Name: Simpson's Num-ti-jah Lodge
Address: Icefields Parkway, Bow Lake, Bow Lake, Bow Lake, T0L 1E0, Canada
Rating: 9

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Smoke-free property

Heating

Gift shop

All Spaces Non-Smoking (public and private)

General

Non-smoking rooms

Hairdryer

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Diet menu (on request)

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Snack bar

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Free Wi-Fi

Internet

English

French

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Library

Billiards

Hiking

Recreation

Free Parking on Premises

Parking

Pets Not Allowed

Pets

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At the hotel

Simpson's Num-ti-jah Lodge

Bow Lake

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A really wonderful place to stay.  The best part - of an excellent lodge - is the young, enthusiastic and helpful staff.  Without exception, they were utterly charming.  Exceptionally good management too.
The price is all-inclusive and all the food is delicious and generous.  Dinner is a four course feast, but there are many nice touches, such as a good afternoon tea, and an excellent spread from which to choose your packed lunch.
Rooms have been refurbished and are modern, tasteful and spacious. Lots of welcoming public rooms too.  Don't be put off by the unfinished exterior and rough grounds, for it is a work in progress.

Wonderful place to stay, with very personal attention

My husband and I met friends at The Lodge at Bow Lake for 4 days a few weeks ago.  The 1922 Lodge has had a complete renovation, integrating the original log style with elegant contemporary elements.  Guest rooms are large and comfortable (fabulous beds!). Common spaces are welcoming, gracious and visually appealing.

The location is classic Canadian Rockies, with a view that is gorgeous and grand.  There is a beautiful trail along the edge of Bow Lake to a high country waterfall.  On a warm day I even took a quick cool dip in the Lake.  Other more challenging trails are minutes away by car.

A gourmet four course dinner each evening was delicious.

Maybe the best part of this place is the warm, welcoming spirit of the entire staff.  When we asked, whether for a recommendation for dinner wine, a suggestion on seeking out the beaver who swims laps in the Lake each evening, or just hiking advice, we were answered like honored guests.

We cannot wait to be back next year.

Spectacular back country lodge

This is as much of a private paradise in the Canadian Rockies as we hoped for!  Although day visitors stop by for sights and hikes, mornings and evenings were relished by the few staying in the lodge, including us.  The food is plentiful and delicious.  The staff very professional and personable.  The rooms comfortable and spotless.  We left this paradise and went to Lake Louise and felt we were in a tourist jungle!  Such a contrast of atmosphere we would choose the Lodge at Bow Lake for any future visit.

A delightful surprise!

This landmark carries a long history, and its newly replaced red roof glows more brightly than ever.

What a special place! My husband and I had never stayed at Num-Ti-Jah Lodge, the earlier version of this hotel, although we had always admired its location and architecture. A few years ago word was that the place had become seriously shopworn, and that rooms were old-fashioned, with paper-thin walls. Now the place has emerged from a closure brought on by Covid with new owners (who have long experience at running a high-end mountain lodge) and a new lease on life following refurbishment and re-imagining. The vibe is elegant backcountry lodge, the rooms inviting and comfortable, food delicious. The price is all-inclusive (except for alcohol), and there’s no tipping. There are set breakfast and dinner menus each day plus a pack-your-own, trail-lunch buffet line. There is no internet or wifi for guests because of the location — bandwidth available for the lodge to use to conduct its business is extremely limited. This is definitely a feature, not a bug! The mental health benefit of not being in touch with the outside world 24/7 is enormous; should there be a need for contact, there’s a pay phone available for guests, and the lodge staff can usually track down any general information required (road conditions, weather, etc.). Also realize that this historic lodge has no elevator, so guests need to be able to climb a flight or two of stairs to get to their rooms. The communal dining tables here are standard at such lodges, but any guests who prefer only their own company can easily request a table apart. Although both my husband and I tend to introversion, we enjoy the chance to meet other guests when we visit such a place; it’s not only a social occasion but also a source advice as to the best hikes and places to visit.

Staff members were all friendly, helpful, and SO enthusiastic!

We spent three nights here, giving us time to hike the trail to Bow Glacier Falls, which begins right outside the Lodge’s back door, as well as the Helen Lake trail, a 2-minute drive down the Icefield Parkway. Other hiking trails are a bit farther away to drive, but the lodge can make arrangements for guests who want to leave earlier in the morning than usual for such an expedition (the normal time for breakfast being 8:00), so there’s lots to explore.

I suspect that policies may have changed since an earlier review was posted about the inability to lock one’s room, since we were given instructions about that when we checked in and were easily able to secure our room using the keypad. The same reviewer complained about the parking lot, but a lot right by the building would be SO unsightly. The remote lot is about a 5-minute walk away, and any time we didn’t want to hoof it, Nico was on call to drive us to or from in his electric cart. It would be wonderful to have a path to the lot that removed pedestrians from the general parking lot and access driveway, but that’s a matter that Parks Canada controls, despite the wishes of the Lodge's management.

Bear in mind that this  is less a “hotel” than a backcountry lodge in the front-country, which is a rare thing to find. Given how busy the Bow Lake area is with day-trippers, it’s a particular treat to be there after the crowds leave, as well as first thing in the morning. Wandering along the lakeshore or among the wild orchids with few other people lends a different perspective to the surroundings.

Old/New . . . and Improved!

We loved our stay here. The lodge is updated and perfectly blends a rustic look with new and modern furniture and finishings. Bruce and team were all so friendly and accommodating - the staff knows every guest by name. We enjoyed the communal dining and getting to meet other guests. The food was delicious and we were so full from all the meals and snacks. Great value for the price paid. The location is perfect for exploring the Icefields Parkway and a great escape from the hustle and bustle of the nearby towns. There is no TV, Wifi, or cell service which makes it even more special. Lots of opportunities to play cards, board games, read a book, or connect with each other. We will definitely be back!

Beautiful Mountain Escape and Reset

The lodge has been completely renovated and is a delight to stay in. The location is spectacular, offering beautiful views of not only Bow Lake but the mountains surrounding the Lake. The Lodge has been renovated with an homage to it's interesting and historical past . The artwork that graces the walls were painted by either local artists or by individuals who were artist-in-residence when that program existed at the Lodge. The hosts, Bruce and Allison, have had 25 years experience running the Ohara Lake Lodge, one of Canada's premier back country lodges. They were wonderful hosts, and the  rest of the staff were equally gracious and helpful. The food was excellent and the dining experience, which seats all the guests family-style at large tables, meant you got to meet and talk with a variety of interesting people. The wines were excellent also, pairing wondering with the entrees. So if you are planning a visit to the incredibly beautiful Banff/Jasper area you will find no better place to stay.

Wonderful Stay at The Lodge at Bow Lake

Lake. Louise is just not my scene although that’s where we were staying warm. We took a ride down the road or rather app and came across a gorgeous lake that looks like a mini lake Louise and there we found the magical lodge. I felt like I was in a western movie, not to mention that I got to experience a lake and ice peaked mountain  without anyone in sight. I even took a swim I. The frigid waters. 

Laid Back Lodge

Yes. The hotel is old, but that's what's beautiful. Its history. Its flavour. The cracking of the stairs. The lack of an elevator. The location is about the most spectacular I have visited with an hotel onsite. Awsome. Breathtaking. And the views from the rooms towards Bow Lake will leave unforgettable memories. The cons...no phone or wifi connection. Recepcion closes at 10pm and you are locked inside the place. yes, you do get a key vut you are still abandoned in the middle of nowhere. Food wasn't great and service was TERRIBLE. More than an hour waiting to be served. Reception staff quite uptight. Not nice and smiling. ANYWAY I just loved to stay here and will do it again as soon as possible. SPECTACULAR LOCATION

Wow! OMG! Spectacular location

Staying for one night on way up to Jasper. About 30min drive from Lake Louise itself. Located on the shore of bow lake with amazing views of the lake and glacier falls.
Rooms really authentic - with family photos from the original Simpson pioneer family and original  paintings by the founder. Large rooms with 2 double beds could easily sleep 4 - bathroom small but functional. There is wifi but great to get away from TV etc and hist enjoy the views. Coffee and gift shop and dinner on site with limited menu . 

Rustic, authentic and what a view 

If you are looking for a place with an awesome location (middle of Yoho), with the most magnificent vistas literally out the front door, with the trailhead of a fabulous hiking trail (Bow Falls trail) steps away, the charm of an 80 year old European-style lodge with all day tea service, and the peaceful seclusion away from tv and social media, then book a room ASAP!  

Yes, the internet is slow and the rooms are comfortable but not “modern” and “updated”, but if that is what you desire, you are not the profile of the guest that will like it here. 

Num-Ti-Jah is a treasure!  In fact, I’m disappointed theybeven offer internet, as inconvenient as that might be.  As soon as you check in here, you feel like you are transported back in time to a simpler age 60 years ago where conversation, reading, hiking and quiet pursuits are the norm. 

There is a restaurant here for guests only - it is a bit on the pricey side but delicious meals expertly prepared and you don’t have to travel 35-50 minutes to find another restaurant.  The restaurant is small, intimate, and delivers a very personal dining experience. It is more of dining experience than eating food. 

Not for everyone, but for me, I absolutely adored this place and consider it to be a one of a kind gem!

Simpson's Num-ti-jah Lodge

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