Nestled in the majestic peaks and valleys of the Canadian Rockies, Mount Engadine Lodge near Canmore offers a unique all-inclusive experience for families. This secluded glamping in Canmore promises a rare blend between comfort and wilderness adventure.
In this charming Kananaskis lodge, you’ll have a hassle-free vacation experience in the wilderness of the Canadian Rockies. From amazing dining experiences to outdoor activities right outside the lodge, everything is taken care of for you.
We were invited to stay at Mt. Engadine Lodge for a night and had a wonderful experience. Here is our review and a few things you should know before your glamping stay.
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Where is Mount Engadine Lodge Located?
Located within the heart of the Rockies, Mount Engadine Lodge offers the perfect all-inclusive experience for glamping in Alberta. The lodge is located in the Spray Valley Provincial Park in Kananaskis Country.
This amazing glamping resort is located :
- 40 km away from Canmore
- 140 km away from Calgary
- 71 km away from Banff
The lodge itself is surrounded by snow-capped peaks, forests, and crystal-clear rivers, all within walking distance. Mount Engadine is located just off the Smith-Dorrien Trail. This road is one of the most scenic routes in Kananaskis Country. It’s also one of the highest roads in the country.
But be warned, you’ll have to drive for about 20 kilometers on a dirt road. You don’t need a big car. Any car, even small cars, can make it to Mt. Engadine Lodge, but you’ll have to drive a little slower.
Also, there is no cell service at this glamping in Alberta location, nor on most of Highway 742 (Smith-Dorrien trail). The main lodge has wifi, but you won’t have wifi in the glamping tents.
How to Get to Mount Engadine Lodge
If you’re arriving from Canmore, you’ll want to reach the Three Sisters Dr. Then, drive onto Spray Lakes Rd/Three Sisters Pkwy/AB-742. You’ll follow this road until you arrive at Mt. Engadine Lodge.
If you’re arriving from Calgary, you’ll first get on Trans-Canada Hwy/AB-1 W, then exit at Kananaskis Trail/AB-40 S. Drive for a little while and then follow Kananaskis Lakes Trail/AB-742 in Kananaskis. You’ll drive on a dirt road for away 20 km and then arrive at the lodge.
What type of Family Experience Can you Expect Glamping in Alberta at Mt Engadine Lodge?
Mount Engadine Lodge offers a variety of accommodation types suitable for families, each providing a distinct experience, including:
- cabins,
- lodge rooms,
- glamping tents and
- a yurt
For instance, the family cabins feature two bedrooms, providing ample space for families to relax and unwind after a day of adventures. But when we visited, we wanted to try the experience of glamping in Alberta’s Rockies, so we stayed in one of the glamping tents.
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The glamping tents are really cozy and comfortable. They can accommodate families with its large king bed and its double sofa bed. In the main room, you’ll also find a beautiful log fireplace. I was surprised to see a full bathroom with a shower with hot water. It was a nice luxury we were not expecting.
My favorite place was the large patio facing the valley. It was so relaxing and beautiful. You’ll find Adirondack chairs to enjoy the view, and why not a glass of wine or a cup of coffee?
The lodge takes pride in ensuring all accommodations are comfortable, clean, and welcoming for guests of all ages. The interiors are decorated in a rustic yet elegant style that reflects the natural surroundings. High-quality bedding ensures a cozy environment, perfect for a restful sleep after a day of mountain exploration. We slept really well, and I had to wake the kids up at 7h45 (which never happens) to get ready for breakfast.
What Makes Mt Engadine the Perfect Mountain All-Inclusive for Families
Staying in an all-inclusive resort in the mountains of the Canadian Rockies is a unique experience for families. No need to think of meals and cook, you have to arrive at the lodge, and you’ll be all taken care of.
We particularly loved:
The Dining Experience
When booking a stay at Mt Engadine Lodge, you’ll have all your meals thoughtfully prepared and served on-site at the main lodge. The dining setting is equally impressive. You’ll enjoy your meals in the communal dining room, offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. For the afternoon tea, you can also decide to sit on the outdoor patio.
Afternoon Tea
The afternoon tea at the lodge is served from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Registered guests have the afternoon tea included in their stay, but walk-in visitors can also enjoy the tea service.
During this afternoon tea, you’ll have a tasty charcuterie and cheese board served with different crackers. Then, a small sweet treat is served to end the fun. You’ll get to choose between a wide selection of tea or coffee. Kids can also request hot chocolate.
3-Course Meal Dinner
The lodge serves up hearty, home-cooked meals carefully curated to meet the tastes of all its guests, including the younger ones. With a menu that changes daily and focuses on locally sourced ingredients, each meal becomes a unique culinary adventure. Dinner is served at 7:00 pm.
When we visited, we had
- a tomatoes and carrots salad
- smoked salmon with wild rice and
- panna cotta.
The food was tasty and delicious. I decided not to request a special kids’ meal, but the staff offered it to me at check-in. I love that my kids are willing to try new dishes, so I took this opportunity. They were served smaller portions of the regular menu, and they ate a good part of it.
Breakfast
Breakfast is served at 8:00 am. We had a choice between an omelet or crepes. While we waiting for our warm plates, we could serve ourselves with the cold buffet. There were croissants, fresh fruits, yogurts and a lot more yummy pastries.
Packed lunch for your day’s adventures
Before checkout, you’ll get a packed lunch for your day’s adventures. The night before, at dinner, we had to fill a paper with our choice of sandwiches and sides for our lunch. The kids obviously selected the cookie, and I got the veggies and hummus side.
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Mt Engadine Lodge Menu Recap
- Afternoon Tea: Charcuterie and cheese board with crackers.
- Dinner: Tomatoes and Carrots salad, smoked salmon with wild rice, panna cotta
- Breakfast: Berry Crepes and Omelets with cold buffet (parfait yogurt, fruits, croissant, …)
- Packed lunch: Sandwich and a snack
The Resort Facilities and Services
The common lounge area, with its cozy fireplace and comfortable seating, is an ideal spot for families to gather and share stories from their day.
We found a lot of board games, coloring books, puzzles, and books to read in the lounge. We took advantage of it and read most of the kids’ books, did a few puzzles, and even started a game of Canadian Monopoly.
While the lodge does not specifically offer programmed children’s activities, the natural surroundings is the perfect playground. Whether it’s building snowmen in the winter or spotting wildlife in the summer, children can engage in a variety of outdoor adventures right at the lodge’s doorstep.
We did walk past the bridge on Mount Shark Road and walked by the river. We stayed for a few hours. We also walked down the marsh. There’s a small trail right in between the main lodge and the cabins. And the kids loved the wooden swing hidden above the communal firepit.
The Customer Service and Staff Interaction
From the moment families arrive at Mount Engadine Lodge, the staff is dedicated to making the check-in process as smooth and quick as possible. It will ensure your family can start your vacation without delay (including the delicious afternoon tea that starts just a little before check-in).
What truly sets this lodge in Kananaskis apart is the warm and responsive service provided by its staff. The team goes above and beyond to ensure families, and particularly children, feel welcomed and attended to.
As soon as I arrived with my boys, I was asked if I wanted a special kid’s meal to be prepared. The staff was also really nice with the kids while we were waiting for our meals, chatting and interacting with them.
With recreational amenities and a cozy, home-like environment, you can enjoy a balance of adventure and relaxation, which is really hard to find elsewhere.
Mt Engadine Lodge Prices
The prices vary a little depending on the time of year and time of the week you’re booking and also the type of accommodation. For a family of 4 in a glamping tent, it’s around $750 per night for the all-inclusive experience of Mt. Engadine Lodge.
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A Bit More About the Lodge
Mount Engadine Lodge just scored a spot as one of the top 5 Canadian Hotels on Fodor’s Travel’s list of the 101 Most Incredible Hotels in the World for 2022. This is a shout-out to the lodge’s an absolutely stunning location in the Alberta Rockies, the phenomenal way they treat their guests, and their comfy, back-country accommodations.
What’s even cooler? They’re not just about the luxury – Mount Engadine Lodge cares about the environment too. Alberta Tourism has recognized Mount Engadine Lodge for its contribution to sustainable hospitality. They’ve made some serious strides in maintaining their luxury standards while reducing their environmental footprint.
The lodge is a part of the Ecostay Reforestation program, which has helped cut carbon emissions by more than 211 tonnes since 2017.
So, if you’re planning your next adventure, why not head to a place where you can enjoy the luxury of an amazing lodge and feel good about supporting sustainability?
What to Do Near Mt. Engadine Lodge: Family-Friendly Activities in Kananaskis
Located in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, the surrounding area of Mount Engadine Lodge is a veritable playground for families. Here are 10 fun things to do in Kananaskis County during your stay at Mount Engadine Lodge.
1. Visit Barrier Lake
Barrier Lake is a man-made reservoir in the heart of Kananaskis Country. It offers beautiful scenery. You can enjoy a picnic on the lakeshore, go on a paddleboarding adventure, or go on the epic hiking trail around.
2. Explore Peter Lougheed Provincial Park
This park is home to several easy-to-moderate trails that are suitable for children. One notable family-friendly trail is the Lower Lake Trail, which is a flat, easy trail with excellent views of the lake and mountains.
3. Experience Horseback Riding
At Boundary Ranch, just off Highway 40, you can go on a guided horseback riding adventure. This activity offers a unique way to explore the stunning Kananaskis landscapes and is suitable for riders of all ages.
In the winter, you can also do a horse-sleigh ride. Our kids loved our visit a few winters ago.
4. Hiking to Troll Falls
This easy, 3.4-kilometer trail located off Highway 40 leads to a stunning waterfall that’s especially magical in winter when the falls freeze. Kids will love the fact that it’s named after the “trolls” that are often hidden in the trail by local residents.
If the kids still have some energy, make sure to walk to Marble Falls. You’ll get to walk behind the waterfall.
5. Picnic at Wedge Pond
This small, beautiful pond off Highway 40 is a great place for a family picnic or snack break. The serene atmosphere, crystal-clear waters, and surrounding mountain views make it an ideal spot for a relaxed afternoon. You can also bring your paddle board to this pond.
6. Hiking the Blackshale Suspension Bridge Trail
This trail is located off Highway 742 and leads to a stunning suspension bridge. The walk to the bridge is fairly easy and great for kids. Once there, the bridge provides breathtaking views of the Blackshale Creek below and the surrounding Kananaskis Country.
The trailhead is not well-marked and there is no proper parking lot. You’ll have to park on the street. if you plan to go, I would recommend adding the location to your GPS before losing cell service.
7. Visit Spray Lakes Reservoir
Off Highway 742, this man-made reservoir is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. In winter, families can enjoy ice skating or ice fishing on the frozen reservoir, while summer offers opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing.
8. Visit Peninsula Day Use Area
This is one of our family’s new favorite spots in the area. There is a picnic table and easy access to the water. The kids found lots of great rocks to try skipping. We stayed for a few hours.
F.A.Q Glamping in Kananaskis at Mt. Engadine
What is Mount Engadine?
Mount Engadine is a 2,972-metre (9,751-foot) mountain summit located in the Spray River Valley of Kananaskis Country
Is Mount Engadine Pet-Friendly?
Yes. Mount Engadine is pet-friendly.
What are the check-in and check-out times at Mount Engadine Lodge?
Check-in at Mount Engadine Lodge is from 3:00 pm, and check-out is until 11:00 pm. You can arrive a little before the enjoy the afternoon tea as early as 2:00 pm.
What to pack when staying at the lodge?
You’ll be in the mountain, so you’ll want to pack plenty of layers to accommodate to the mountain weather. Also, it’s recommended to bring slippers inside the lodge.
Final Thoughts: Mount Engadine Lodge Review
We loved our stay at Mt. Engadine Lodge. It’s the perfect all-inclusive experience for glamping in Kananaskis. The price point is a bit high, but it comes with all meals and a serene place in the heart of the Canadian Rockies.
Would you try a glamping tent at Mount Engadine Lodge?
Emilie is the founder of Love Life Abroad. She helps moms plan epic road trips and outdoor adventures with their families. Because who said adventuring had to stop once we have kids? She’s based in the Canadian Rockies and shares her love for the region as well as other unique places in Canada & USA. She works with tourism boards and outdoor brands to inspire families to experience new unique destinations and outdoor activities.