Open seasonally from June 1 through September 30, Moraine Lake Lodge is, as its name suggests, set right on the stunning turquoise waters of the glacier-fed Moraine Lake in Banff National Park. The lake is one of the most photographed locations in Canada, and the view once appeared on the back of Canadian $20 bills. The original lodge sprang from a teahouse that offered overnight camping at the turn of the 20th century, with the first lodge house dating back to the 1930s. A full redevelopment began in the late '80s, with a new building designed by acclaimed Canadian architect Arthur Erickson opened in 1991. The cabins and rooms all feature custom-built log furniture, and many rooms have wood-burning river rock fireplaces. The room design reflects the soaring Rocky Mountains outside, with warm earth tones alongside cozy blankets and deep soaker tubs. All rooms are free of TVs and telephones, allowing guests to unplug from modern-day distractions, although there is Wi-Fi. It’s likely that cell phones will not work here either.
