Cathedral Mountain Blog

The Bears are Back!

// April 9th, 2013 // No Comments » // Uncategorized

Courtesy of Carson Nunn Photography

Spring is finally here!  For those of us who are devotees of  ice and snow we are getting our last few trips and turns in before our environment literally melts away before our eyes.  At this time of year we are leaving behind one cherished adventure playground for another.  Forced into the present we realize the importance of making the most of every moment and with mixed feelings we await the transformation that is already underway.

Summer is right around the corner and the rivers will be filling quickly turning those such as the nearby Kicking Horse into a raging torrent drawing white water enthusiasts from around the globe.  Our currently desolate forbidding high mountain passes, peaks and valleys will turn incredibly into colorful arenas full of diversity and home to an array of flora and fauna.

The famed Grizzly and Black Bear populations are already awakening from their slumber and making their presence known and we remember the respect we must give these great creatures. Please try to travel in small groups whenever possible, keep your pets on a leash and carry bear spray as a last resort and for your own safety.

For more on the photographer who generously donated the photograph above please visit:  http://carsnunn.wix.com/carsnunnphotography & https://www.facebook.com/CarsonNunnPhotography   

The End of a Fantastic Summer

// September 27th, 2012 // No Comments » // Uncategorized

As the 2012 season comes to a close, all of us here at Cathedral Mountain Lodge would like to say thank you for a fun and successful summer!  Our beautiful Kicking Horse River is no longer rushing with the energy of the melting glaciers, and the trees are turning a pretty golden yellow – all sure signs that fall is now in full force and winter is just around the corner.

Fond memories were surely made among the staff, and we hope that if you stayed with us this season, the memories you made here will remind you of the splendor of the Rocky Mountains for years to come.

Feel free to share with us your stories and photos from this summer on our Facebook page.

Have a great winter everybody and we hope to see you again next summer!

Alana Hyatt

Adventure Specialist

Alberta Photographer/Blogger features Cathedral Mountain Lodge

// September 22nd, 2011 // No Comments » // Uncategorized

The Orange Girl blog was kind enough to feature Cathedral Mountain Lodge in a recent post.  The photographer and blogger visited the lodge with her husband for a three day get away and  “loved every minute of it”.  Check out the post here along with some of the beautiful accompanying photographs.

The Best of Canadian Rocky Mountain Cuisine: Food Day Canada

// July 27th, 2011 // No Comments » // Uncategorized

It’s been a busy summer season so far and we at Cathedral Mountain Lodge, along with our sister property Moraine Lake Lodge, are excited to celebrate Food Day Canada on July 30, 2011! We are one of over 300 restaurants that will be participating all across Canada! Located in the heart of stunning  Yoho National Park, Cathedral Mountain Lodge marries the rustic beauty of our surrounding scenery with the luxury of cozy cabin lodging and fine dining. Our very own Executive Chef James Holmes will be featuring local and certified organic ingredients and embracing the cuisine of the Canadian Rockies. For more information about Food Day Canada visit http://foodday.ca/

ABC’s of the Rockie’s – G

// April 22nd, 2011 // 1 Comment » // Uncategorized

Golf

Within an hours drive you will find some of the worlds greatest golf courses including Banff Springs, the 2006 and newly announced 2011 hosts of TELUS World Skins Games where you can witness some of the world’s top golfers battle it out!

Banff Springs

27 holes (Three 9-hole layouts)

Signature Hole: #4 on the Rundle layout

Called the Devil’s Cauldron you reach this hole after emerging from the woods onto an elevated tee. Across a glacial lake you will see the green 170 yards away surrounded by incredible mountain ranges.

Devil’s Cauldren at Banff Springs Golf Course

Designed by the famous Canadian architect Stanley Thompson, this is an iconic golf course filled with incredible scenery and important history to the townsite of Banff. If you have the money – and the patience to deal with the many surrounding tourists – this course promises to be memorable!

The closest golf course to us at Cathedral Mountain Lodge is a hidden jewel of the Rockies – removed from most tourists. Set in the mountains this course has well maintained and perfectly laid out courses, beautiful views, and friendly staff who are more than willing to go out of their way for a perfect time.  

Kananaskis Country

36 holes (two 18- hole layouts)

Signature Hole: #4 on the Mt. Kidd course

Create some divits with the Calgary locals in Kananaskis

Just outside of Calgary this course is a perfect pit stop before you catch your flight back home. Frequently visited by Calgarians on the weekends practicing their swing enjoy the incredible mountain views and peace of mind knowing that you’re only an hour away from the airport!

Jasper Lodge Golf Course

18 HolesSignature Hole: #9

Nicknamed Cleopatra this par-3 hole has beautiful views of the stunning Pyramid Mountain in the distance.

This is not within an hours drive (more like 3…) but Jasper is such a popular destination I thought I should mention it!

Jasper Golf and Country

Also created by Stanley Thompson, the course was developed in 1925 it took 50 teams of horses and 200 men a year to clear the land for one of Canada’s top premier golf courses to be enjoyed. This course is three hours away from us but if you’re headed up anyways make this part of your sight seeing adventures.

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Book your tee time with the Adventure Specialist! adventure@cathedralmountain.com

ABC’s of the Rockies – F

// April 20th, 2011 // No Comments » // Uncategorized

Field, BC

Just two minutes down the road from us you’ll find incredible history, stunning scenery in some of the nicest people a little town called Field, BC.    

Tents and shacks were set up as the first settlers arrived in the 1880s to start construction on the transcontinental Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR).  This was crucial to not only trading but also the development of the country; it enticed many provinces to join the confederation creating the foundation for Canada.    

a little history rolls past the town of Field.

The townsite was named after an American investor, Cyrus Field, who never ended up investing a dime! The CPR built and developed many of the surrounding hiking trails and even hired Swiss guides to escort amateur mountaineers in order to entice rich potential investors to stay at the many mountain hotels and chalets.   

Swiss Guides via 1900. Photo wasn’t taken in Feild but it gives you an idea!

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ABC’s of the Rockies – D

// March 30th, 2011 // No Comments » // Uncategorized

After a day of exploring the Canadian Rockies, you’re bound to have a grumbling in your tummy!  We have just the thing for that.  Our signature Great Room and highly renowned restaurant bar is where you’ll enjoy scrumptious, first class dining.

Our team of celebrated chefs and their passion for high quality cuisine has led us to become a multi-award winning kitchen and one of the best small restaurants in the country.

Enjoy some mouth-watering delights at the Cathedral Mountain Lodge Dining Room along with spectacular views!

Our belief in supporting local farms and small suppliers influence our menu which showcases fresh local and certified organic ingredients including fruit, vegetables, fish, and meat as well as Canada’s finest wine selection. Guests will enjoy dining in the comfort of a large stone fireplace and elegant Rocky Mountain interior while taking in awe-inspiring views of the glacial-fed Kicking Horse River.

There's nothing like a tasty glass of wine after a long day in the great outdoors!

James Holmes, 35,the Executive Chef at our lodge, is one of Canada’s most passionate young chefs and is rising quickly within the culinary world.

Chef James believes in supporting local farms whether it is game, cattle or produce. Guest can relate and feel comfortable about what they’re eating. Fresh water fish are high priority, drawn from Canadian lakes. He only uses central prairies and western Canadian game. Certified Organic vegetables and fruit when is season are used daily on the menu.

Chef James uses the finest ingredients including local, organically grown vegetables and Central Prairie and Western Canadian game for Cathedral Mountain Lodge guests.

“I believe putting money back into the pockets of local farmers and small suppliers, knowing who’s making or producing your food makes a huge impact on the final product”.

So come savour his mouth-watering Maple whiskey and vanilla apple butter seared Scallops, or tantalize your senses with a scrumptious Duck Confit “shepherds pie” and finish your evening with a succulent chocolate pate crested with Vanilla salt, accompanied with lavish Bing Cherry white chocolate gelato.

You can check out our full menu here.  See you soon!

ABC’s of the Rockies – C

// March 26th, 2011 // No Comments » // Adventure Specialist, Uncategorized

Canmore Caves

Nestled in stunning mountain ranges Canmore is just outside of Banff and is a town filled with real locals – people who live year round and raise families. Besides the stunning scenery including the famous Three Sister mountains, the world class Nordic centre, and best brewery in the Rocky Mountains I love Canmore for being able to experience the Rockies without being trapped in a tourist town.   

One of the most unique way to explore the Rocky Mountains is to go inside of one. Just outside of the town stands Grotto Mountain, holding what’s called Rat’s Nest Cave (I promise it’s not overfilling with rats!).   

I don’t see any rats in here…

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ABC’s of the Rockies – B

// March 12th, 2011 // 1 Comment » // Uncategorized

Bears

Native to the Rocky Mountains, these ferocious looking creatures are fairly common in Yoho National Park.  

Rawr!

Before I dive into fun facts about these awe-inspiring giants please be aware that although rare, defensive attacks on humans can happen if you startle them. Bears try hard to avoid humans, so please learn some bear etiquette through Parks Canada’s tips  

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ABC’s of the Rockies – A

// March 9th, 2011 // 2 Comments » // Adventure Specialist, Hikes, Uncategorized

A – Adventure Specialist

My role at Cathedral Mountain Lodge is to have the inside scoop on the best hikes, wildlife viewing, sights, cultural experiences and actitivities in the area. I am taking the opporunity to steal the ‘A’ in this series of blog posts to brag about this dream job!

Last summer I had the time of my life conquering mountains, lakes, rapids, caves, horses and of course the occasional beer. Not only have I done almost every tourist option available to me I have also found the best trails that only locals know about. Here’s a peek at the advice I would offer a guest at Cathedral Mountain Lodge that wants to hike off the beaten path:

Tower of Babel

The discoverer or Moraine Lake, Walter Wilcox, named this towering spire after the biblical Tower of Babel that reached to the heavens (even though this is far from the highest peak in the area). 

The Tower of Babel on the far left overlooks Moraine Lake

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