Castle Mountain Chalets Review

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Castle Mountain Chalets is a collection of rustic log cabins and lodge rooms that make for an enticing base along the Bow Valley Parkway in Banff. They’re a great place to stay for those seeking to escape the crowds of Banff and instead spend their time relaxing in nature, perhaps next to a cozy fire.

Set under the imposing Castle Mountain that dominates the Bow Valley, it’s tough to find a spot on the property that does not catch a glimpse of mountain views. On our last stay, we cozied up in a “one-bedroom chalet,” a homey cabin with a wood fireplace and classic wood interior. There are only a few accommodation options in Banff that are as iconic as the selection of chalets here.

Staying at Castle Mountain Chalets

The idea of a cabin tucked away in the mountains is one idealized by all. When many first start planning their trip to the Canadian Rockies, it may be exactly what they have in mind. We certainly have received enough messages, comments, and emails over the years asking for exactly that. However, it may surprise you to learn that Canada’s most treasured national park has only a handful of these types of options.

What makes it even more difficult is that only a few cabins offer accommodation all year. Several cabins, such as Paradise Bungalows near Lake Louise, only operate in the summer. In a place where winter dominates the landscape for nearly half the year, we definitely support the idea of cozying up next to a wood fireplace. Prior to operating through the winter, a cabin at Castle Mountains Chalets was always left open with firewood for the occasional stranded traveler back in the 1940s. Now guests can book a stay any time of year.

Castle Mountain Chalets is conveniently located at Castle Junction, aptly named after the imposing Castle Mountain that looms over the Bow Valley. It’s around 25 minutes from Banff and 20 minutes from Lake Louise, so it’s well-positioned to visit both destinations. That means it’s a pretty great base for a ski trip while staying in a cabin. A series of maintained cross-country ski trails from the property towards Baker Creek only helps maintain that great base.

We’ve stayed in both the property’s one-bedroom chalets and mountain-view suites. All of the rooms have been spacious, with a comfortable seating area and a full kitchen. The kitchen is particularly a selling point as its location makes it a little isolated from restaurants—granted, the 25-minute drive to Banff presents plenty of options. Other creature comforts we’ve enjoyed are the hot coffee always available in the property’s convenience store and Rocky Mountain toiletries in the bathrooms.

The cabins are spacious, and the one-bedroom chalets have modern finishing that does not diminish the classic charm. They managed to save all of the elements we love about the style without leaving us wanting for more. Two skylights along the ceiling allow for a welcome amount of sunlight to fill the cabin on a nice morning—the perfect way to start the day before a mountain adventure.

Its only shortcoming is its location along the train tracks, but as much of Western Canada was built and developed by the industry, it’s something we’ve come to expect. Earbuds are set along the bedside tables for those who may be bothered by the train noise. We stayed in the closest cabin to the tracks and did not have an issue. With nearly 80 years of experience, the family-run business has faithfully served travelers for decades.

Many of those travelers come to tackle nearby hiking trails such as the undiscovered Silverton Falls or the more challenging Rockbound Lake. Boom Lake, Stanley Glacier, Johnston Canyon, and Castle Mountain Lookout are all nearby and present even more options for those looking to explore. Of course, as it is the Canadian Rockies there really is no shortage of adventures to be had. One of our favorites has always been biking the Bow Valley Parkway, especially during its seasonal closures to vehicles.

Even as two locals from Canmore, we enjoyed our stays immensely at Castle Mountain Chalets. Perhaps it’s because it offers a great local escape with a cozy fireplace and rustic charm that we can’t get at home.

Plus, its location along the Bow Valley Parkway presents the perfect amount of isolation in the wilderness. Yet, it’s never too far to enjoy some of the park’s great amenities, like ski resorts, restaurants, and museums.

A Few More Key Facts About Castle Mountain Chalets