Frequently Asked Questions
Table of Contents
Have questions about your Stay?
LODGE HISTORY & FACTS
When was Emerald Lake First Discovered?
Emerald Lake was first discovered in 1882 by the legendary Tom Wilson while he was scouting a railway route through the rugged mountains. Captivated by its striking beauty, Wilson’s discovery marked the beginning of the lake’s storied history.
When Was Emerald Lake Lodge Built?
Emerald Lake Lodge was established in 1902 by the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR), which played a pivotal role in promoting tourism throughout the region. The construction of the nearby Spiral Tunnels in Field, BC, further opened the area to visitors eager to experience its breathtaking natural beauty, abundant wildlife, and endless opportunities for outdoor adventure.
How did Emerald Lake Lodge become part of the CRMR Group of Companies?
In 1979, Pat and Connie O’Connor, original owners of Canadian Rocky Mountain Resorts, acquired the property, embarking on an extensive restoration that included rebuilding the historic cabins and fully winterizing the lodge. The property reopened in 1986, seamlessly blending modern comforts with timeless charm. Remarkably, the main lodge remains the original structure, with horsehair insulation woven into its walls—a tangible link to its rich past.
What is the story behind the name 'Emerald Lake'
Tom Wilson, the guide who first discovered Emerald Lake while in search of a railway route through the Rockies, was the first non-Indigenous person to set eyes on Lake Louise, guided there by his Indigenous companions. He initially named Lake Louise “Emerald Lake” due to its vibrant hue but later renamed it to honor Princess Louise, daughter of Queen Victoria. The name Emerald Lake was then transferred to the stunning lake we see today.
What gives Emerald Lake its colour?
The mesmerizing, emerald-green color of Emerald Lake comes from sunlight reflecting off glacial silt and rock flour suspended in the water. This natural phenomenon creates an ever-changing palette of vivid hues that shift with the light throughout the day, adding to the lake’s enchanting allure. The most vivid colours can be observed during July and August on a bright day.
Amenities
Are the Hot Tub and Sauna Open?
Out hot tub and sauna are open daily from 10 a.m. – 11 p.m. Both are located at the clubhouse.
Cancel Or Modify Bookings
What is the cancellation policy?
Bookings can be cancelled prior to 72 hours from your stay.
How do I cancel/modify third party booking?
Please contact the third party company you booked with to cancel or modify your booking.
What is the modification policy?
Bookings can be modified prior to 72 hours before your stay.
Check-In & Check-Out
When is check-in?
Check-in is at 4:00 p.m.
When is check-out?
Check-out is at 11:00 a.m.
Parking
Where do I park?
When you turn onto Emerald Lake Road, follow the road for 8 km until you see a sign that says ‘Overnight Guest Parking.’ Turn left into the parking lot.
Is parking free?
Yes, parking is free for lodge guests.
How does the shuttle work?
Near the entrance of the Overnight Guest parking lot is a cabin. Use the telephone in the cabin to call our front desk. The shuttle will be sent to pick you up and bring you to the main lodge.
Do I need a park pass?
As we are located in Yoho National Park, park passes are required to be displayed in your vehicle. Park passes can be purchased at the park gates or in downtown Banff. Day park passes may also be purchased at the hotel front desk.
Are there chargers for electric vehicles?
Outlets are available but limited. Please inquire with the front desk upon check-in.
Incidentals
What is the incidentals policy?
A deposit of $100 is taken at the time of booking. This will be released after you check out from the hotel.
Water
Is the tap water safe to drink?
Yes, the tap water is safe to drink.
Transportation
How do I get to Emerald Lake Lodge?
Click Here for more information.
How do I get to Banff or Lake Louise from the lodge?
The best way to get to Banff and Lake Louise is by car. Once you head back up Emerald Road, turn left at the main highway and drive until you reach Lake Louise or Banff on the righthand side of the highway.
Pets
Are the rooms pet-friendly?
A small number of our rooms are pet friendly and they must be booked in advance to avoid extra cleaning fees. We charge a nightly cleaning fee of $25 for pets staying with us. Pet-friendly rooms can be booked by calling our team at 1.403.410.7417 or emailing info@crmr.com.
Can I bring my pet in the main lodge?
Pets are welcome in the main lodge for check-in.
Can I bring my pet to the dining room?
Our dining room is not pet-friendly.
Can I still receive stay-over service with a pet?
Yes, however for the safety and well-being of our guests and employees, pets must be in their carrier or not in the room for housekeeping to perform stayover service. Please request the service daily and let Guest Services know the animal is in their carrier.
Room
What amenities are in my room?
Coffee machine, wood-burning fireplace, cozy feather duvets and pillows, telephone.
Is there cellular service?
Is there Wi-Fi in the cabins?
There is no Wi-Fi in the guest rooms. Guest Wi-Fi can be accessed in the main lodge or at Cilantro Café.
Are there TVs in the rooms?
There are no TVs in the guest rooms. There is one TV in the Yoho Lounge.
Do you offer pack n plays for infants?
Do you offer stayover service?
Yes, we do offer stayover service at this time.
Dining
What are the dining room hours?
The Mount Burgess Dining Room is open from 7:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. daily.
What are Cilantro on the Lake's hours?
Cilantro on the Lake is now closed for the 2024/2025 winter season. We look forward to welcoming our guests back soon.
What are the lounge hours?
The Kicking Horse Lounge is open daily from 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
What is the outside food policy?
No outside food or drink is allowed on the Emerald Lake Lodge property.
Gym
Is there a gym onsite?
We offer a small selection of workout equipment, including an elliptical and stationary bike, as well as yoga mats. We also offer a sauna and outdoor hot tub. All of which is located in the Club House.
WHIRLING DISEASE
WHAT IS WHIRLING DISEASE?
Whirling disease is classified as an aquatic invasive species, within Emerald Lake. Whirling disease poses no threat to humans or other mammals, however it does present a significant risk to young fish, specifically juvenile salmonids like rainbow trout and brook trout, with mortality rates reaching as high as 90 percent.
IS THERE WHIRLING DISEASE IN EMERALD LAKE
Parks Canada is actively addressing a suspected case of whirling disease in Emerald Lake.
CAN I USE OUTSIDE WATERCRAFT ON EMERALD LAKE?
To curtail any potential spread of this disease, Parks Canada has closed Emerald Lake, Emerald River, Peaceful Pond, and Lone Duck Lake, including their respective shorelines and tributaries. During this period, all watercraft, water-related equipment, and angling activities are prohibited.
CAN I SWIM IN EMERALD LAKE?
To curtail any potential spread of this disease, no swimming in Emerald Lake is permitted at this time.
ARE CANOE RENTALS STILL AVAILABLE FROM THE BOATHOUSE TRADING CO?
The Boathouse Trading Co will continue to operate during their regular hours as they do not pose a risk of transmitting aquatic invasive species to other bodies of water.
ARE HIKING TRAILS AROUND EMERALD LAKE STILL OPEN?
All designated hiking trails in the Emerald Lake area, including Emerald Lake shoreline, will remain open. Visitors are asked to stay on designated trails, especially on the lakeshore. Winter activities such as ice skating, cross-country skiing, backcountry skiing, and snowshoeing are permitted once the ground is frozen.