The Lodge At Bow Lake Review

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The historic Num-Ti-Jah Lodge recently received a renovation fitting its superb location along Bow Lake and reopened as The Lodge at Bow Lake. With its famed red roof along the shoreline, it enjoys an iconic location along a scenic highway known for its grandeur.

Due to its comfortable rooms and wonderful food, which are included in all bookings, the lodge instantly is our favorite place to stay along the Icefields Parkway. Of course, wonderful hiking, scrambling, climbing, and ski opportunities come with its exceptional location. There is no shortage of adventures to be had around Bow Lake.

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The Lodge At Bow Lake

Once we set off the Icefields Parkway and Bow Lake to stay along the lake’s shoreline, we knew we were in for something special. The historic lodge formerly known as the Num-Ti-Jah Lodge (which translates to Pine Marten in the Stoney language) has always enjoyed one of the finest locations in the Canadian Rockies.

However, after decades of faithful service to those looking to recreate in the mountains, the storied lodge required some love. After a major renovation, the lodge has been brought up to a modern standard but retains its original charm and history. The new ownership has brought experience from other Canadian backcountry lodges and modern refurbishments.

The lodge, with its cozy fireplaces and beautiful lounge, is ideal for relaxing after a hike to Helen Lake, driving up the Icefields Parkway, or paddling along the lake. It’s all very smartly decorated and never loses its sense of its roots, with wild game adorning the walls and photos from decades past. We felt right at home in our spacious room and modern bathroom. Of course, it’s tough not to love any room with glacial views from the window!

It’s all about reconnecting with the wild and disconnecting from the modern world. There is no WiFi, dinners are at communal tables, and food is prepared to replenish aching muscles. The food here is a real highlight, with a hot breakfast, a packed lunch with plenty of baked goodies, and a three-course dinner. (It was tough not to pack multiple cookies every day for lunch!)

Given its location along Bow Lake, there is no shortage of adventures. In the summer, that includes hiking, climbing, canoeing, fishing, and sightseeing. We highly recommend everyone take the journey out to Bow Glacier Falls, and experienced hikers should challenge themselves with a journey out to the “Onion.”

Snowy winters and an ideal location offer cross-country skiing, ice-skating, backcountry skiing, and snowshoeing. With some good intermediate terrain around the lodge, it’s a great spot to hire a local guide and go on an introductory ski tour.

It’s also a short 30-minute drive to the Lake Louise Ski Resort and is a convincing place to stay for those after a special ski trip. For those not after adventure, the lodge’s well-appointed lounge is the perfect spot for a good book and cup of herbal tea beside the fire.

It feels like a backcountry lodge built for adventure but is far more accessible. Not all travelers want to tackle every mountain peak, and the lodge’s location along the Icefields Parkway makes it well-suited for all.

While many travelers dedicate a day to driving the Parkway, we think the scenic highway and surrounding peaks deserve far more time. Peyto Lake’s close proximity allowed us to watch the sunrise from a famed viewpoint. The Lodge at Bow Lake certainly makes the perfect base.

We’re certain almost any day tripper who pokes their head into the lodge’s cafe wishes they could check into a room, especially considering the lodge and the dining room are reserved for guests.

Currently, The Lodge At Bow Lake feels like an incredible deal compared to hotels such as the Chateau Lake Louise, which is exorbitantly more expensive with impersonal service. The lodge staff is exceptionally friendly, provides wonderful service, and is quick to give advice on hikes.