General Information on Cathedral Mountain Lodge & Surroundings

Few places on earth afford as many opportunities to experience the wonders of nature up close as the Canadian Rockies. Come see nature as you've never believed possible, and experience the outdoors in a way you will remember forever.

Yoho National Park was established in 1886. The word "Yoho" is a Cree Indian expression of astonishment or awe. Yoho National Park is well known for its seemingly endless supply of hiking trails, spectacular waterfalls, and dramatic mountain peaks.

Few places on earth afford as many opportunities to experience the wonder of nature up close as in the Canadian Rockies. You will see nature as you've never believed possible and experience the outdoors in a way you will remember forever. Yoho National Park, along with Kootenay, Jasper and Banff National Parks is part of the Canadian Rocky Mountains World Heritage Site, one of the largest protected mountainous regions in the world.

Cathedral Mountain Lodge is situated in one of the largest protected mountainous regions in the world, Yoho National Park. Yoho is well known for it's seemingly endless supply of hiking trails, spectacular waterfalls, towering rock walls and mountain peaks.

Sightseeing
Cathedral Mountain Lodge is only 5 minutes away from Takakkaw Falls, the second highest waterfall in Canada. Stunning glacial fed lakes like Emerald, Moraine and Lake Louise are all within a half-hour drive. The Columbia Icefields Parkway, known as the most scenic drive in North America, begins just 15 minutes east of the Lodge. Other attractions, including the Natural Bridge, Spiral Tunnels Railway viewpoint and the Burgess Shale Fossil exhibits, detailing the evolution of life in the Canadian Rockies, are nearby.

Wildlife Viewing
Black bears, elk and deer are often sited in the near vicinity of the lodge.

Hiking & Climbing
There are over 500 km (310 miles) of hiking trails around Cathedral Mountain Lodge. The area around Lake Louise, Yoho National Park and Banff National Park offers trails, many of which are the best to be found in the Rockies. The Iceline and Larch Valley Trails offer hikes through alpine meadows and up close views of imposing glaciers. Mountain guides are available to be hired. At Lake O'Hara there are trails and a sport climbing area.

Mountain Biking
In Yoho National Park there are over 80 km (50 miles) of fire roads open to bikes. These include the Kicking Horse, Amiskwi, Otterhead, Ottertail, Ice River and Ross Lake Trails. For more extreme terrain Kicking Horse resort in Golden is recommended.

Boating and Rafting
There's no better way to appreciate the beauty and tranquility of the mountain lakes than by paddling in a canoe! Boat rentals are available just minutes from Cathedral Mountain Lodge at Emerald Lake, Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. Powerboats are not permitted on National Park waters.

Canoeing, kayaking and whitewater rafting are permitted on designated sections of the Kicking Horse River. For whitewater enthusiasts, the Kicking Horse River provides an exhilarating experience!

Interpretive River Safaris are a new way that our guests are enjoying the natural beauty of the area. Suitable for everyone, jet boat tours of the Columbia River are guided by an on board naturalist.

Fishing
Fly-fishing and plenty of lake and river fishing can be found nearby. Guide services and rentals are offered at Emerald Lake and Lake Louise. A National Park Fishing Permit is required. The cost is approximately $6.00 for one week.

Horseback Riding
One-hour trail rides or full-day excursions through spectacular areas of the Rocky Mountains are available at Lake Louise.

Golfing
There are two magnificent golf courses less than 1 hour from Cathedral Mountain: Banff Springs Hotel Golf Course and Golden Golf and Country Club. For more information, visit www.golfgolden.com or www.banffsprings.com.

YOHO ADVENTURES

Wapta Falls
22 km (14 miles, 30 minutes) west of Field. A short drive from the highway takes you to the start of an easy 2.4 km (1.5 miles) trail to these impressive falls (45 minutes hike, one way).

Natural Bridge
Emerald Lake turn off 3 km (2 miles) west of Field. Shortly you will come to Natural Bridge where the Kicking Horse River has worn a narrow hole through the limestone wall, creating a bridge. Trails lead to several viewpoints.

Emerald Lake
8km (5 miles) further is Emerald Lake. A 5.2 km (3 miles) interpretive trail circles the lake. Additional activities include canoe or rowboat rental. For lunch, there are two restaurants and a "to go" counter at the lodge. The deck at "Cilantro on the Lake" is very pleasant on a warm day.

Takakkaw Falls
From Cathedral Mountain Lodge continue 13 km (8 miles, 15 minutes) on Yoho Valley Road to Takkakaw Falls, the second highest waterfall in Canada. It is an exciting steep road to the Falls, with tight switchbacks and great views. The Falls have a free fall of 254 metres (833 feet) and several popular hikes start here. Take the short trail to the Falls and allow 20 minutes for sightseeing.

Spiral Tunnel Viewpoints
Head east to Lake Louise and start up the "Big Hill". Part way up you will come to the Spiral Tunnel lookout and interpretive display for the lower tunnels. The Spiral Tunnels, completed in 1909, reduced the original railway grade of 4.5% the steepest of any railway in North America to a much safer 2.2%, an engineering feat for that time.

Lake Louise
Continue east into Alberta and Lake Louise (10 minutes). The Moraine Lake turn-off leads to the "Jewel of the Rockies", Moraine Lake (15 minutes).

Moraine Lake Lodge is situated on the edge of a glacier-fed lake and has a breathtaking vista of snow-capped mountains. An altitude of 1920m (6,300 feet) puts you in the very heart of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Take a short hike and enjoy the complimentary canoe rental provided to guests of Cathedral Mountain Lodge.

After canoeing, the Walter Wilcox Dining Room offers a unique, elegant menu showcasing the best regional cuisine. Signature dishes include buffalo carpaccio with roasted pine nuts and deer tenderloin with red currants and juniper berries. To avoid disappointment, dinner reservations are highly recommended.

Weather
Weather in the mountains is unpredictable and can change very quickly so be prepared for anything! Temperatures during the summer average from evening lows of 5C - 14C (50s F) to daytime highs of 20C - 25 C (mid to high 70s F).