lodge

• Individual bedrooms with private bathrooms and showers that rival anything you'd find at a luxury hotel in Canmore (This is no hostel or backcountry cabin.)
• Cabins and suites for those traveling with children or pets
• Opportunities to mingle with local and international guests as you swap travel stories and make notes for future trips you're going to want to take next year
• A perfect blend of comfort and luxury.  Come here for a romantic weekend getaway or bring the kids and they'll feel right at home too.

The meadow outside the lodge is a natural playground for the kids

We've stayed here a few times now and every visit is a special treat leaving us begging to come back for more. Winter or Summer, Mount Engadine Lodge never disappoints and it gets my vote for "best place to go glamping with the kids in Kananaskis."  - pretty sure I might have actually said I never wanted to camp again after staying at Mount Engadine a few weeks ago.

Private Cabin in Paradise Anybody??

 

Other Recommended Reading

For more on Mount Engadine Lodge in summer, read Just Another Day in Paradise at Mount Engadine Lodge or   We went for the Snowshoeing and Returned for the Mountain Biking which was published for Snowshoe Magazine.

For a look at winter at Mount Engadine Lodge, please take a look at my story, Escape to Snow Paradise, for Snowshoe Magazine along with the story on my blog here:  Paradise at Mount Engadine Lodge.

Also, check out my newest story, also written for Snowshoe Magazine,  Mount Engadine Lodge:  Alberta's Front Country Lodge with Backcountry Charm.

The fact  that I've written 6 different stories now featuring Mount Engadine Lodge says something about how much we absolutely LOVE this place.  

Mount Engadine Lodge in Winter - Paradise Baby!!

To book your own stay at Mount Engadine Lodge, visit their website and ask about one of the lodge suites.

Big thanks to the amazing staff at Mount Engadine Lodge for making our stay possible.

Home sweet home at Mount Engadine Lodge

Disclaimer:  Our stay at Mount Engadine Lodge was provided for us but as always, all words in this story are my own and I wasn't paid for this review.

We Went for the Snowshoeing and Returned for the Mountain Biking

Last winter I spent the most amazing couple of days snowshoeing in Kananaskis, Alberta  while based out of the remote Mount Engadine Lodge.    It was an incredible weekend with soft fluffy powder deep enough to lose myself in coupled with the backcountry decadence I experienced at the lodge.   I immediately added the trip to my list of “things I MUST do again before I die” list and hoped I’d visit Mount Engadine Lodge again sooner than later.  Little did I know that the opportunity would present itself not even 4 months later and that I’d be back to try a completely different sport this time.  I went for the snowshoeing but returned for the mountain biking – and this time I brought the whole family with me!

Biking at Mt. Shark near Mount Engadine Lodge

Just Another Day in Paradise at Mount Engadine Lodge

This past winter we were blessed to be able to spend a night at Mount Engadine Lodge as part of my "research" for a story on snowshoeing in Kananaskis.  I discovered a few things that weekend.  One - Research is a lot more fun these days than it was in university!  Two - We HAD to return to Mount Engadine Lodge and while I wasn't sure how we would pull it off, I knew I had to try!  And Three - We had to bring our son with us the next time.  It just wasn't fair to leave him at home while we were living it up in paradise without him.

Just Another Day in Paradise at Mount Engadine Lodge

You've probably heard the saying, "we came for the skiing but returned for the hiking" before and this rings very true with Mount Engadine Lodge.  In our case, we went for the snowshoeing, but returned on Father's Day weekend for the biking.  We enjoyed two glorious days of family mountain biking in Canmore and Kananskis joined by a night of decadent luxury at the lodge.  It was truly one of the best weekends ever and I can't imagine how I'm going to top this experience for next Father's Day!  Just sayin - honey you may be disappointed next year.  ;(

Playing in the meadow outside the lodge

Mount Engadine Lodge is a front country lodge tucked away in the Smith-Dorrien Valley outside Canmore, Alberta.  The lodge backs onto a magnificent meadow with snowy mountain peaks, moose, and bears waiting to greet you outside the large picture windows of the main dining area.  There are few places so gloriously remote, wild, and awesome! While you can drive right up to the front door of the lodge, you will definitely feel as if you have been transported into the backcountry of Kananaskis or Banff during your stay with no cell coverage, wi-fi or other unnecessary distractions.

Mountain Bliss at Mount Engadine Lodge

We were pretty blown away when we walked into our private family cabin with two separate bedrooms, a bathroom with hot water and shower (something you wouldn't likely see in the backcountry) , and our very own deck looking out over the meadow.  We spent a lot of time in the afternoon soaking up the sun from our deck and I know without a doubt now, that our son is being magnificently spoiled.

The view from our deck

Playing with Daddy on our private deck

A view of our private cabin overlooking the meadow

We had a LOT of fun exploring the meadow as well.  We looked for frogs in the creek, discovered a secret beach, and had fun squishing through the soft grass. Afternoon tea was served from 3 to 5pm and we made sure to eat as much coffee cake as our bellies would hold.  We took turns on the rustic swing outside the lodge and had a thoroughly pleasant afternoon.

Frog!  How Cute is he?!

Exploring in the meadow

Paradise!

Our secret beach

Best swing ever!

Dinner was served in true backcountry lodge style with all of the guests sharing a table together.  We feasted on salmon wrapped in puff pastry - that even my four year old ate with enthusiasm, and had a great time bonding with the other guests who felt like family members by the time we left the next morning.  Evening at the lodge was a casual time of swapping stories and sharing drinks in the fireplace room with  the other guests and staff members.  With our son tucked safely in bed next door it was a time for us to relax and we loved that the staff chose to spend their evening down time with us rather than retreating to their own quarters.

Mount Engadine Lodge

 Breakfast was another decadent meal that fueled our day's mountain biking adventures and sent us on our way with glad bellies and hearts.  One night is never enough time at Mount Engadine Lodge but we were grateful to have even that amount of time in paradise and left with huge smiles our faces and promises to return again some day.

Finally saw a moose in the meadow right before leaving

Families wanting to make a day trip out of visiting Mount Engadine Lodge  before committing to an overnight stay can drop in anytime for afternoon tea from 3-5pm.  The cost is $13.60 per person which is reasonable given the amount of food served up and the atmosphere in which you get to enjoy your feast.  While there is no official discount for children, special consideration may be given to those that are particularly young. Reservations don't need to be made in advance but it is a good idea to call ahead if possible, and groups of 6+ people do need to give the lodge a head's up that they are going to be stopping in.

The Smith-Dorrien Valley outside the lodge

Dinner Reservations can also be made if you are camping in the area or spending the night in Canmore.  Reservations must be made 24 hours in advance and a price of $45 per person (plus tax and gratuities) is charged for the gourmet buffet style dinner including dessert.  Wildlife sightings over dinner are extremely common with the meadow referred to as the Serengeti of the Canadian Rockies by many guests.  Dinners at Mount Engadine are always a highlight of any stay at the lodge and visiting for at least a meal is something I highly recommend if you're looking for a romantic dinner to celebrate an anniversary or birthday.  For reservations, please call the lodge directly at 1-403-678-4080. 

Mount Engadine Lodge is also host to the Music in the Meadow concert series over the summer season where overnight and dinner guests get to enjoy an intimate concert by award winning local artists. More information can be found by following the link above. You can also check out the story that was recently featured in the Rocky Mountain Outlook newspaper.

Mount Engadine Lodge

For more information on the lodge, amenities, meals, and location, please visit the Mount Engadine Lodge Website directly. 

To read about our biking adventures, read this story:  We Went for the Snowshoeing and Returned for the Mountain Biking.

For a look at winter at Mount Engadine Lodge, please take a look at my last story, Escape to Snow Paradise, for Snowshoe Magazine along with the story on my blog here:  Paradise at Mount Engadine Lodge. 

For information on activities, tours, and recreation  in the Canmore Kananaskis area, visit the Tourism Canmore Kananaskis website to read my latest story:  Top 10 Things To Do As A Family In Canmore Kananaskis. 


Disclaimer:  Mount Engadine Lodge graciously sponsored our family's visit on this trip but as always, all thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.