One of my favourite mountain lodges, nestled in Spray Valley Provincial Park, about an hour drive from Canmore, Alberta. We have been coming here for years, since learning about it around 7 years ago. We love it so much, we even ended up booking the lodge out for our wedding, on September 30th, 2021.
The views are amazing, the staff, the food, the dog friendliness, along with the endless adventure near by, no matter the season. From Summer to full on Winter, it’s perfect for anyone looking for a little adventure, OR perhaps you’re wanting to just get away and recharge, and take in the surrounding beauty in the mountains.
Pet-friendliness can be tough to find sometimes, so this is surely one reason we continue to come back to Engadine. They make our dogs feel so welcome, with the custom dog treats, beds, bowls, dining with your pets experience, and dog photo wall.
Accommodations
All of which offer an inclusive dining experience – breakfast, a packed-lunch, afternoon tea (charcuterie and dessert) and dinner. The meals are easily 5 stars! We have never been disappointed in the food served at Engadine. One thing I love about staying is the fact there are NO in room telephones, or TV’s, which allow you to really escape and relax, tuning in with nature.
Engadine offers 5 different canvas glamping tents. We have stayed in them few times now, as they are all dog friendly, and only in the Winter months, and find them to be so cozy and fun! Camping? In the Winter? Yes, please!
- Beautiful mountain, valley, and forest views
- King-size bed with pillow top mattress, which can be split into two twins
- Full pull-out couch
- Full ensuite bathroom with hot showers
- Private patio and deck
- Pet-friendly
- Chandelier and hardwood floors
- Gas fireplace
- Canvas walls
- Electrical outlets to charge devices
We stayed in the ‘Moose’ suite for our wedding, which is located upstairs in the lodge and then most recently in the ‘Elk’ Suite, which is attached to the lodge but on the main level, just a couple steps away from the main entrance of the lodge. The upstairs rooms are not dog friendly, though the Elk suite is. There are a number of different sized rooms, even one called the ‘Chickadee’ which is perfect for a solo traveler! All the rooms, excluding the Chickadee offer a view of the valley.
The Moose suite is perfect for a romantic getaway or wedding suite. My bridesmaids and I got ready in the room and our photographer was able to capture some stunning photos of such. There is a pull-out couch as well, adding extra sleeping space for kids or others traveling together.
The Elk Suite has a private balcony, separate from the main deck, and a cozy reading nook. The gas fireplace, and pull-out couch are also great to have. Craig used this room to get ready with his groomsman on our wedding day.
There is also the ‘Eagle’, ‘Owl’ and the ‘Raven’, located upstairs. All which have King sized beds, and stunning views of the mountains. Keep an eye out for wildlife which tend to roam in the valley below!
Just off the lodge are 3 cabins, with balconies overlooking the valley. I stayed in a cabin 7 years ago, during my first visit here and would love to experience them again soon. ‘Whiskey Jack’, ‘Burstall’, and ‘Birdwood’.
‘Whiskeyjack’ – ‘The perfect cabin for families or friends on a weekend getaway. Featuring 2 adjoining bedrooms – one with a queen bed, and another with two twins – you’re sure to create some unforgettable memories on and off the trails. Whiskeyjack has a private entrance, bathroom with a shower and a balcony overlooking the meadow’.
‘Burstall’ – ‘One of two rooms in our cozy meadow’s edge chalet with a stunning view of Tent Ridge. Featuring a queen-size bed, private ensuite bathroom, and a large balcony overlooking the meadow that is perfect for viewing any of the beautiful Kananaskis wildlife that may come visit’.
‘Birdwood’ – ‘One of two rooms in our chalet tucked between the forest and the meadow’s edge. This cabin features a queen-size bed, private ensuite bathroom and a large balcony that overlooks the meadow giving guests a glimpse of the picturesque Birdwood Mountain. Perfect for two’.
One accommodation that goes a little unnoticed, as it is tucked in the trees, a couple minutes down a trail from the main lodge. Perfect for someone on a smaller budget, though it still includes an all-inclusive dining experience and full access to common areas in the lodge (bathroom/sinks etc), just like the rest of the rooms.
At our wedding a few friends stayed in the yurt. The perfect place for them to lay their head after a long day.
It also has a lovely view of the valley. They say it’s even one of the best on the property.
- Open all year round
- Propane heater
- Pillows, Linens, Blanket provided in the Summer, Spring, and Fall. In winter, guests must bring their own sleeping bags
- Sleeps up to 4 People. 2 sets of bunk beds
- Pet-friendly
- A camping experience, with no plumbing or shower facilities
- No electricity
Dining Experience
You’ll never leave Engadine hungry. The food is always 10/10, with an on site chef. They are wonderful at accommodating any dietary needs/allergies. It is great not having to worry about packing any meals when staying at Engadine, or snacks for that matter because they sure do feed you well.
There is afternoon tea served between 2-5pm everyday, complimentary to guests staying at the lodge, and open for drop-ins as well between those times. They offer coffee, tea, a charcuterie board, accompanied by a dessert. We like to arrive a bit early always, before check-in to enjoy this. $35 a person for those dropping in.
Dinner – Served at 7pm every evening. A 3 course meal. The menu is always written up on the wall beside the bar, listing the first course, main dish and dessert.
Breakfast – Served between 8-9am every morning. There is a cold breakfast bar to start. Fruit, pastries, parfaits etc. Then two options given for your main course. Different everyday. From omelettes to pancakes, waffles, frittatas, crepes and more.
Lunch – At dinner you will be provided with a piece of paper, for which you will select your lunch preference for the next day. They provide you with a sandwich, and a snack, whether that be a cookie, trail mix, or veggies and hummus. This bagged lunch is awesome, if you plan to go out adventuring during the day, it’s easy to take with you.
Coffee/tea bar – There is always coffee and tea available to guests in the main lodge. Drip coffee, Chemex, or press. A wide assortment of tea is available.
Drink bar – They have a wide variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks available on site, with a drink/wine menu available. As a wine lover myself this is appreciated.
Pet-friendly – Engadine allowed us to dine with our dogs, in the living room area, which was lovely. The dogs aren’t allowed in the main dining area, but will ask you if you want to dine with them in a space just next to the dining area. This was such a nice treat!
Sunday Brunch – Is also reopening to the public on June 1st, where you can join them from 10:30- 1:30pm for a lovely meal overlooking the beautiful mountains in the back. Smoked salmon Benedict, or banana pancakes with strawberry compote? Yes please! The menu will change from week to week. Sunday strudel will also be available from 2-5pm daily. Reservations are required for this.
Activities/Features
The lodge has a couple fat bikes, along with snowshoes available for guests to use at no cost, with trails right from the property. There is also cross-country ski trails near by, at Mount Shark, just a few minutes down the road.
No matter the season, all-trails is a great resource for researching hiking/snowshoeing trails within the area, or if you’re into backcountry skiing. Summer is endless to, with lakes near, for paddle boarding, canoeing, and kayaking.
The staff can also offer suggestions depending on what type of activity/level you are looking for. Pet friendly, family, experienced etc. We never get tired of the trails around in Kananaskis.
On our most recent stay we hiked to Chester Lake (pictured above), which is a few minutes down the highway, before checking in, and snowshoed on Rummel Lake Trail (pictured below), which is directly across the highway from Engadine.
In the Summer months, Tent Ridge (pictured above) s a favourite hike of mine, located just behind the lodge. We had a one year sunset photo shoot done here for our wedding anniversary. Photos taken by @lindselora.
Fire pit area – There is a fire pit area located just outside the lodge, which is a great place to gather around in the evening, after a day of adventuring.
Swings – A fun feature for guests. Two sings area available on site, one single wing farther back in the trees, and another swing for a couple people to enjoy overlooking the valley.
Weddings/Special events
Like I mentioned earlier in my blog post, Craig and I got married at Engadine, and I wouldn’t have chosen any other place for our special day. They were incredible to work with and made all my dreams come true. We rented out the entire lodge, and had friends and family stay for 3 days, 2 nights which made for a very memorable experience. Wedding days go by so quickly, so being able to spend more than one day with loved ones made it so special. Photos taken by @lindselora.
Some friends and family stayed close by in Canmore, which is an hour drive from the lodge, as the lodge sleeps up to 30 people. Immediate family and bridal party stayed at Engadine, while the rest in town.
They offer weddings, corporate retreats, romantic getaways, and other special offers depending on when you book, and providing group rates, along with mid week rates. There are also other offers available for yoga retreats, along with Fathers Day and Mothers Day.
Tap to check out their page for wedding details.
If you have any questions at all about my experience at Mount Engadine Lodge, feel free to leave a comment or email me at b7.willson@gmail.com OR you can get in contact with the lodge directly, by visiting their website.
Fresh Air And Freedom 