Staying at Assiniboine Lodge: A Once-in-a-Lifetime Mountain Experience
There are trips you enjoy… and then there are trips that stay with you.
Our three-night stay at Assiniboine Lodge last September was, without question, my favourite accommodation experience from the entire summer. Not because it was flashy or over-the-top — but because it stripped everything back to what really matters: mountains, fresh air, unhurried days, and uninterrupted time together as a family.
For three full days, we disconnected completely. No Wi-Fi. No cell service. Just the Rockies, changing light on Mount Assiniboine, and the rare feeling of travelling back in time.
Getting There: Flying Into the Heart of the Rockies
We visited September 14–17, travelling as a family of four — Matt, Aspen (4), and River (1). With young kids in tow, the most practical (and honestly, magical) option was helicopter access in and out.
Flying into Assiniboine Lodge was an experience in itself. As the helicopter approached, the landscape opened up in layers of rugged peaks, alpine lakes, and wide-open valleys. Seeing Mount Assiniboine appear in the distance — sharp, dramatic, unmistakable — set the tone immediately. We couldn’t wait to start hiking.
Late summer conditions meant dry trails, brisk mornings, warm afternoons, and the occasional overcast spell with light rain — ideal hiking weather, especially with kids.
First Impressions of Assiniboine Lodge
Despite its remote location, Assiniboine Lodge felt instantly welcoming. Everything — the main lodge, cabins, and trails — is thoughtfully nestled near Magog Lake, far closer to the mountain than we expected. The views were immediate and constant.
We stayed in The Towers cabin, which offered a bit more space for our family but did feel slightly removed from the main lodge — something to consider if you’re travelling with small kids who like being close to the action. That said, waking up to a clear view of Mount Assiniboine right from our cabin window was unforgettable.
What stood out most was the quiet. Being tucked away from the main hiking thoroughfare gave the lodge an almost exclusive feel — peaceful, calm, and wonderfully unhurried.
Life at the Lodge: Slow Days, Full Evenings
One of the most special parts of staying at Assiniboine Lodge is the pace of life. With trails starting right outside your door, it’s easy to head out for a morning hike, return for lunch, rest, and then wander out again in the afternoon — without feeling like hiking takes over your entire day.
Meals were a highlight. Every dish was beautifully prepared, delicious, and different each day, and the staff were incredibly accommodating — including customized meals for Aspen, which made travelling with kids feel effortless.
Dining is communal in spirit, but each cabin has its own table, striking a perfect balance between connection and privacy.
Evenings were flexible: some guests gathered in the main lodge, while we often retreated back to our cozy cabin for early nights, reading and winding down after full days outside. Sunset light on the surrounding peaks was stunning, and although we didn’t stay out late stargazing, the night sky was filled with stars.
Amenities That Elevate the Experience
Assiniboine Lodge manages to feel both rustic and thoughtfully comfortable. There’s no electricity in the cabins and no flushing toilets — something that initially sounds daunting but quickly becomes part of the charm. It truly feels like stepping into a historic mountain experience.
At the same time, there are details that elevate the stay:
Packed lunches provided daily
Guided hikes, which were especially appreciated in such a remote area
Afternoon tea, available even to campers for a fee
A sauna, which was an absolute treat after long hiking days
These small comforts made a big difference, especially when balancing adventure with family needs.
How Assiniboine Compares to Lake O’Hara & Berg Lake
Naturally, Assiniboine often gets compared to Lake O’Hara and Berg Lake, two places we know well.
Compared to Lake O’Hara, Assiniboine felt:
More rustic and historic
Less structured
Wilder and more remote
While Lake O’Hara leans more toward a polished experience, Assiniboine feels like stepping into a different era — one where the mountains dictate the rhythm of the day. We especially appreciated the guided hike options here, which allowed us to explore areas we might not have discovered on our own.
Berg Lake is harder to compare, as there was no lodge when we visited (and it’s currently under construction). The camping experience between Berg and Assiniboine feels more similar, while O’Hara sits somewhere closer to glamping with its established campground infrastructure.
Is Assiniboine Lodge Worth It?
Our stay cost approximately $1,200 CAD per person for three nights, including flights and meals — undeniably an investment.
But for us, it felt like a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Three days completely offline. No schedules beyond meals and weather. Just mountains, fresh air, and family time. It was also one of the most meaningful resets we’ve had — a reminder of how powerful it is to slow down, disconnect, and truly be present.
Who Assiniboine Lodge Is Best For
I’d confidently recommend Assiniboine Lodge for:
Couples looking for a remote, romantic mountain escape
Families wanting a true backcountry experience without full self-supported camping
First-time backcountry travellers who want comfort, guidance, and structure in a remote setting
It’s adventurous without being overwhelming — and deeply rewarding.
Assiniboine Lodge is more than just a place to stay — it’s part of the journey. A rare opportunity to experience one of the most iconic landscapes in the Canadian Rockies at a slower, more intentional pace.
It’s a place that asks you to unplug, breathe deeper, and remember why we seek out wild places in the first place.
And for us, it’s a trip we’ll be talking about for years to come.
Coming next in the Mount Assiniboine series: how to get there, the best day hikes from the lodge, and exactly what to pack for this remote adventure.
Interested in the Ultimate Canadian Rockies Roadtrip?
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