Rocky Mountain activities
Canoeing on Moraine Lake
As a guest of Cathedral Mountain Lodge, you receive complimentary canoe use provided by our sister property, Moraine Lake Lodge on a first-come, first-served basis. Canoes can accommodate two to three people; paddles, life jackets and basic instruction are provided. Note: operations may close early due to weather or water conditions. Unfortunately, pets are not permitted in the canoes. Available from mid-June to mid-September.
Moraine Lake Shuttle
As a guest of Cathedral Mountain Lodge, we offer a free shuttle to our sister property, Moraine Lake Lodge. Step aboard our complimentary shuttle, which provides door-to-door access to stunning Moraine Lake. Advance reservations are strongly recommended. Available from mid-June to mid-September.
Hiking
Be at the top of it all. Cathedral Mountain Lodge is close to various trail-heads in Yoho National Park, near Field BC. Discover hikes of all levels, each with its unique sights and rewards.
Lake Louise Gondola
Ascend to one of Banff National Park’s greatest mountain viewpoints. The Lake Louise Sightseeing Gondola and Wildlife Interpretive Centre offers a unique opportunity for guests to view grizzly bears feeding on berries that grow on the ski runs below.
River Rafting
There’s no shortage of adventure here in the Canadian Rockies, and river rafting is one of the most exciting things to do. Our whitewater neighbours, Wild Water Adventures, offer a wide range of trips down the Kicking Horse River.
Glacier Tours
The Columbia Icefields are the largest accumulation of snow and ice south of the Arctic Circle. This one-of-a-kind excursion will take you on an incredible journey from land to sky. Led by the Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre, you’ll travel to the largest glacier in North America with thrilling sights to see every step of the way.
Field, BC: Where Adventure Lives
Just 6 minutes from Cathedral Mountain Lodge, in the heart of Yoho National Park, is the small community of Field, BC, where the adventure lifestyle thrives like nowhere else. People spend their days hiking, viewing wildlife, skiing and snowboarding—anything that allows them to make the most of their scenic surroundings. Field is also home to the Burgess Shale, home to one of the world’s most important fossil sites.
Extraordinary Yoho National Park
One of Canada’s best kept secrets, Yoho National Park is home to many of the country’s most iconic natural wonders, including Takakkaw Falls, Emerald Lake and Lake O’Hara. Explore Yoho National Park for a variety of fun hikes with awe-inspiring mountain views.
and so much more
Natural Bridge
Difficulty – Easy
Roundtrip: 0.3 km (0.2 mi) – 30 min -1 hr
Elevation gain: 5 m (16 ft)
Natural Bridge is exactly what the name suggests. It’s a bridge composed of rocks that have naturally combined together to follow the flow of the Kicking Horse River. Natural Bridge is approximately 4 km west of Field, BC on Emerald Lake Road — roughly a 15-20 minute drive from Cathedral Mountain Lodge, depending on road/traffic conditions.
Emerald Lake
Difficulty – Easy
Roundtrip: 5.2 km (3.2 mi) – 2 hrs
Elevation gain: 115 m (377 ft)
Of the 61 lakes found in Yoho National Park, Emerald Lake is the largest. Surrounding its stunning shores is an incredible 5.2 km trail filled with equally beautiful Canadian Rocky Mountain views. It’s roughly 15 minutes by car from Field, BC — so from Cathedral Mountain Lodge, plan for about a 15-20 minute drive depending on road conditions.
Wapta Falls
Difficulty – Easy
Roundtrip: 4.6 km (2.9 mi) – 1.5 hrs
Elevation gain: 30 m (98 ft)
The 2.3 km hike to Wapta Falls has its own rewards along the way. But nothing compares to the unparalleled view of the vast wall of water diving into the river below. Wapta Falls is located approximately 7 km east of Field, BC along Yoho Valley Road. From Cathedral Mountain Lodge, it’s roughly a 15–20 minute drive depending on road and traffic conditions, making it an easy half-day or morning excursion for guests staying at the lodge.
Peyto Lake (Bow Summit)
Difficulty – Easy
Roundtrip: 120 km – 2 hrs
Elevation gain: 40 m (131 ft)
With gorgeous mountains all around, the milky blue waters of Peyto Lake are just as much a hidden treasure. View this spectacular lake from the popular lookout. From Cathedral Mountain Lodge, the drive is roughly 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
Takakkaw Falls
Difficulty – Easy
Roundtrip: 1.4 km (0.9 mi) – 30 min
Elevation gain: 40 m (131 ft)
Towering 1,260 feet above the river below in Yoho National Park, Takakkaw Falls is one of Canada’s highest and most stunning waterfalls and is only a short 15 minute drive from the Lodge. The hiking trails leading to its crashing white waters are unequivocally beautiful and easily accessible—but they’re only open from mid-June until mid-October, so see them while you can.
Sherbrooke Lake
Difficulty – Easy
Roundtrip: 6.2 km (3.9 mi) – 3 hrs
Elevation gain: 165 m (541 ft)
Get back to nature on this 3 km journey through forest trails punctuated by mountain views. Soon enough, you’ll discover the peaceful shores of Sherbrooke Lake, just east of Field, BC, approximately 15–20 minutes by car from the Lodge.
Paget Lookout
Difficulty – Moderate
Roundtrip: 7 km (4.3 mi) – 3 hrs
Elevation gain: 520 m (1,706 ft)
To see Yoho National Park in all its glory, take the trail to Paget Lookout. There you’ll find a perfect view of the valley with Sherbrooke Lake right below. rom Cathedral Mountain Lodge, the trailhead is approximately 10–12 km (6–7 miles) by car via Emerald Lake Road and connected park roads, taking roughly 20–25 minutes to reach.
Yoho Lake
Difficulty – Difficult
Roundtrip: 8.9 km (5.5 mi) – 3–4 hrs
Elevation gain: 560 m (1,837 ft)
For those looking to head out for an extended adventure, Yoho Lake is an essential stop along the 11.4 km looping trail travelling all around the national park.
The Iceline Trail
Difficulty – Difficult
Roundtrip: 16.5 km (10.2 mi) – 7–8 hrs
Elevation gain: 710 m (2,329 ft)
If you’re looking for a hike that’s as challenging as it is beautiful, the Iceline Trail is definitely among the top choices. Best suited to more experienced hikers, its signature circuit climb leads to a high bench with spectacular views.
Banff
Difficulty – Easy
Roundtrip: 100 km (62 miles) – 3 hrs
Elevation gain: 112 m (367 ft)
Known for its picturesque landscapes and natural playgrounds, Banff is one of Canada’s greatest destinations to find adventure. It’s the first national park to be established in Canada, and thanks to iconic destinations, like the Cave and Basin History Site, it’s also the most visited. From Cathedral Mountain Lodge, Banff is approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes of driving time, depending on traffic and weather conditions.
Moraine Lake
Difficulty – Easy
Roundtrip: 70km – 1 hr
Elevation gain: 614 m (2,014 ft)
Located in the Valley of Ten Peaks and home to some of Canada’s most iconic wildlife, Moraine Lake is an incredible place to rent a canoe, go for a hike or simply stand on the shoreline and take it all in. It’s also the location of our sister property, Moraine Lake Lodge. From Cathedral Mountain Lodge, the drive is approximately 35 minutes depending on traffic and road conditions.
Bow Lake
Difficulty – Easy
Roundtrip: 100km – 2 hr
Elevation gain: 1,920 m (6,300 ft)
One of the largest lakes in Banff, Bow Lake is also one of the most accessible. Its calm waters rest at the foot of Bow Summit, with amazing views everywhere you look. The drive from Cathedral Mountain Lodge to Bow Lake is approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes
