Ski and Stay Sundance Lodge

Nightly accommodation, dinner, breakfast and a packed trail lunch. A surcharge of $15/day per person applies to gluten-free and vegan dietary requests. All bedding and towels are provided.

There is currently no minimum stay requirement for guests staying overnight on Thursday, Friday or Sunday nights. A two night minimum stay applies for all stays that include a Saturday night.

Sundance Lodge is a 10-room log cabin that was built in 1991 from locally harvested timber. Set against the looming Sundance Mountain Range and surrounded by thick woods, the lodge feels remote and secluded despite being just 16 kilometres (10 miles) from the Town of Banff. Powered by solar and heated by burning wood, it’s the perfect winter retreat.

On the lower level there is a large living room with a fireplace, a large country kitchen and two indoor washrooms with hot showers. The eight guest rooms are located upstairs and all have a bunk bed and either a single or a double bed.

Sundance Lodge is accessible via an 11.6km (7.2 mile) trail from the Healy Creek Trailhead located approximately a 10km (6.2 mile) drive from the Town of Banff, or via a 16km trail from the Cave and Basin Trailhead in Banff. The wide open trail is track set and guests can choose to fat bike, e-bike*, cross country ski or snowshoe to the lodge. The trail is rated easy to moderate, 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.

The 11.6km trail starts from the Healy Creek Trailhead on Sunshine Road near Banff (near Sunshine Ski Resort). The trail follows the Healy Creek Trail for several kilometres before turning onto the Brewster Creek Trail which leads you to the lodge and offers scenic valley views through open and forested areas. This trail has 173 metres (568 feet) of elevation gain and typically takes 2.5 to 4 hours depending on experience level and pace.

The 16km trail from the Cave and Basin Trailhead on Cave Ave in the Town of Banff follows the Sundance Trail to Sundance Canyon which connects to the Healy Creek Trail Junction. From here, you’ll turn onto the Brewster Creek Trail which leads you to the lodge and offers scenic valley views through open and forested areas. This trail has 318 metres (1,038 feet) of elevation gain and typically takes 3 to 5 hours depending on experience level and pace.

*Pedal assist electric bikes are now permitted from the Healy Creek Trailhead to Sundance Lodge. E-bikes are not permitted from the Cave and Basin Trailhead to Sundance Lodge. Please refer to the Parks Canada e-bike regulations for further details.

Please note that skiing is dependent on snow conditions, and current conditions for the Sundance Trail to Sundance Canyon, Healy Creek Trail and Brewster Creek Trail can be viewed on the Parks Canada website.

This blog provides more information on how to get to Sundance Lodge.

Free parking is available at the Cave and Basin Trailhead on Cave Ave in Banff and the Healy Creek Trailhead on Sunshine Road near Banff (near Sunshine Ski Resort), approximately a 10km drive from downtown Banff.

Please ensure that you display a valid Banff National Park Pass in your vehicle and a sign saying that you are staying at Sundance Lodge (Sundance Lodge car signage will be provided upon booking). Please be aware the parking lots are not locked or guarded.

Most guests come here simply to enjoy a relaxing escape, and to experience backcountry comfort after a day spent in the mountains. In the evenings you can enjoy a beer or a bottle of wine with dinner, and then relax by the fireplace with a book or games. There are several pairs of snowshoes at the lodge that guests can borrow to explore the nearby area or if you’re staying a second night, you can venture further along the trail to see the remains of Turtle Tom’s cabin (around 8km return).

Active wear suitable for skiing and layers are best including warm base layers, top layers and outerwear suitable for the temperature and weather. Please also bring comfortable clothing for inside the lodge and a backpack to carry belongings. We would also recommend a flashlight, sunscreen, sunglasses and camera (charged). Please note there is no electricity at the lodge so we recommend charging your camera before your trip. A list of recommended items will be included in your information email after booking.

Guests will also be required to purchase a Banff National Park Pass. These locations will be checked for passes throughout winter and guests will receive a fine if they don’t have a pass.

Biodegradable shampoo, a toothbrush and toothpaste. We do supply toilet paper and hand soap at the lodge. Please note there is no electricity at the lodge, so we recommend charging your camera before your trip.

There is limited selection of alcohol available to purchase by cash or credit card.

You will lose phone reception approximately half way to the lodge. There is no cell service or internet at the lodge, and there is also no electricity so we recommend charging your camera before your trip.

A 7 day cancellation policy applies to winter lodge bookings.