This Summer has been very different than past Summers given being into my third trimester of pregnancy. I am very used to long days on the trail, whether running or hiking and long, along with backpacking and sleeping on the ground, with a thin air mattress. Being 33 weeks along and finding sleep to be a bit more uncomfortable I was looking at options/things to do that would still allow me to get into the backcountry, but provide a bit more comfort.
A few weeks prior I was scrolling Instagram and came across a friend who had recently posted about a backcountry lodge called ‘Shadow Lake Lodge’, which really caught my attention. It looked stunning. The lodge, the cabins themselves, the surrounding peaks, the meadows, the trails, the lake, the food, the staff, etc. The perfect rustic retreat being so far along in pregnancy, and a place I had never been before.
I looked into availability shortly after and saw a couple nights open, so contacted the lodge and was able to book a two night stay for my friend and I in one of their cabins, from July 17-19th.
The rates online include accomodation & all food during your stay. Love that it is an all inclusive back country experience. No hauling your tent, camping pad and food for kms.
Accommodations:
There are 11 private log cabins, with the most comfortable of beds (mattress, pillows and duvet). There is propane heating, along with solar-powered lights, and a washbasin. There are also plug-ins so you are able to charge your phone etc. All cabins have their own private porch and outdoor log furniture, which is the perfect spot to enjoy your morning coffee, afternoon beverage, with views of the mountains.
The cabins come in three configurations: Standard (two double beds), Queen (two queen beds), and King (one king bed). We stayed in the ‘Isabella’ cabin with a king bed. The view was amazing!
Bathrooms/Showers:
There are no bathrooms right in the cabin, though communal washroom facilities provided only steps away, AND a hot shower, which is such a luxury in the back-country and felt so good after a long day on the trail.
Towels are provided for guests in their cabins.
Dining:
Healthy gourmet meals are served at the lodge, prepared by backcountry chefs.
Tea/Coffee: Ready by 645/7am in the lodge.
Breakfast: 8am – fruit, baked goods, granola, milk in a buffet style and then a hot plated breakfast served after. We enjoyed pancakes/sausages the first day and then a yam-hash the second morning.
Lunch: Following the seated breakfast, made-to-order lunches will be ready for you, with your choices of fresh fruit, sandwich ingredients, cookies, bars, trail-mix and/or other snacks to take with you as you head out for the day (or to enjoy at the lodge).
Afternoon tea/charcuterie: 3-5pm – A mixture of savoury and sweet items.
Dinner: 630pm – When the dinner bell goes guests can gather at the dining lodge and will be seated with their group.
‘Artisan breads, hearty soups, distinctive main courses and delectable desserts will round out your active day at Shadow Lake Lodge. Creative, set menus are prepared with fresh, seasonal ingredients and attention to special dietary requests. Full service meals with attentive service ensure you eat what you want, with plenty of opportunity to enjoy second helpings’.
You can also choose from a full service drink menu. Wine, beer, cider, soda, Bubly etc.
(Click the link above for more information)
Redearth: From the trailhead it is a 13km hike in. Some choose to bike the first 10.5km, lock the bikes at the bike rack, and then hike the remaining 3 or you can opt for a hike in like we did. The trail has 440m gain. Depending on your pace, along with stops, you can plan for between 3 – 5 hours. We were walking pretty fast and it took us just over 3. This is the preferred Winter route.
You spend most of your time in the trees, with some openings of views along the way.
Arnica/Twin Lakes: The alternate route. 14kms of hiking, though 950m of elevation gain. Taking approximately 6-7 hours one way.
This is a more scenic route, though more challenging. It starts with a 120m descent to Vista Lake before beginning your steep climb to Arnica Lake, before carrying on to Twin Lakes. You then continue to Gibbon Pass before descending to the lodge.
There are a number of day hikes you can do from the lodge once there.
Common Day Hikes: Click for more trail info
Shadow lakeshore Trail, Whistling Pass, Haiduk Lake, Ball Pass, Twin Lakes, Little Copper, Gibbon Pass, Waterfalls/Amphitheatre, Egypt Lake.
We hiked to Ball Pass (Pictured Below), which was 16km round trip from the lodge.
Below is a map of the area, you are provided with the maps and detailed trail descriptions on the back, once you arrive at the lodge.
Shadow Lake:
A short 1km hike from the lodge. We enjoyed the views, along with alpine dips a couple times during our stay. You can hike along either side of the lake, and can enjoy a view at the classic ‘red chairs’ if you’d like to.
The lodge is open for a couple months during the Winter, where people hike, snowshoe or ski in.
Winter access/details – Click the link for more details on Winter access.
I would love to go back one day and experience the lodge in its Winter wonder!
I already can not wait to return back to Shadow Lake Lodge. Perhaps with my husband and our little girl next time.
The staff were so welcoming and accommodating (with my pregnancy and dietary preferences/needs). It felt like home away from home.
Huge thanks to the lodge for having me and my friend Natalie for joining and helping with some of the images during our trip.
Instagram – @shadowlakelodge
Phone – 1 (403) 678-3200 x 229
info@shadowlakelodge.co
Fresh Air And Freedom 