Situated in the village of Lake Louise on the banks of the Pipestone River, the historic Post Hotel & Spa has been welcoming guests for over 80 years. Surround yourself with rustic charm and refined touches that make this the ideal place to relax and the perfect base for your Rocky Mountain adventures.

Post Hotel & Spa is in the heart of Banff National Park, 185 kilometers (115 miles) west of Calgary, Alberta. The driving time is approximately two hours via the Trans Canada Highway #1

The Lake Louise Ski Resort is just a five minute drive, as is the spectacle of Lake Louise itself. Moraine Lake is also just twenty minutes away while the historic Banff townsite is just a forty-minute drive to the east. Here, exciting mountain adventures await in every direction.

THE HISTORY
Known originally as the Lake Louise Ski Lodge, Post Hotel first opened in 1942. Jim Boyce, a well-known guide from Banff, was the builder. He sourced logs for the lodge in Revelstoke and at the headwaters of the Bow River.

With a crew of just ten men, using mostly hand tools, the building was completed in a remarkably short time. The war forced a closure soon thereafter and the doors would not open again until 1948.

A British nobleman, Sir Norman Watson, purchased the Lake Louise Ski Lodge and adjacent cabins in 1947. Sir Norman was an avid sportsman who had travelled extensively in the Swiss Alps. Drawing on these experiences, Sir Norman had a grand vision for the future of skiing in the Canadian Rockies.

By the time he purchased the Lodge, Sir Norman had already built two backcountry lodges – Temple Chalet and Skoki Lodge. With the Lodge being close to the Lake Louise train station, it was the perfect starting point for a ski journey to the backcountry.

With more and more summer visitors, the name Ski Lodge no longer seemed appropriate. In 1951 the name was changed to simply Lake Louise Lodge. However, this name caused some confusion with the Chateau Lake Louise.

In 1957 the name Post Hotel was chosen. This name paid homage to the many Post Hotels of the Swiss Alps. At the time, there was also another building on the property that was leased to the Post Office, so Post Hotel seemed especially appropriate.

In 1965, with the increasing demand for accommodations in Lake Louise, the 25-room Pipestone Motel was built adjacent to Post Hotel. Named for the Pipestone River, the picturesque mountain stream that borders the property to the east and south.

In 1978 Sir Norman Watson sold Post Hotel to André, Barb and George Schwarz. Sir Norman did not want his dreams for the area to fade away. The Schwarz family, with their Swiss origins and their background steeped in skiing, hospitality, and fine dining were the perfect choice.

The Schwarz’s immediately put their energies into The Dining Room; hiring European trained chefs, sourcing the very finest products available and slowly building a more comprehensive wine collection. It wasn’t long until the restaurant was one of the most popular in the area attracting guests from all over the world.

With the restaurant’s rise in popularity, the time was right to expand Post Hotel. In 1986 the Schwarz’s embarked on a major redevelopment. When Post Hotel re-opened in July 1987, it featured 93 luxurious guest rooms and suites, an expanded Dining Room, a new aquatic facility with indoor salt water pool, steam room and whirlpool plus an additional luxurious lodge on the Pipestone River – Watson House.

As a testament to the vision of the ownership and the efforts of the staff, Post Hotel was admitted to the prestigious Relais & Châteaux group in November 1990. Relais & Châteaux represents some of the finest hotels and restaurants in the world.

To be considered, a property must be independently owned, intimate and must excel in the areas of comfort, cuisine, service and special character. For discerning travelers, the Relais brand signifies a quality guarantee.

More renovations and upgrades were completed through the 1990’s including the addition of seven luxury suites on the second level of the original building, a spectacular post and beam library and private dining room. Several beautiful suites were created by combining two rooms into one, and a host of new amenities were introduced.

The wine cellar at Post Hotel had grown to one of the most impressive in the country and has become an attraction all on its own. Meticulously curated over the years, the cellar received the Grand Award by Wine Spectator Magazine, an accolade it has retained for over twenty consecutive years. With a collection that had grown to over 25,000 bottles, a magnificent new cellar was opened in 2005.

In 2005, Post Hotel opened Temple Mountain Spa – a blissful sanctuary built around health, wellness, beauty and therapy. With eight treatment rooms, steam rooms, plunge pools and the indoor pool and whirlpool, Temple Mountain Spa offers a harmonious blend of products and services – the perfect respite after a day of mountain activities.

Canadian Rocky Mountain Resorts purchased Post Hotel & Spa from George and Andre Schwarz in 2021. In the words of Larkin O’Connor, President of CRMR; “We are extremely excited to carry on the incredible legacy of the Schwarz brothers and welcome Post Hotel & Spa into our family of companies, building upon the foundations that have been created by André and George, we look forward to continuing the traditions of Post Hotel & Spa and honouring its renowned Schwarz hospitality.”

EXECUTIVE LOFT SUITE
Elegant and spacious loft suite with a wood-burning fireplace, full bathroom with whirlpool tub and separate shower along with a wet-bar, Nespresso machine, and mini-fridge.

Upstairs, the loft area features a king bed, and a second half-bathroom for added convenience. Offers mountain views from the expansive windows. These suites overlook the guest parking lot with some noise from passing trains.

EXECUTIVE SUPERIOR SUITE
Featuring an open-concept layout, this spacious suite overlooks the hotel’s skating rink in the winter, and the front lawn in the summer. An elegant sitting area with a wood-burning fireplace stocked with firewood offers the perfect place to relax and unwind.

This ideal accommodation for a couple features a king-size bed, Nespresso machine, mini-fridge and an over-sized balcony. The spacious bathroom offers luxury bath amenities, separate shower, and a whirlpool tub with mountain views. Due to its location on the property, this second-floor room will experience some noise from passing trains.

WATSON HOUSE
The ultimate spacious riverfront cabin is ideal for larger groups. Large living room features ample seating, with grand wood-burning fireplace. A fully equipped gourmet kitchen and bar awaits along with a large dining room surrounded by windows with views onto the river and lawns.

The main floor offers two bedrooms and two bathrooms featuring a whirlpool tub or separate shower, plus luxury bath amenities. Upstairs offers two bedrooms and two bathrooms featuring a whirlpool tub or separate shower, plus luxury bath amenities.

Two additional flex spaces offer single beds. Watson House is also equipped with its own washer and dryer. This 3000 square foot cabin is steeped in history and offers stunning views onto the Pipestone River and surrounding peaks.

PIPESTONE CABIN
Spacious secluded two-bedroom cabin on the Pipestone River. Generous living room with wood-burning fireplace, Nespresso machine, wet-bar plus sunroom seating area. Main floor bedroom with two single beds and bathroom. Spacious bedroom upstairs with king bed, walk-in closet and full bathroom with luxury bath amenities, separate shower, and whirlpool tub.

TEMPLE CABIN
Secluded riverfront cabin features a comfortable living area with wood-burning fireplace stocked with firewood, Nespresso machine, wet bar, mini-fridge, and expansive windows to enjoy the views. The spacious bathroom offers luxury amenities, separate shower, and a whirlpool tub with mountain views. A private riverfront patio off the living area completes this unique cabin.

THE DINING ROOM 
Awarded “Best Food in the Americas” by Conde Nast Traveler’s Gold list, The Dining Room is a destination unto itself. Come savour the exquisite talents of European-trained Executive Chef Hans Sauter and enjoy the fresh-cut flowers, sparkling crystal, and the warm glow of the grand fireplace.

FONDUE STUBLI
Stübli means “cozy room” and this charming, intimate space lives up to that. Located next to The Dining Room, Fondue Stübli features traditional Swiss fondues including a classic cheese fondue, fondue “bourguignonne” and fondue “chinoise”.

SIR NORMAN LOUNGE
Soak in the relaxed atmosphere by a crackling fire. This is a great spot to be après ski, après hike, before or after dinner. The Sir Norman Lounge offers a light menu, plus relaxed piano entertainment on weekend evenings.

THE OUTPOST 
A comfortable, English-style pub, The Outpost is a great place to gather with friends and relive the day’s adventures. Featuring classic pub fare and a curated selection of craft brews.

EXECUTIVE CHEF HANS SAUTER
Chef Sauter hails from Switzerland. Over the last three decades, fine restaurants worldwide have benefited from his exacting experience and direction.

His illustrious international career includes stopovers in Switzerland, Japan, Hungary, the United States and now Canada, and this impressive and varied background is clearly evident in his creative approach to fresh market cuisine.

THE WINE CELLAR
Our wine cellar offers a curated collection of over 25,500 bottles and more than 2300 selections of the finest wines available. The wine list at the Post has become one of the most comprehensive in the country and continues to impress Dining Room guests.

Every year since 2002, Wine Spectator, the authoritative wine magazine of North America, has awarded the Post Hotel its highest honour. “The “Grand Award” is considered the pinnacle of success worldwide, and we are one of only four restaurants in Canada to garner this recognition.

Join us for an intimate evening of fine wine and haute cuisine. Gather around the table with a renowned winemaker and savour a selection of wines paired with Chef’s specially prepared gourmet menu. The Winemaker’s Series sell out fast as there are only about 30 seats at each dinner. Sign up for our newsletter and be the first to know.

TEMPLE MOUNTAIN SPA
A soothing, blissful sanctuary awaits at Temple Mountain Spa. Choose from a wide selection of spa services and treatments that range from therapeutic to luxurious.

Our team of massage therapists and aestheticians will help you take relaxation to a new level. Enjoy an array of massages, body therapies, facials, and nail and waxing services – every treatment utilizes a harmonious blend of curated products and techniques.

SALT WATER POOL
Take a plunge in the Roman-inspired indoor salt water pool; perfect for the whole family to enjoy. The whirlpool and steam room are ideal for melting away the muscle tension after an active day outdoors.

FITNESS CENTRE
Keep your workout routine going in our fully appointed fitness centre. You’ll find a selection of Life Fitness cardio machines, Kaiser strength training equipment and a variety of free weights for you to use.

THE LIBRARY
Recount the day’s adventures over a glass of wine in front of the grand fireplace, gather family and friends for board games, or simply curl up with a good book. The Library features several comfy seating areas and is the ideal place to unwind.

MEETINGS & EVENTS
Post Hotel & Spa offers several well-appointed spaces for special events. Our dedicated team provides personalized service and complete attention to detail ensuring your event is seamlessly put together from start to finish, and with our award-winning kitchen we take culinary offerings to the next level.

Whether it’s a conference, a wedding, family reunion, birthday, or holiday party, Post Hotel is the ideal venue. The Banquet Room features a grand wood burning fireplace and part of our wine collection is displayed behind glass along one wall, along with a private entrance.

Offering private dining for meeting groups, weddings and other functions, the Banquet Room accommodates up to 72 guests using round tables of eight or ten places. For dining at one large table, the seating capacity is 26.

WEDDINGS
Post Hotel & Spa is the perfect place to hold your wedding with our renowned cuisine and award-winning wine cellar. Overseen by Executive Chef Hans Sauter, wedding dinners are exquisitely choreographed and a true culinary experience for guests. There are also many options for you to add your special touch with floral arrangements and decorations.

LAKE LOUISE AREA
To make the most of your day, we suggest leaving very early in the morning to secure a parking spot at Lake Louise or use one of these transportation options. Please note, there is no longer public parking available at Moraine Lake.

HIKING
In Banff National Park, beautiful hiking trails await! From the iconic lakes to spectacular ridge walks to the fall spectacle of the golden larches, the Lake Louise area has it all.

In fact, several trails are immediately accessible from our grounds. For maps, detailed route findings and trail descriptions, visit a Parks Canada Visitor Centre or purchase a hiking guidebook and topographical map. Cell service is not reliable.

BIKING
Borrow one of our hybrid Devinci bikes and explore the trails and roads around Lake Louise Village. Free for Post Hotel guests. You can also rent bikes from Wilson Mountain Sports in the Samson Mall.

ROCK CLIMBING
The Lake Louise area offers great rock climbing for climbers of all skill levels, and the guides at Cloud Nine will be glad to show you the ropes.

FLY FISHING
The pristine Bow River offers world famous fly fishing and there are many well-stocked lakes in the area as well. Contact the visitor’s centre in Lake Louise Village for information and licenses. You can also book a guide and discover some favourite local fishing spots.

DOWNHILL SKIING 
The spectacular Lake Louise Ski Resort is just five minutes away via our complimentary ski shuttle. With 4000 acres of skiable terrain, ‘The Lake’ offers a great mix of options to suit every level of skier, with breathtaking scenery all around. Other ski areas close by include Sunshine and Norquay, both approximately 40 minutes drive, close to Banff townsite.

SLEIGH RIDES
What could be better than taking in the breathtaking scenery at Lake Louise bundled in blankets on a horse-drawn sleigh? Choose from day and evening rides.

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING
Enjoy world-class cross country skiing on a wide range of scenic trails that are very close by. Most trails accommodate both classic and skate skiing.

HELI-SKIING
Experience the thrill of skiing deep, untracked champagne powder. Meet fellow adventurers as you enjoy an amazing backcountry experience outside the National Park boundaries.

Website: www.posthotel.com

Rooms: 98

Price: from 426 EUR per night