visormom

Traveling to the area in July 06. 3 Adults and 1 child, but we would like an upscale quaint cabin/chalet. We will be staying a week in Jasper at the Fairmount, so we'd like to do something a little different at the end of our trip. We will only have 2 days left to explore the Lake Louise/Banff area. You Fodor readers have never left me down. Thank you

radial

Visormom,

I have never been to any of them but both lodges look wonderful according to the pictures of their respective website. So nice, that I am actually thinking to switch hotels. ALthough it seems to me that both lodges are only open in the summer and will be closed in February. Is it correct?

What bout their restaurants?

Thanks for the your kind reply.

JBL

visormom

JBL...it appears to me that they are only open for the summer as well. I have heard that the Moraine Lake Lodge has a wonderful restaurant; albeit a bit crowded with visitors until dusk. The only negative that I have heard regarding Catherdral is that they are very close to the railroad? I have no confirmation on that. I hope others in the know can enlighten us. They do look like delightful properties..perhaps even sister properties???

Judy_in_Calgary

Visormom, I have not stayed at either of these properties, but I have read reports about train noise when you stay at Cathedral Mountain Lodge.

The parking lot at Moraine Lake is <b>very</b> busy during the day. However, if you're out and about hiking and sight seeing during the day, that should not affect you. I have read that Moraine Lake is very peaceful in the evening, when the day trippers have left.

In addition to that, Moraine Lake Lodge has a naturalist on staff, and that person takes guests on guided nature hikes if they wish.

I have only eaten in Moraine Lake Lodge's restaurant at lunch time, not at dinner time. There is a great view from the restaurant, which has floor to ceiling windows that allow you to look out towards the lake. Also, there's a patio on which you can sit in fine weather.

The lunches I've eaten there have been pleasant. I think it would be going a bit too far to describe them as wonderful. But then keep in mind that the restaurant is very busy around lunch time on a summer's day. I expect the dining experience would be better in the evening, when the place was quieter.

You may already have heard that <b>the</b> place to dine in the Lake Louise area is the Post Hotel. I highly recommend that you have a meal there while you're in the area. Lake Louise is 9 miles from Moraine Lake. The restaurant at the Post Hotel is so popular that people even make reservations for breakfast!

If you're going to be hiking during the day, Laggan's Bakery and Deli in Lake Louise village is a great place to pick up a take-away lunch.

tom22

What is your intention to stay at Moraine Lake Lodge.

Moraine Lake is nice for a canoe trips on the Lake. The trails arround the Lodge are located within prime grizzly bear habitat. They are not accessable by law for groups smaller than 6 people. This because of the bear activties in this area.

poss

tom: thanks so much for your post. It's exactly the kind of detail that I keep hoping to find on these boards-- vital and pointed. I'd been considering the Lodge because photos made the lake look handsome-- but your note abt hiking scratches the idea without any doubt. thank you.

rickandpat

I stayed at Moraine Lake Lodge about 4 years ago, and I plan to go back someday. The rooms all have views of the gorgeous lake, it has a wonderful warm ambience, small and cozy and everything done just right. The day trippers didn't bother me as I hiked each day. I was there in mid-June before the bears had headed up mountain, so we had to hike in groups as Tom said at that time (that restriction was lifted soon after I left), but that was no problem, there was a naturalist lead hike twice a day out of the lodge. Your family alone is four people, you just need another couple, if that restriction is in effect while you're there. Other hikes in the area (just down the road at Chateau Lake Louise) did not have that restriction and I hiked alone there. And I very much enjoyed the naturalist talks in the evenings.

So I would check with the lodge about the rules being in effect year-round before writing it off too quickly.

visormom

Now I know why I'm addicted to this sight while planning vacations. The information each of you have provided is very helpful. Keep up the good work!!