British Columbia, Canada is an outdoor lover’s paradise at any time of the year. In the summer, visitors can enjoy the fresh mountain air, alpine scenery, fields of wildflowers, and a true wilderness experience. Winter in British Columbia is known for some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the world. This is an ideal place to experience the rugged backcountry and embrace the true essence of a wilderness vacation without modern distractions. And of course, there are the cities of Vancouver, Victoria, and Whistler for a taste of city life.
With a gorgeous location along the Pacific Ocean, there are no shortages of great places to stay in British Columbia. These are some of the best mountain lodges that you can stay at to have a true wilderness experience in southwestern Canada.
Emerald Lake Lodge
Emerald Lake Lodge is surrounded by some of the most impressive peaks of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, with cozy fireplaces and lots of history to soak up. A guide named Tom Wilson discovered this jade-colored lake in the late 1800s, and the area has remained a year-around travel destination ever since. There’s an outdoor hot tub, dry sauna, and fitness room onsite for guests to use, as well as elegant dining, reading, and game rooms to relax in. There are cozy cabins on the 13-acre property that can accommodate up to 200 guests. There are even some pet-friendly accommodations here if you’re traveling with your four-legged friend. Popular winter activities include snowshoeing, skiing, ice skating, and dog sledding.
Heather Mountain Lodge & Cabins
Between the mountain towns of Revelstoke and Golden near Glacier National Park lies Heather Mountain Lodge & Cabins, which caters to travelers who really want to experience British Columbia. This is a family-owned lodge that offers panoramic views and a remote lifestyle. Even if you don’t stay here, consider coming to dine at Heather Mountain Lodge’s restaurant, which serves modern, refined, fine-dining with a twist.
Bella Coola Mountain Lodge
For laid-back accommodations with plenty of wilderness and wildlife, consider a stay at the Bella Coola Mountain Lodge. This British Columbia lodge is about 15 minutes from the BC Ferries docks at Bella Coola and less than 40 minutes from Tweedsmuir Provincial Park. Wilderness tours offered by the lodge include grizzly bear tours, eco-rafting, hiking, and salmon snorkeling. There are spacious rooms and suites here, as well as a dining room for meals. This lodge was formerly known as the Brockton House Inn Bed and Breakfast but has now merged its tour and accommodation packages.
Assiniboine Lodge
The Assiniboine Lodge was one of the very first ski lodges in the Canadian Rockies and dates back to 1928. Up to 30 guests can stay in the private cabins and lodge rooms while enjoying the perks of guided ski touring and hiking excursions. This is a top pick of adventurous travelers who really want to get off the grid while visiting British Columbia. The closest road is 17 miles away, so you need to hike, ski, or take a helicopter ride to get here! There are also rustic huts and wilderness walk-in campsites in nearby Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park that you can stay at while visiting the area.
Glenogle Mountain Lodge & Spa
One of the most luxurious bed and breakfast lodges in British Columbia is the Glenogle Mountain Lodge & Spa, which is about five miles east of Golden. This is a great place to stay for foodies since the onsite restaurant features European-style cooking and baking, as well as a breakfast buffet. There are luxury rooms here, a two-bedroom suite, and private cabins. Since world-class skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling opportunities are close by, this is a favorite resort of winter vacationers. Glacier, Kootenay, Yoho, Banff and Jasper National Parks surround the lodge, so it’s also an ideal location for summer mountain biking, rock climbing, hiking, and river rafting.
Cathedral Mountain Lodge
Located in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, the Cathedral Mountain Lodge is near the British Columbia/Alberta border and can easily be combined with a road trip to Banff, Calgary, and Lake Louise on the Alberta side. With easy access to both Yoho and Banff National Parks, this is a wonderful place for active travelers who want to go mountain biking, whitewater rafting, horseback riding, fishing, and hiking. There are several cozy log cabin options available, including a premier cabin with loft and a deluxe king cabin.
Whitecap Alpine
You’ll need to travel north of Whistler to stay at Whitecap Alpine, which is known for great snowpack and top-notch skiing. There’s a main lodge here, as well as private cabins that offer a lot of privacy and hot showers. Backcountry skiing enthusiasts and wildlife lovers will fall in love with this lodge instantly.
Mallard Mountain Lodge
The Mallard Mountain Lodge is run by the Canadian Adventure Company and prides itself on being one of the most private and remote lodges in the Canadian Rockies. It can accommodate just seven guests at a time and is accessible only by a helicopter flight. The area is locally known as the “Punch Bowl” because of a historic committee that met at the summit of Athabasca Pass. The McManus family offers guide backcountry ski and snowboard tours in the winter and guided backcountry hiking trips in the summer. The lodge has only been in operation since 2013 and features a main floor with a living and dining room and kitchen, as well as a second floor with four sleeping bays. All meals are included in the lodge rate.
