Sundance Lodge

But what really makes the Sundance Lodge a special place to stay in the quintessential Old West history that surrounds this place.

The 10-room log cabin was built in 1991 with locally harvested timber. It sits near the original Ten-Mile Cabin, constructed in 1923, that was used as a rest shelter for trail riders heading to Mount Assiniboine. Our visitors love this Banff cabin for a whole host of reasons.

Set against the looming Sundance Mountain Range and surrounded by thick woods, Sundance Lodge feels remote and secluded despite being just 16 kilometres (10 miles) from the Town of Banff.

Watch for wildlife on the porch or settle into a comfortable chair near the crackling fireplace and kick up your feet. You’ll know when it’s getting close to supper time: the smell of baking bread or sizzling steak wafts through the entire lodge.

In the summer, join one of our epic horseback riding adventures—our backcountry vacations and stay in the lodge.

In the winter, the lodge reopens for overnight guests to make their own way in by snowshoe, cross-country skis or fat bike. All you hear is the rhythmic sound of your skis gliding against packed snow.

The forest is blanketed in an undisturbed layer of white powder. There’s no sign of civilization. And yet, you’re exploring just outside the Banff townsite.

Despite being just an 11.6 or 16-kilometre ski, bike or snowshoe trip to Sundance Lodge, the quiet wilderness makes it feel as if you’re deep within the backcountry.

Once you arrive at the lodge, relax by the fire and enjoy hot chocolate and a home-cooked meal. You can even refresh with a warm shower before heading to bed.

The trail to Sundance Lodge is rated easy to moderate, with an elevation gain of 173 metres (568 feet) or 318 metres (1.038 feet) depending on the starting point, and is mainly uphill on the way in. The trail has moderate inclines and declines and while possible for all skill levels, beginner cross-country skiers or fat bikers may prefer to snowshoe in to the lodge.