Relaxing on the deck of my cabin at Cathedral Mountain Lodge

Most people don’t know that the Capilano Group of Companies which owns the Capilano Suspension Bridge, also owns two beautiful luxury lodges in the Canadian Rockies.  This last week I visited Cathedral Mountain Lodge in Field BC and Moraine Lake Lodge in Banff National Park, and entertained the idea of becoming a mountain woman!  I didn’t know what I was in for.  Never had I felt so immersed in the spectacular peaks and valleys of the great Canadian Rockies.  You really have to see it to believe it.

Moraine Lake Lodge, built by celebrated architect Arthur Erickson, is situated right on the edge of Moraine Lake, one of the most photographed spots in Canada and the photo that embraced the old $20 Canadian bill for many years.  I felt like I had to adjust my eyes every time I stepped out, greeted by the vibrant turquoise water, glacial-fed to reveal it’s lustrous colour. Night time was a whole different story.  The reflection of the moon would ricochet off of the rocky mountains and keep the area bright until 11 pm.  Basically I was in heaven.

Unreal view from the Rock Pile at Moraine Lake

A relaxing canoe with Carson, one of the canoe dock team members

My room at Moraine Lake Lodge

Moraine Lake Lodge at dusk

It was nice to be “out of range” since cell phones don’t work in that area and none of the lodge rooms have a TV.  It meant that there was only one thing left to do.  Explore!  There’s complimentary canoeing right on Moraine Lake, guided hikes provided by the lodge, Lake Louise 15 minutes away, horse back riding, the stunningly gushing Twin Falls, and so much more.

This picture doesn't do Takakkaw Falls any justice but A for effort!

All this activity would make any mountain girl hungry.  At night, I dined like a mountain queen at both the Moraine Lake Lodge and Cathedral Mountain Lodge dining rooms.  With a menu that includes Seared Qualicum Bay Scallops, Oven Roasted Rack of Lamb, Grilled West Coast Salmon, and Veneson Tenderloin, there’s something for everyone.

The very attentive staff at Moraine Lake Lodge

Tasty Qualicum Scallops at Moraine Lake Lodge

Oven Roasted Rack of Lamb at Moraine... YUMMM!

My next stop of Cathedral Mountain Lodge, situated on the edge of the Kicking Horse River and surrounded by the majestic Cathedral Mountain.  The 29 traditional handcrafted cabins are the very definition of comfort and I’m not just being biased!  Well maybe a little    With  gas or wood-burning stone fireplaces, soaker tubs, private decks, exceptional views, and a charmingly decorated, relaxation quickly creeps up into every inch of you.  The lodge is quiet and secluded, yet just minutes away from attractions such as Lake Louise, Emerald Lake, Moraine Lake, Spiral Tunnels, Takakkaw Falls and Natural Bridge.

This secluded escape allowed me to fully metomorphasise from a city girl to the mountain woman I was meant to be… if only for a few days.   The restaurant at Cathedral Mountain Lodge is consistently chosen as one of the best small restaurants in Canada and is reputed to offer fresh local ingredients with innovative presentation. The menu focuses on organic and free-range in-season regional cuisine and the extensive wine cellar features Canada’s finest wines, as well as many excellent selections from both Old and New World vineyards.

Riverside Dining room at Cathedral Mountain Lodge

The entrance of Cathedral Mountain Lodge used to be an old mine shaft

If you have a bottle of wine in your hand, I'm your friend

About to chow down on some delish Rockfish

Inside one of the cozy Cathedral Mountain cabins

I could really get used to this!

The water is so inviting but so cold!

I could get use to this.  And just as I was, it was time to head home.  With a new found love for the outdoors I was ready to roll back to the city.  The Rocky Mountains is a heavenly jewel that every nature lover should discover at one time in their life.  Both lodges are open seasonally from late May to early October and are conveniently located near plenty of activities, great trails, and dining.  Feel free to visit Cathedral Mountain Lodge or Moraine Lake Lodge for more info.

Until next time...