The Canadian Rockies top many travel wishlists, with snow-topped granite peaks and ethereally blue lakes its not hard to see why. There are a few lodging options when staying near Lake Louise but if you want a true mountain retreat away from the crowds that just happens to have one of the most renowned restaurants in Canada then there is just one natural choice. Welcome to the Post Hotel.
I was given a discount for the Post Hotel & Spa but has always all opinions remain my own. The Casual Travelist contains affiliate links, when you make a purchase or book a hotel through these links the Casual Travelist receives a small commission that helps support this site at no additional cost to you.
The Post Hotel first started as the Lake Louise Ski Lodge in 1942, built by Banff guide Jim Boyce. Five years later the property was purchased by Sir Norman Watson, a British nobleman who envisioned creating a grand mountain lodge inspired by his travels through Switzerland. In 1978 ownership was transferred to Andre and George Schwarz, two Swiss brothers whose European hospitality and attention to detail have made this Relais & Chateau property into one of the finest hotels in Canada.
I stayed at the Post for two nights and chose it over other luxury hotels in Banff based on the recommendation of friend who grew up in Edmonton and has visited for years.
” Those other hotels are beautiful but the Post Hotel is warm, cozy and just so much more Canadian“
I was sold.
Set alongside the Bow River among the stunning backdrop of the Canadian Rockies I could sit in one of the Adirondack chairs with a glass of champagne the entire time and have an amazing trip but the Post’s location to some of the most famous sights in the Canadian Rockies is one of it’s best assets. Lake Louise and Lake Moraine (and all of the amazing hiking trails at both) are less than a 20 minute drive away and the Lake Louise Ski Resort is just 5 minutes away. I also explored the Icefield Parkway leading up to Jasper National Park and Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park while at the Post Hotel.
Check in was gracious and set the tone for our stay, providing information on the hotel and even offering complimentary bear spray for our hikes. (Pro tip-if your hotel offers bear spray take it). The hotel’s decor is rustic luxe, filled with honeyed pine and stone fireplaces with a classic alpine vibe that is cozy and timeless.
I was delighted to find that we had been upgraded to a one bedroom suite featuring a supremely comfortable king bed, a sitting room with a wood burning fireplace and a balcony to take in the beautiful mountain views. Our suite even came with two bathrooms, one with a stand alone shower and the other a jetted whirlpool tub. The in-room Nespresso made getting out of bed much easier.
A 2012 renovation brought the Temple Mountain Spa to the Post Hotel. While I didn’t get a chance to try any of the spa treatments on this trip I made good use of the pool and hot tub after my days spent hiking.
The Post Hotel could rely solely on it’s stunning location but it also happens to have one of the most celebrated restaurants in Canada. Under Chef Hans Sauter the Post Hotel marries European technique, international flavors and local ingredients to grand effect. The Post also boasts an award winning wine cellar with over 26,000 bottles and 2,600 selections curated by George Schwarz himself.
The Post Hotel offers a six course tasting menu with wine pairing but unfortunately we didn’t have room for all of that deliciousness so we ordered from the a la carte menu. I opted for the miso-marinated black cod served in an addictive ginger white wine sauce. Steve went for the caribou striploin (when in Canada) served with a rich cherry sauce and medley of lobster mushrooms.The sommelier helped us pick a wine that would suit both dishes and we landed on pinot noir from California’s Central Coast. For dessert we shared the strawberry crumble featuring the most berries from the nearby Okanagan Valley that were the most intensely flavored strawberries I’ve ever had the pleasure of tasting.
Even with it’s jaw dropping setting and world-class cuisine, what really makes the Post Hotel shine is it’s people. Service here is warm, gracious and it’s this genuine sense of hospitality that will bring me back to the Post Hotel.
Laureen Lund says
I adore Lake Louise but have not been there in years. I need to go back and stay in this glorious place!
Kit says
Wow! That looks like a great place to stay. And that bed looks sooo comfy.