
Num-Ti-Jah Lodge
Historic lodge on stunning Bow Lake, offering intimate stays, gourmet dining, and unparalleled Rocky Mountain views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Peaceful views, fewer crowds

Num-Ti-Jah Lodge
Best Time
Peaceful views, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic lodge on stunning Bow Lake, offering intimate stays, gourmet dining, and unparalleled Rocky Mountain views.
"A magical stay with unbeatable location and exceptional hospitality."

🚗 Parking Peace of Mind
Skip the Lake Louise parking chaos; Bow Lake offers ample space, even in peak season.
☕ Cozy Fireside Tea Time
Enjoy complimentary tea, coffee, and snacks by the fire in the lodge's common area.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Bow Lake's Turquoise Waters
Bow Lake
Gaze at the stunning turquoise hues of Bow Lake, fed by glacial meltwater, creating a breathtaking natural spectacle.

Bow Glacier Falls Hike
Trailhead near Num-Ti-Jah Lodge
Embark on a scenic hike to Bow Glacier Falls for unparalleled views of the receding glacier and the surrounding peaks.

Historic Num-Ti-Jah Lodge
Bow Lake
Step back in time at the beautifully restored 1920s Num-Ti-Jah Lodge, offering cozy accommodations and a unique atmosphere.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds at Bow Lake
Embrace the Lodge Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Peace of Mind
Skip the Lake Louise parking chaos; Bow Lake offers ample space, even in peak season.
☕ Cozy Fireside Tea Time
Enjoy complimentary tea, coffee, and snacks by the fire in the lodge's common area.
🤝 Meet New Friends at Dinner
Communal dining is encouraged, offering a great chance to connect with fellow travelers.
🚶♀️ Explore Lodge Surroundings
Take a post-dinner stroll around the lodge to soak in the serene mountain ambiance.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Peace of Mind
Skip the Lake Louise parking chaos; Bow Lake offers ample space, even in peak season.
☕ Cozy Fireside Tea Time
Enjoy complimentary tea, coffee, and snacks by the fire in the lodge's common area.
🤝 Meet New Friends at Dinner
Communal dining is encouraged, offering a great chance to connect with fellow travelers.
🚶♀️ Explore Lodge Surroundings
Take a post-dinner stroll around the lodge to soak in the serene mountain ambiance.
🧊 Glacier Views Year-Round
Witness the Bow Glacier's beauty, though it is noticeably receding.
🎨 Art Gallery Open
Visit The Gallery at The Lodge at Bow Lake, formerly Num-Ti-Jah Lodge, now open to the public.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Guests consistently praise Num-Ti-Jah Lodge for its unbeatable location, exceptional hospitality, and delicious food. The historic charm of the lodge and the intimate, communal dining experience are frequently highlighted as major draws, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. While the lodge itself is a significant part of the appeal, the stunning natural beauty of Bow Lake and the surrounding Rockies are equally celebrated.
"A magical stay. The Lodge itself is gorgeous. Our first night there, after check in, my husband and I were treated to tea, snacks, and coffee in a very cozy room by the fire. The location itself is unbeatable. Nothing can top waking up to the sun slowly creeping over the mountains, shining onto Bow Glacier. Our room was comfortable, clean, with a window that opened to let the fresh mountain air in. Dinners and breakfasts were served in a log dining room by a roaring fire. We miss it already. Hope to be back soon!"
Cecilia McCrary
"We had a memorable stay at the Bow Lake Lodge, from the golf car shuttle taking us from the parking lot to the lodge to the next day breakfast! We enjoyed the nature talk during the tea time, the ease of a code for the room lock instead of a key card, meeting strangers at dinner who were friendly, and the walk around the lodge after dinner. The catering staff accommodated our vegan needs and the 4 course meal was great! They let us take the breakfast a bit earlier than the 8am sitting to allow for our early departure. If we didn't have a packed schedule, we would have stayed there another day and enjoyed nearby hikes."
Ajay Padgaonkar
"What an amazing 3 nights we spent here in this superb lodge. The situation right by the lake was unique and the food and service were exceptional. The model of having meals with other guests at set times really worked and it was great to meet people and hear their stories and experiences."
Jenny Turner
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Num-Ti-Jah Lodge is located at Bow Lake along the scenic Icefields Parkway (Highway 93 North). From Banff, drive approximately 45 minutes north. The lodge is well-marked and offers a peaceful alternative to the busier Lake Louise.
Yes, Bow Lake offers ample parking, which is a significant advantage compared to the often-crowded parking at Lake Louise. This makes it a stress-free destination.
Public transportation options directly to Num-Ti-Jah Lodge are limited. Most visitors arrive by car, as it offers the most flexibility for exploring the Icefields Parkway.
The Icefields Parkway is a world-renowned scenic highway connecting Banff and Jasper National Parks, famous for its glaciers, turquoise lakes, and abundant wildlife. Bow Lake and Num-Ti-Jah Lodge are key attractions along this route.
Absolutely! The drive along the Icefields Parkway to Num-Ti-Jah Lodge is considered one of the most spectacular in the world, with breathtaking mountain vistas at every turn.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, a Parks Canada Discovery Pass is required to enter Banff National Park and access attractions like Bow Lake and Num-Ti-Jah Lodge. You can purchase passes online or at park gates.
There is no specific entrance fee for Num-Ti-Jah Lodge itself if you are visiting the grounds or dining. However, if you plan to stay overnight, you will need to book accommodation.
The Lodge at Bow Lake typically operates seasonally, often from early June to early October. It's best to check their official website for the most current operating dates and hours.
Yes, visitors are welcome to visit the grounds, enjoy the views of Bow Lake, and dine at the lodge's restaurant. The Gallery at The Lodge at Bow Lake is also open to the public.
While generally open, always check Parks Canada advisories for any temporary closures or restrictions due to weather, wildlife, or trail conditions.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
At Bow Lake, you can enjoy photography, short walks along the shore, hiking to Bow Glacier Falls, picnicking, and simply relaxing by the stunning turquoise water.
The hike to Bow Glacier Falls is considered moderate, approximately 5.5 miles round trip. It offers beautiful scenery along the lake and leads to the base of the falls.
Num-Ti-Jah Lodge offers a cozy, historic, and intimate atmosphere. Guests often describe it as feeling like a friend's summer home, with communal dining and nature talks enhancing the experience.
Yes, the lodge often hosts nature talks and provides opportunities for guests to connect and share stories during communal meals.
While the water is incredibly beautiful, Bow Lake is fed by glacial melt and is extremely cold year-round. Swimming is not generally recommended, though some brave souls might take a quick dip.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The lodge offers exceptional dining experiences, often featuring locally inspired, multi-course meals served communally. They are known to accommodate dietary needs like vegan options.
Breakfast is typically included for guests staying at The Lodge at Bow Lake, and they are accommodating if you need to depart early.
Yes, the lodge often features a bar where you can enjoy signature cocktails, like those mentioned by Bruce, the owner.
Dining options are primarily concentrated at The Lodge at Bow Lake. For more variety, you would need to drive back towards Lake Louise or further into Banff townsite.
The food is described as ridiculously good, locally inspired, and bountiful, with an emphasis on quality and communal dining experiences.
📸 📸 Photography
The best photo spots are along the lake's shoreline, capturing the turquoise water, the lodge itself, and the dramatic mountain backdrop. The Bow Glacier Falls trail also offers stunning photographic opportunities.
Early mornings offer soft light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the serene beauty. Late afternoons provide warm, golden hour light that enhances the colors of the lake and mountains.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating mountain peaks or wildlife. Don't forget a polarizing filter to enhance the water's color.
The historic architecture of the lodge, especially with the lake and mountains in the background, makes for unique shots. The interior, with its cozy fireplace, also offers charming photographic possibilities.
Drone usage is restricted in National Parks. Always check the latest Parks Canada regulations regarding drone operation before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💑 Couples Seeking Romance
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Charm of Num-Ti-Jah Lodge
Beyond the cozy rooms and communal meals, the lodge offers enriching experiences like nature talks, providing insights into the surrounding environment. The staff, led by managers Nicola and Mike, are frequently praised for their attentiveness, anticipating guest needs and sharing their extensive knowledge of the Rockies. This dedication to hospitality, coupled with the lodge's rustic elegance and breathtaking views of Bow Glacier, creates a truly memorable stay. It's a place where the grandeur of nature meets heartfelt human connection, setting a high standard for mountain lodges.
Exploring Bow Lake and Its Surroundings
For those seeking a more relaxed experience, simply enjoying the view from the lodge or the lakeshore is a delight. Photography enthusiasts will find endless opportunities to capture the stunning interplay of light, water, and mountains. The area around Bow Lake is also ideal for picnics and quiet contemplation, offering a peaceful respite from the more bustling tourist spots in Banff National Park. Remember to check Parks Canada advisories for any trail conditions or wildlife sightings before venturing out.





Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit