BANFF NATIONAL PARK - Canadian Rockies: Including Banff and Jasper National Parks - page 132

toward Banff. Each of the log chalets has a kitchenette, separate bedroom, fireplace, and
outside deck (complete with cute wood carvings of bears climbing over the railings). The
Trapper's Cabin is a huge space with a log bed, antler chandelier, wood-burning fireplace,
double-jetted tub, and cooking facilities. A lodge wing has eight luxurious suites, each
with richly accented log work, a deck, a microwave and fridge, and a deluxe bathroom.
(Check the website for great off-season deals.) The restaurant here is highly recommen-
ded.
Originally called Lake Louise Ski Lodge, the M Post Hotel (200 Pipestone Dr., 403/
522-3989 or 800/661-1586, www.posthotel.com , $375-485 s or d) is one of only a hand-
ful of Canadian accommodations that have been accepted into the prestigious Relaix &
Châteaux organization. Bordered to the east and south by the Pipestone River, it may lack
views of Lake Louise, but it is as elegant, in a modern, woodsy way, as the château. Each
bungalow-style room is furnished with Canadian pine and has a balcony. Many rooms have
whirlpools and fireplaces, while some have kitchens. Other facilities include the upscale
Temple Mountain Spa, an indoor pool, a steam room, and a library. The hotel has 17 dif-
ferent room types, with 26 different rates depending on the view. Between the main lodge
and the Pipestone River are four sought-after cabins, each with a wood-burning fireplace.
At the lake for which it's named, four kilometers (2.5 miles) from the valley floor,
is super-luxurious Moraine Lake Lodge (403/522-3733 or 877/522-2777,
www.morainelake.com , June-Sept., $399-595 s or d). Designed by renowned architect Ar-
thur Erickson, the lodge is a bastion of understated charm, partially obscured from the
masses of day-trippers who visit the lake and yet taking full advantage of its location be-
side one of the world's most-photographed lakes. The decor reflects the wilderness loca-
tion, with an abundance of polished log work and solid, practical furnishings in heritage-
themed rooms. The rooms have no TVs or phones; instead guests take guided nature walks,
have unlimited use of canoes, and are pampered with complimentary afternoon tea.
The famously fabulous Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise (403/522-3511 or 800/
257-7544, www.fairmont.com , from $459), a historic 500-room hotel on the shore of Lake
Louise, has views equal to any mountain resort in the world. But all this historic charm
and mountain scenery comes at a price. Rooms on the Fairmont Gold Floor come with a
private concierge and upgraded everything for a little over $1,000. Official rates drop as
low as $250 s or d outside of summer, with accommodation and ski pass packages often
advertised for around $250 d. Children younger than 18 sharing with parents are free, but
if you bring a pet, it'll be an extra $30.