Lake Louise is one of those postcard-perfect places, or more aptly now, Insta-perfect. I try to make an annual pilgrimage to either canoe the crystalline turquoise lake in summer or skate on its frozen surface in winter.
And yet, I had never stayed at the historic Post Hotel & Spa before. Deciding it was time to remedy that, I made my way to the village of Lake Louise last December to check in to what was originally the Lake Louise Ski Lodge. First opened in 1942, the hotel has been welcoming guests for nearly 85 years.
Owned by Canadian Rocky Mountain Resorts since 2021, this log-built property holds a rustic charm, but don’t be fooled. It’s also refined, excelling in comfort, cuisine and service, which is why it’s a member of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux group. In 2024, Post Hotel & Spa also received a One Key in the inaugural Michelin Guide hotel ratings for North America, placing it among only 23 properties in Canada recognized for excellence.
Upon arrival, I was greeted with a hot eucalyptus towel, which I consider peak indulgence. My family and I then traipsed across the brand-new geometric carpet to make our way to our suite, akin to a lush log cabin. (Last fall, the Post underwent a mini refresh where carpets and lighting were replaced.) Inside the room, my husband wasted no time starting a fire in the wood-burning fireplace, making it even cozier, and we settled right in.
Eventually, we peeled ourselves off the comfy couches and headed down to the elegant dining room for the classic fine-dining experience the Post is renowned for. Here, dining is a thoughtful, intimate, slow-things-down experience where you spend as much time enjoying your food as you do enjoying the ambience of the space and the company of your dining companions.
Wine and dine
Notably, the Post’s wine cellar is one of the most impressive in the country and attracts wine lovers from around the globe. Meticulously curated, the cellar boasts a collection of more than 3,800 labels and 25,000 bottles — the wine list is literally as thick as a phone book. But don’t worry, a sommelier is always on hand to help you select the right pairing with your meal.
Another way to sample the cellar’s offerings is through the Wine and Spirits dinner series, intimate events where guests are guided through an exquisite multi-course meal that is meticulously paired with distinguished wines and/or spirits (including one featuring Champagne Bollinger on Oct. 24). Or try the rare wines program, where guests can experience legendary wines by the glass. Taking place in December, the program is a limited opportunity to enjoy vintages typically accessible only through entire bottles in private collections. Choices on offer last year included a four-ounce glass of Château Pétrus, Pomerol 1999 for $1,750, or a more frugal option of Château d’Yquem, Sauternes 1998 for $275. This year’s selections will likely include the Pétrus and other noteworthy options.
In June, the hotel appointed chef Rupert Garcia as the new chef, taking over from executive chef Hans Sauter, who had led the Post’s cuisine offerings for more than 20 years. Chef Garcia comes to the Post with years of experience, having worked with the Vintage Group and the Fairmont Palliser. He will continue the Post’s culinary philosophy, which is rooted in seasonality, in its next chapter.
If you’re in the mood for more casual fare, head over to the OutPost pub at the far end of the hotel for a selection of yummy pizzas, burgers and sandwiches. Be warned, the servings are generous. Even after eating so much of my bison brisket poutine that I felt I might explode, it looked like I had barely made a dent.
Activities abound
There’s no shortage of things to do at or near the Post. Lake Louise Ski Resort & Summer Gondola is a five-minute drive from the hotel, or you can while away the day at the on-site Temple Mountain Spa with an über-relaxing foot therapy treatment as I did. My son and I also hopped aboard the Post’s free shuttle to Lake Louise and spent an afternoon walking on the lakeshore trail.
Back at the Post, after more delicious eats, we went to unwind at the saltwater pool. More accurately, my son went swimming while I dipped in the whirlpool and my husband enjoyed the steam room — something for everyone.
All said, the Post Hotel offers a deluxe home away from home in the mountains, full of good eats, outdoor activities, rejuvenation and time to connect with loved ones.
Avenue’s writers and editors are occasionally invited to partake in activities as a guest, including some of the experiences in this story. Neither complimentary hosting nor advertising are required for coverage in Avenue. Neither companies that advertise nor those that provide free experiences are promised editorial coverage, nor do they have the opportunity to review or approve stories before publication.