Mount Engadine Lodge

When a Swiss and Austrian couple built a modest lodge in the Spray Valley in 1987, they likely didn’t imagine they were laying the foundation for one of Canada’s most beloved backcountry retreats. Named after the nearby Mount Engadine— itself named for a WWI Royal Navy ship—the lodge opened just as the world turned its eyes to Calgary for the 1988 Winter Olympics. What began as a simple hostel has since evolved into a full-board wilderness escape, gaining acclaim as one of TripAdvisor’s “Top Ten Hidden Gems” in Canada.

Mount Engadine Lodge has grown gently, like the trees that surround it. What started as a humble hostel in the late ’80s slowly expanded through the ’90s and 2010s—with private cabins, elegant suites, and glamping tents joining the main lodge—always with the same goal: to give guests a quiet, immersive experience in the heart of Kananaskis. With just a few rooms, four meals a day, and no cell service, this off-grid hideaway is a masterclass in doing more with less, and letting nature lead the way.

Mount Engadine Lodge isn’t flashy—but that’s exactly the point. Tucked deep in Alberta’s Spray Valley and operating off-grid by design, it’s a place where quiet moments matter: morning coffee with elk in the meadow, star-filled skies outside a glamping tent, or fireside dining with guests who feel like old friends. Officially named one of Canada’s “Top Ten Hidden Gems,” Mount Engadine has built its reputation on word-of-mouth, meaningful experiences, and a reverence for the wild.

Long before “eco-lodges” became trendy, Mount Engadine Lodge was living the ethos. Off-grid since its founding in 1987, the lodge uses minimal-impact practices to operate responsibly within Spray Valley Provincial Park. Water use, waste handling, and energy management all follow strict stewardship guidelines—yet guests never miss a creature comfort. It’s a rare example of how hospitality and conservation can work hand in hand, with nature at the centre of the story.

Remote doesn’t mean rustic when it comes to the table at Mount Engadine Lodge. As a full-board property, the lodge is known for serving up four chef-prepared meals daily—think hearty, locally inspired dishes paired with sweeping views of the Spray Valley. From sunrise breakfast to après-adventure charcuterie and elegant communal dinners, this is alpine cuisine with a refined, Rocky Mountain twist.

Wake up to moose grazing in the meadow. Watch a porcupine shuffle past your glamping tent. At Mount Engadine Lodge, wildlife isn’t something you drive to—it’s part of the view. Nestled deep in Spray Valley Provincial Park, the lodge offers some of Alberta’s best chances to spot elk, deer, bears, and even wolves from a safe distance, all while relaxing in comfort. For nature lovers, it’s a true wilderness experience—without sacrificing a single amenity.

At Mount Engadine Lodge, four-legged travellers are more than welcome—they’re part of the family. Pet-friendly glamping tents and cabins make it easy to bring your pup along for mountain hikes, snowshoe trails, and evenings by the fire. With plenty of space to roam (on-leash), dog treats at check-in, and no city stressors in sight, this Kananaskis hideaway is the perfect place to reconnect with nature—together.