R

Once we get to the Rockies...have a number of places in mind. Having a tough time deciding between Buffalo Mtn & Baker Creek, for one part of our trip...as we don't have time to stay at both. When I had to cancel last year (for a whole different kind of itinerary) due to an emergency, the people at Baker Creek were the most pleasant of any place we needed to cancel at. However, I keep hearing about how nice the Premier rooms are at BML. And, the lobby sounds like it would set the mood for where we are...
Hard to tell about the setting of Baker Creek...seems like it would be nice, altho' clearly, it's more isolated. (Only other time were in Banff...it was so crowded! However, since we'll be in Banff area this time in early Oct, I'm sure it will be quieter). Which place/location would *you* choose? All 'reports' welcome of these two places. (Have seen some here already, from prior postings, of course, but always welcome recent reports.) Thank you!

sludick

Just got back from vacation in Banff/Lake Louise...if we had it to do over again, we'd be sure to spend some time at Baker Creek. Reasons? Well..location, food, and outside appearance. Food: we dined at their restaurant (Baker Creek Bistro) one night; don't miss it for sure (try the duck), and ask Anna Marie about her non-existent BMW. Location: on 1-A near the Lake Louise end of the road, you have excellent opportunities to see various wildlife (we often viewed elk). It is off the beaten path just enough to avoid crowds, and along some excellent hiking/viewing areas. Exterior appearance: Nice log cabin appearance, set a bit back off the road to give you that "woodsy" feeling (but still visible from road, so you won't miss it). don't know what rooms look like inside, but judge it well worth a visit.

sludick

Forgot to add this -- we stayed at Deer Lodge, which is a sister property to Buffalo Mtn. That was just world-class. You need to decide what atmosphere you are looking for. I would expect very upscale/perhaps pricy accommodations at Buffalo Mtn. For Bistro Creek, I would think more casual attitude.

Borealis

Hello again R!

I can't comment on Buffalo Mtn Lodge because we have never stayed there.

But we have stayed a number of times at Baker Creek, and I love it there.

Why? - you ask.

Well, the "cabin" accomodations are very comfortable: full kitchens that are quite well stocked including corkscrews that actually work (a rarity as I have discovered when staying in cabin-like accomodation !!), and a microwave oven (in addition to the regular one), plus in the bedroom comfy queen-size beds, in the "living-room" area a wood-burning pot-belly stove and a deck. The location is lovely and quiet. The loft cabins are very roomy for two people (there are two twin beds in the loft so a family with two kids would be comfortable too). We have also stayed in a two bedroom cabin (when showing some relatives from "down east" the Rockies) and it was even roomier than the loft. Staying there is like having a "home away from home", in the Rocky Mountains no less!!

Each unit at Baker Creek has a journal so that every visitor/traveller can write down their impressions and thoughts - a charming touch I think! (and it makes for fascinating reading too!!!).

While staying there we have had dinner in the Baker Creek dining room; the food was tasty and the ambience was cozy.

Baker Creek is a short 8 minute drive from Lake Louise and slightly longer - 35 minute drive - from Banff.
Along the road to Lake Louise, you will drive by "Morant's Curve" - a place popular with photographers because there is a view across the Bow River Valley and train tracks, both of which curve slightly, and a mountain range in the background, so when a train is passing by it makes for a great photo opportunity.

I hope that this description helps you make your decision.

Bon Voyage!!

A.B.

R

Thank you so much! Great descriptions.
Borealis...does the train cause any sleeping issues at Baker Creek. I read once that someone said it might?

Btw, "Sludick" we were thinking of staying a night at Deer Lodge, too, & 2 at the other options I mentioned here!
I know Baker Creek is fairly close to Lake Louise, but thought a stay at Deer Creek, would make seeing dawn at LL, easier. ;-) (We aren't morning birds!) Altho' clearly, that adds a bit of hecticness, moving between places.

We stayed at Deer Lodge one night in '95. Stayed in the oldest rooms...heard they had the most charm. We love old places. Well, they were cute, but we had big problems w/the radiator being too hot! Were hanging out of the windows, trying to get some air, in the middle of the night! ;-) So, I HAVE been wondering whether to try it again or not. "Sludick" could you share what type of room you had at Deer Lodge...standard, Tower, or the dbl Heritage rooms? Thanks again!
Our other lodging thoughts: Starting at Moraine Lake (we have a credit there to use, from our cancelled emergency trip last year)...then to Jasper...considering either Alpine Village or Tekkarra...then, back down the Icefields to the places mentioned here & to Emerald Lake to "finish" the trip. Oh...and that's our other big decision! Do 3 nights in Jasper (since some places require that) or instead, do 2 nights there & one along the Parkway...either at Num-ti-Jah...or at the Icefields Chalet? We'd like to have a mix of 'lodges' & cabins on this 1.5 week trip up there. Thank you!!

R

Oops! Meant to say..."cancelled due to emergency trip" last year.
Anybody ever stay at the Jasper places mentioned here?

sludick

Well, we stayed in a standard lodge room. It was quite small (hence "cozy&quot, but the radiator did not overheat in our room. For more space and a queen bed, I would also consider a tower room. But part of the charm is staying in the older building, so I probably wouldn't choose a "Heritage" room for us. I was impressed with the maintenance in the original building and the choices they made to provide modern comfort without compromising the old-time appeal. We have stayed at a number of historic lodges, and usually that is where they fall short. Keep in mind that Deer Lodge closes for some refurb on Oct. 14 (another kudo, shutting down entirely rather than working around guests).
We would also consider Moraine Lake, but next year. Noticed that quite a few areas were cordoned off due to "aggressive grizzly activity" and overall wildfire ban. It is a beautiful setting, though.

Fodorite018

Another rave for Baker Creek!

We have stayed there twice...once 14 years ago on our honeymoon...found the place on a fluke and loved it. Stayed in a 2 bedroom cabin that time.

Finally got back there this summer with the kids and have a cabin with a loft...plenty of room for the kids up there.

Ate at the restaurant on each trip...wonderful each time.

The train never bothered us...actually I can't even remember if we ever heard it.

Everyone at Baker Creek has been wonderful...you can tell they truly love that what they do.

Oh...there are picnic tables and fire pits near the creek and you can buy firewood there to use and do a BBQ there or just roast marshmallows.

We think Baker Creek is in the perfect location...its only about 6 miles from LL but it doesn't seem very far from Banff either...but it is out by itself so its nice to not have as much traffic as the other places.

Borealis

I'm with mms - I can't recall hearing the trains. However, the fresh mountain air and the wind singing in the pines put one into a very deep sleep

R

Thanks again for the additional reviews & feedback. You all have been so very helpful to us. I truly appreciate it! Made my first lodging call tonight...to see if we can use our credit at Moraine Lake. Keeping our fingers crossed...
can't wait to book some more nights, so it all begins to seem real...