Situated in the high alpine meadows of Banff National Park, Brewster's Shadow Lake Lodge is a remote back country lodge with private cabins, accessible only by hiking, cross country skiing or snowshoeing. Included in the rate are three mountain gourmet meals as well as afternoon tea served to you daily in our dining lodge.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Charming
Great View
Location
Banff, Banff National Park, Alberta T1L 1C3 Canada
This is my new favourite backcountry hut! A hidden gem with all the backcountry luxury. I was a little reluctant because of all the mediocre or negative reviews. However, after my stay, I personally believe that those reviewers have never stayed in a backcountry lodge where they had to pack in their food and prepare their own meals on a weak propane stove.
The cabin beds are soft and comfortable. Perfect for falling asleep in after a 14km ski in. It took us 4 hours starting from Red Earth Creek Trailhead and I would consider us people of "average fitness". The avalanche paths at 3.3km and 4.4km have posted signage. No signage for the avalanche path between 6.3 - 8km. I wore skins on my xc skis going to the lodge. I definitely didn't have to try as hard hiking up to the lodge, however, I was much slower because I couldn't glide as easily.
The lodge and facilities are well maintained and kept clean at all times. The food is delicious and plentiful. You do not need to bring any extra snacks and you can always ask for seconds. You can buy wine (bottles from $30-$70), beer and cocktails. The staff posted daily weather reports and snow temperatures for xc skiing each day. They also recommended different day trips from the lodge depending on how long and how hard you wanted to sweat.
We had a great time and would highly recommend this place.
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Date of stay: February 2022
Value
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My husband and I spent 3 nights in a king size cabin. Room was comfortable. Staff was friendly and attentive. Food was amazing - beautifully presented gourmet meals. Breakfast starts with fruit salad, yogurt, home made baked treats (scones and muffins), and a hot entree (over the 3 days we got sunny side up eggs with a yummy sausage; pancake with bacon; eggs Benedict). Then you pick up your lunch bag with preordered sandwiches. They also have trail mix, sweet treats, fresh fruit and carrot/celery sticks for you to add to your bag. The dinners we got were cod, lamb chops and pork tenderloin. They seat you with different people every day so you can mingle.
You are encouraged to be mindful of the environment. Solar powered lights, grey water recycling etc. Shower and very clean pit toilets are in a separate building. There is one shower and two toilets for women; one shower, a urinal and one toilet for the men. If I had one wish it would be to add another shower and toilet as sometimes there is a wait.
The trails are well marked and take you to beautiful vistas, waterfalls, mountain passes…
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Date of stay: September 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We recently returned from our first weekend at Shadow Lake Lodge and I have already started planning my next trip. Beautiful warm cabins, incredible food, helpful staff and lovely hot showers all made for great days of hiking.
We took the Redearth trail in, moderate and gradual incline most of the way in. It was not difficult, but quite dull as there are no view points. The hiking opportunities from the Lodge more than make up for it though. Next time, however, we will take Twin Lakes and just plan for a few more rest stops as it is a more difficult trail.
The Lake is a 10ish minute walk on the trails in the trees away. The area in front of the Lodge is a lovely meadow, but quite soggy so cannot really be explored.
We were very lucky to have a clear night with the Milky Way glowing above us!
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Date of stay: September 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My husband and I celebrated our 17th wedding anniversary with a trip to Shadow Lake Lodge. I had heard good things from friends and it did not disappoint. We really enjoyed being seated for dining with people we didn’t know - such a treat after the last year and a half of virtual communication (we were asked in advance if we were comfortable with that). The hike in and out wasn’t too special but our day hike to the waterfalls and Amphitheatre from the lodge was really special. The food was very good and we were never hungry - the baked goods were especially delicious. The staff was incredibly hard working and very friendly.
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Date of stay: August 2021Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Individual cabins make this lodge extra cute, the food was relish and there are a lot of hiking options from the camp. Heads up the cabin is not on the lake. There is an easy way in so there’s more families and kids than other backcountry lodges but the vibe was great! We went the ‘hard’ way, it was awesome, no regrets. Way more views than the alternative. Overall fantastic experience!
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Date of stay: August 2023Trip type: Travelled with friends
Room Tip: I’d love to go in the spring to see the flowers. Beware though I’ve heard the snow can stick...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I know, can you give a five star rating without flush toilets? I think so. Shadow Lake Lodge provided a five star back country experience with clean facilities, amazing food (OMG, Fois Gras?!) Wine service and impeccable hospitality. This was my second trip and it was better than the last. Go! And bring bug (and bear) spray.
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Date of stay: July 2021
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We spent two nights at Shadow Lake Lodge in the first week of August and enjoyed every minute. You get your own private log cabin (unlike Skoki Lodge with its paper-thin walls) and the price is far more reasonable than some of the other backcountry lodges in the Canadian Rockies.
The food was great and is served in a cozy dining room where you will have the opportunity to meet lots of other hikers. The beds and down duvets were super comfortable and pleasure to fall into at the end of a great day of hiking. There is a common shower with hot water (solar-powered) - very nice to wash off the sweat, bug spray and grime of hiking.
I would recommend 2 to 3 nights. Those who only stayed one night were a little disappointed. The hike in (along Red Earth Creek) isn't that great but the day-hike possibilities from the Lodge (especially Gibbons Pass/ Copper Mountain) are great. Stick around and take advantage of the backcountry location.
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Date of stay: August 2005
Value
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We just returned from a mother/daughter adventure at Shadow Lake Lodge. What an amazing experience! We stayed for three wonderful nights and enjoyed each moment of our visit. The hike in on Red Earth Creek is a fairly straightforward 14 km. But the arrival at the cabins clustered around a beautiful mountain meadow comes as a beautiful surprise at the end of the journey. Each day, we were greeted with a huge breakfast, packed a lunch from the many delicious offerings available, and set out on our day hike. Tea is set out for hikers every afternoon with snacks, cakes, cheeses, and fruits. And dinner is an amazing affair offering multiple courses, homemade breads, and delicious deserts. Wine and beer are available for purchase which is a great complement to afternoon tea and dinner. Each cabin has comfortable and warm beds, a porch to take in the meadow views, and plenty of space to stow gear. There is a wash basin and pitcher in each room, and a communal bath house with blessedly hot showers and surprisingly clean and fresh smelling pit toilets. The commitment to environmental stewardship is evident from the shampoo (phosphate free-don't bring your own) to gray waste water treatment (an underwater drainage system that filters all the gray water before discharge.) The staff was incredibly welcoming and hospitable. Katie is not only an exceptional cook and baker-her personality lights up the room! And she and her staff are a wealth of local knowledge, on everything from hikes to gear to wildlife.
One recommendation from local hikers is to hike in on one of the alternate (although more challenging) routes, then hike out on Red Earth Creek trail, giving your party a chance to experience more of the area. According to locals, shuttles are available for hire to take you back to your vehicle and original starting point. We created such wonderful memories at Shadow Lake. We're already looking forward to a return trip!
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Date of stay: July 2018
Value
Rooms
Service
Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip:Â Wash rooms are at the far end of cabin row. Depending on cabin location, you may have to walk...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The experience at Shadow Lake Lodge was nothing short of spectacular. They have the infrastructure set up to ensure that guests have a great experience, but it is more than that! It was the hospitality of everyone we encountered, the atmosphere encouraged to get to know the other guests, the care taken with the food sensitivities to ensure we all had nourishing fuel for our adventures!
The private cabins, hot showers, gathering cabin for cards and games, candlelit set tables for meals - AND the ultimate basecamp for accessing beautiful areas of Banff National Park where no one else seems to be!
Incredible value for your money and worth every penny for the ultimate memories!
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Date of stay: July 2018
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Likely the best experience in the backcountry we have ever had. The hike in is well worth the trip and the photo opportunities are that of a lifetime. We were just in awe of the beauty.
We didn’t see any wildlife other than the resident bald eagle.
Staff and other guests were a pleasure.
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Date of stay: August 2018Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
There are more places to choose from in the Banff area.
ALSO KNOWN AS
shadow lake hotel banff
LOCATION
CanadaAlbertaCanadian RockiesBanff National ParkBanff
NUMBER OF ROOMS
11
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