Emerald Lake, Yoho National Park | Destination BC By: Amber Turnau | September 25, 2026
Emerald Lake, Yoho National Park | Destination BC Birthplace of Adventure
Backcountry lodges in the heart of the mountains
The best way to feel the soul of a mountain is to spend a night with it. The Birthplace of Adventure is home to dozens of backcountry lodges, cabins, and rustic huts in southeastern BC that bring you into the mountains for overnight stays. BC wilderness lodges run the gamut from helicopter-access and gourmet meals to self-catered huts you can hike to.
The Canadian Rockies to the east and the Columbia Mountains to the west of the Rocky Mountain Trench offer backcountry lodge experiences nearly year-round. While winters deliver the rush of heli-skiing and cat-skiing, summer and fall are perfect for mountaineering, heli-hiking, and alpine trekking. View the sunrise over towering peaks and soak in the blush-coloured glow of an alpine sunset. Smell the scent of wildflowers, and watch mountain goats scurrying along impossible cliffs.
Stay in these lodges and get to know the mountains.
The Stats
Mountain ranges: 4
Backcountry huts, lodges, and cabins: 25+
Highest elevation: Talus Lodge, at 2,300 m (7,600 ft)
When to visit: Summer and fall
Canadian Rockies
Indigenous Lands: Located within several Indigenous territories, including the Ktunaxa Nation and Secwépemc Nation.
Straddling the provinces of British Columbia and Alberta, the Canadian Rockies conjure up dreamy alpine landscapes of golden larch stands, glacier-fed turquoise lakes, and serrated mountain peaks. Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park and Yoho National Park are among seven parks that combine to create the UNESCO-designated Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks.
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Assiniboine Lodge | Kari Medig -
Assiniboine Lodge | Kari Medig -
Assiniboine Lodge | Kari Medig -
Assiniboine Lodge | Kari Medig
Assiniboine Lodge
Mount Assiniboine Park is one of the most remarkable provincial parks in BC and this historic lodge sits at its epicentre. Built in 1928, it is North America’s first-ever backcountry ski lodge. Visitors can hike or heli to the lodge and adjoining Naiset and Hind huts from various trailheads in BC and Alberta. Lodge stays include guided hikes, three-course meals, and patio views overlooking Mount Assiniboine, a pyramid-shaped spire nicknamed the “Matterhorn of the Canadian Rockies.”
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Emerald Lake, Yoho National Park | Abby Cooper -
Emerald Lake, Yoho National Park | Abby Cooper -
Emerald Lake, Yoho National Park | Abby Cooper -
Emerald Lake, Yoho National Park | Destination BC
Emerald Lake Lodge
The famed lodge rests at Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park, encircled by Canadian Rockies landscapes. Built from hand-hewn timber, the space includes centuries-old fireplaces and an oak bar salvaged from an 1890’s Yukon saloon. Paddle the lake in bright red canoes, head out for one of the many hikes in the area, and enjoy seasonal menus in their elegant dining room.
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Island Lake Lodge, Fernie | Kootenay Rockies Tourism/Island Lake Lodge/Mitch Winton -
Island Lake Lodge, Fernie | Kari Medig -
Island Lake Lodge, Fernie | Kari Medig -
Fernie | Kari Medig
Island Lake Lodge
Perched on the shores of Island Lake near Fernie, the lodge offers access to 2,833 ha (7,000 ac) of alpine bowls, mountain ridges, and ancient cedar forest for hiking. The lodge is located on a remote road near Mount Fernie Park, making it one of the more easily accessible lodges.
Mistaya Lodge
Standing at 2,042 m (6,700 ft) and overlooking a jade-coloured lake in the remote mountains near Golden, the post-and-beam wooden lodge is steeped in alpine charm with large picture windows and a cozy atmosphere. Head out for guided hikes, fuel up with hearty backcountry meals, and relax in the sauna.
Pinnacle Meadows Cabin & Tea House
Nestled on the shore of Diana Lake in a glacial cirque, this charming alpine bunkhouse is a serene place to hang up your boots for the night. The accommodation is basic and you’ll need to bring your own sleeping bag and food, though the tea house serves up a simple menu of soups, baked goods, and hot beverages. Get there via the 7-km (4.3-mi) Diana Lake hiking trail, accessed between the towns of Invermere and Golden.
Other backcountry lodges to explore: Amiskwi Lodge, Campbell Icefield Chalet, Lake O’Hara Lodge, Snowfall Lodge (Part of the Icefall Lodge), and Talus Lodge.
Columbia Mountains: Purcell Range
Indigenous Lands: Located on the homelands of the Ktunaxa Nation.
The Purcells lie west of the Rocky Mountain Trench. This striking mountain range is best known for the massive glacier-sculpted granite spires in Bugaboo Park and is bordered on two sides by the Columbia River, the largest river in the Pacific Northwest.
Bugaboo Provincial Park | Reuben Krabbe 
Bugaboo Provincial Park | Reuben Krabbe 
Bugaboo Provincial Park | Reuben Krabbe CMH Bugaboos
Located at 1,490m (4,888 ft), this 32-room lodge stares at the face of Bugaboo Glacier. The sizable space, credited for birthing the sport of heli-skiing, boasts modern comforts like a rooftop hot tub, massage facilities, and inspiring cuisine. What truly sets this experience apart is the staggering scenery and incredible access to the famous Bugaboo spires.
Purcell Mountain Lodge
Take a breathtaking helicopter ride to your mountaintop accommodation, which includes self-service chalets and an off-grid upscale alpine lodge perched in the peaceful alpine. Set off through wildflower meadows on your own, or hire their certified guides to bring you to impressive summits. Back at the lodge, gourmet meals and a wrap-around veranda offer a chance to savour great food and stunning views of the slate-grey Purcell Mountains.
Columbia Mountains: Selkirk Range
Indigenous Lands: Located on the homelands of several First Nations, including Ktunaxa Nation, Secwépemc Nation, and Syilx Okanagan Nation.
Known for its commanding glaciers and steep terrain, the Selkirk Range is wedged between the Purcells in the east and the Columbia River to the west. The famed Rogers Pass is a focal point of this range, as well as Glacier National Park, Valhalla Park, and Kokanee Glacier Park.
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Hermit Meadows, Glacier National Park | Ken Hagen -
Gillim Lakes, Valhalla Provincial Park | Kari Medig -
Sapphire Lakes, Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park | Kari Medig
Battle Abbey Backcountry Lodge/Weber Powder
This family-run alpine hut is set in some of the most remote terrain around. From trail running to trekking, set out into the high country for the day. Around the lodge you can scale the Via Ferratas, swim in alpine lakes, hit the sauna, and enjoy chef-prepared meals paired with BC wines.
Golden Alpine Holidays
Pack up your gear and take a spectacular helicopter flight to the trailhead. Golden Alpine Holidays runs three- and four-day guided expeditions that include guides, catering, and lodge reservations. Their hut-to-hut experience allows you to bring a day pack while they transport your overnight gear to the next hut.
White Grizzly Lodge
Although farther afield from Revelstoke and Nelson, the lodge is a must-visit for those looking for big adventures in the big mountains. Join one of their hosted gravel-biking, mountain-biking, or trail-running camps or build your own mountain adventure, all hosted in a cozy timber-frame lodge with delicious local food.
Other backcountry lodges to explore: Ice Creek Lodge, Mt. Carlyle Backcountry Lodge, Retallack Lodge, Selkirk Mountain Experience, Valhalla Mountain Touring, and Valkyr Adventures.
Columbia Mountains: Monashee Range
Indigenous Lands: Located on the homelands of the Ktunaxa Nation, Secwépemc Nation, and Syilx Okanagan Nation.
The most westerly mountain range in the Birthplace of Adventure, the Monashees are bounded by the Okanagan Valley to the west, and the Columbia River and Selkirks to the east. From atop the summits, you can see the lush valleys and winding river below.
Monashee Mountains near Revelstoke | Ryan Creary Sol Mountain Resort
Tucked on a remote 4×4-access road near Revelstoke, this guest lodge is a haven for hiking, trail running, and mountain biking in a spectacular alpine setting. Hike amongst the wildflowers or ride rock slabs and singletrack along 29 custom-built trails, before heading back to the lodge for a sauna and a home-cooked meal.
Eleven Revelstoke lodge
This experience takes a slightly different approach, with curated accommodations and dining in the lively town of Revelstoke, and heli-hiking day trips that bring you to alpine ridges and glaciers.
Find more backcountry lodges and remote accommodations in the Birthplace of Adventure.
Adventure Smart
Always check trail conditions before you leave and be prepared for any outdoor activity.
Getting Here & Around
Visitors to British Columbia can arrive by air, road, rail, or ferry.
Pacific Rim National Park | Abby Cooper