adventure to luxury
When we began building our Banff lodge over twenty years ago we wanted to provide an oasis of calm, an escape from people’s busy lives. Today, our philosophy remains unchanged: Moraine Lake Lodge invites you to enjoy one of the most beautiful places on earth and connect to what matters most. Hike, breathe the fresh mountain air, nurture your relationships and create lasting memories.
our story
1899
Exploring Wild Beauty
In 1899, explorer Walter Wilcox set out to map the Rockies. After days of rain and snow, he climbed a rock pile and discovered a breathtaking valley with a pristine lake. Naming it Moraine Lake, he called the moment “the happiest half-hour” of his life.
1900–1941
Bright Beginnings
Tom Wilson cut the first trail to Moraine Lake in 1899, followed by a CPR trail in 1902 and a carriage road soon after. A teahouse opened in 1908, with cabins added by 1922. Over the years, the site grew with new cabins and a rebuilt teahouse, welcoming visitors to discover this incredible area.
1959–1991
A Legacy of Stewardship
Moraine Lake Lodge changed hands many times—sold by CPR in 1959, it passed from Brewster Transportation to the Smythes, then to Jack Divinsky and later to Art Davis. In 1991, David Hutton and Nancy Stibbard took ownership, shaping the lodge into what it is today.
1988–Present
Naturally Magnificent
In 1988, famed architect Arthur Erickson designed Moraine Lake Lodge to blend with nature while hosting overnight guests and 4,000 daily visitors. The result is stunning—a space where travelers connect, relax by the fire and immerse in the area’s breathtaking beauty.
Protecting Paradise
Working in harmony with nature, our luxury Lodge is almost self-sufficient. When you turn on your tap, you are experiencing some of the freshest water in the world as it comes directly from an alpine mountain well. We generate our own power and transport all waste safely out of the area. We attempt to reduce, re-use and recycle wherever possible to protect our precious landscape.
