22 Cozy Cabins for an Autumn Escape in Alberta
As summer fades into fall, the crisp, cool weather makes us want to gather around the fire (or 36-hour burning candle) to stay warm, eat sumptuous rib-sticking stews, roast marshmallows over a campfire and sip steaming hot chocolate. Fall is also the perfect time to get outside and feast your eyes on vivid yellows, reds and oranges as the foliage prepares itself for the long winter ahead.
Alberta, with its diverse landscapes, is one of the best provinces to enjoy all the autumn season has to offer. Throw your warmest knit sweaters and wool socks into a suitcase and head to any of these cozy cabins.
Note: Prices are current as of publication date. Actual price may vary.
Find each cabin on the map below
1. Fox Lake Retreat
Location: Hanna
Price: $150/night
These large cabins just outside of the town of Hanna offer all the comforts of home. Relax on your private deck overlooking Fox Lake, where you can watch the ducks and herons play. Stay up for amazing prairie sunsets and big sky nights featuring more stars than you can imagine.
2. Castle Provincial Park Cabins
Location: Beaver Mines Lake Campground, located between Crowsnest Pass and Waterton Lakes National Park, in southwest Alberta
Price: $80/night (available June 1 – October 1)
The perfect comfort camping option, this cozy cabin next to the lake sleeps four. This affordable destination offers the basics, and you just need to bring your own campstove. Having a picnic on the table just out the door is the ideal place to enjoy the cool autumn air. Spend the day hiking or mountain biking the park trails, then take the edge off of the chilly evenings sitting around the wood burning stove.
3. Elkwater Lake Lodge & Resort
Location: Elkwater, in southeastern Alberta in the Cypress Hills
Price: Contact for rates (available May 15 to September 19)
If you prefer a bit of urban mixed with rustic, this resort is for you. Swim in the indoor saltwater pool and soak in the hot tub before curling up by the fireplace with a good book. Nearby you’ll find hiking trails, golfing, kayaking and fly fishing.
4. Bear Hill Lodge
Location: Jasper
Price: Contact for rates
Stay in the Homestead or book a Heritage Cabin, typical of those originally constructed in the mid-1900s but decked out with modern amenities.There are also cottages, lodge rooms and chalets with wood-burning fireplaces so you’ll have your pick of adorable autumn accommodation.
5. Mt. Engadine Lodge
Location: Base of Mount Engadine and Mount Shark in Spray Lakes Provincial Park
Price: Contact for rates
This backcountry lodge offers an all-inclusive experience, so all you have to worry about is showing up. Book the cabin or a room in the chalets and then just relax. Wash up with natural Rocky Mountain Soap Co products and enjoy gourmet meals prepared with locally sourced ingredients. Activities include hiking, cycling and kayaking. Keep your eyes open for moose, coyotes, beaver, deer and elk in the meadow below. Feeling chilly? Find a cozy place to snuggle up next to one the stone fireplaces in the main lodge.
6. Alpine Village Resort
Location: Jasper
Price: $150/night and up
Alpine Village offers options, from upscale individual log cabins to one-room heritage cabins. The location is so quiet, you’ll likely be able to watch the wildlife out your windows. Enjoy the lovely stone fireplaces and take time for a soak in the hot tub after an adventure in Jasper National Park.
7. The Prairie Creek Inn
Location: 18 km south of Rocky Mountain House
Price: $195/night and up
If you’re looking for a romantic getaway with your sweetie, this luxury destination, with its unique furniture and lovely artwork, should be your go-to. Relax in the tub then snuggle up in front of the fireplace or under the fluffy duvet. Book a fun activity like a helicopter flight for a birds-eye view of the Rockies or play a round of golf at the nearby course.
8. Johnston Canyon Lodge & Bungalows
Location: Johnston Canyon
Price: $240 average/night (available May-October)
Get settled into your cozy bungalow, cottage or cabin, then check out the nearby trail which takes you past seven stunning waterfalls. Don’t want the bother of cooking? No worries, grab breakfast at the Market Cafe, a snack at the Shack and dinner at the BlackSwift Bistro.
9. Stepping Stone Cabins
Location: Beaver Mines
Price: $135/night and up
These cozy cabins are only 40 minutes from Waterton Lakes National Park, where you have access to world-class hiking trails. Enjoy a full breakfast each day compliments of your hosts and cook your other meals in a full kitchenette or BBQ on the deck. After dinner, indulge in a soak in the outdoor hot tub and do some star-gazing.
10. Peace River Cabins
Location: south of Grimshaw, along the Peace River
Price: Contact for rates
Each in its own secluded setting on the banks of the Peace River in northern Alberta, you can opt for rustic (no bathroom facilities) or a full-service cabin. Explore the area with a guided canoe, kayak, rafting or hiking tour to learn about the history, flora and fauna from an expert.
11. Expanse Cottages
Location: Nordegg
Price: $149/night and up
These cute alpine-style half-timber-frame cabins are situated half-way between Banff and Jasper and close to amenities in Nordegg, an old mining town with lots of history. For the perfect fall getaway in the woodlands of the eastern Rockies, all you need to bring are your personal items, food and adventure buddy.
12. Prairie Junction Cabins
Location: Stettler
Price: Contact for rates
For a true prairie experience, rent a cabin at this full-service campground. Each of the four cabins has a different theme: Prairie Charm, Prairie Gardener, Prairie Trapper and Prairie Homestead. Once you’re settled in, explore the local trails or book a day trip on the historic train, complete with an outlaw robbery reenactment.
13. Paradise Lodge & Bungalows
Location: Lake Louise
Price: Contact for rates; open May-October
These rustic, newly renovated mountain cabins are in the middle of a quiet forest, with easy access to the Rocky Mountains just out your door. Everything you need for the weekend is here, including a BBQ area. Stay in an individual cabin for a private, romantic experience or book a suite with separate bedrooms.
14. Rocky Mountain Escape
Location: Jasper National Park
Price: $110/night and up
These secluded, honey-coloured log cabins nestled in the wilderness offer a rugged adventure experience. Wrap yourself in one of their homemade afghans as you sit on the deck and nature bathe. Numerous trails start at the cabins. take a canoe out to Rock Lake or join a bird-watching tour.
15. Shadow Lake Lodge
Location: Banff
Price: Contact for rates
This lodge takes “cozy” to another level. Located close to the Mt. Ball in Banff National Park, this is the perfect back country retreat for avid hikers. Reserve your own private log cabin with fluffy duvets to relax in after an all-day adventure. Enjoy the ambiance around the stone fireplace in the restored 1929 CPR guest lounge before you head to the dining cabin for hearty gourmet meals.
16. Mukwah Cabins
Location: Sundre
Price: $65/night
These tiny, affordable cabins are a glamping option. Each features an enclosed room with a raised platform mattress on its own camping site. The campground has plenty of amenities: a sauna, hot showers, volleyball court, horseshoe pits, etc. This is an awesome base to explore the Rocky Mountain foothills area by hiking, biking or fishing.
17. HI-Canmore/Alpine Club of Canada
Location: Canmore
Price: Contact for rates
Aside from the private cabin, this is also a hostel, so it’s the perfect place to meet explorers from all over the world. With panoramic views overlooking the Three Sisters from the deck, you have easy access to the outdoors and activities in Banff and nearby Kananaskis Country.
18. Cedar Park Cottage
Location: Sylvan Lake
Price: $185/night
Located in the resort town of Sylvan Lake, this Air Bnb cottage is within walking distance to the beach and town. You will find plenty of games, books and movies to enjoy with the whole family on a rainy day, or you can crowd around the wood-burning stove in the lovely sitting area and share family jokes.
19. Goat Mountain Get-A-Way
Location: Blairmore
Price: $120/night and up
Snuggle up in one of seven roomy cabins for a weekend retreat. Enjoy the views of the vibrant foliage on the surrounding trees from the wrap-around deck, then warm up by the gas fireplace. Nearby activities include the Crowsnest Pass golf course, Frank Slide and the Gargantua caves, which are up to six kilometres long.
20. Rundle Cabins
Location: Harvie Heights, 1 km outside of Banff National Park
Price: Contact for rates
Built in the 1960s, these cabins are rustic but have everything you need for a cozy stay, including a coffee/tea maker, kitchenette and cable TV. There’s a queen room or one bedroom suite for two people, or take the whole family and stay in the two-bedroom suite. Breathtaking views of the majestic Rockies are just outside your door.
21. Aspen Crossing Caboose Cabins
Location: Mossleigh (92 kms southeast of Calgary)
Price: $149/night and up
Have you ever wanted to stay in a real train caboose? You can! Built between 1920 and 1971, each caboose-cabin is situated on its own train track and is decked out with overnight amenities. Starting at the end of November, book your excursion on the Polar Express Train to get in the mood for Christmas.
22. Tekarra Lodge
Location: Jasper National Park
Price: Contact for rates
These lovely cabins with wooden interiors and stunning stone fireplaces are located just outside of Jasper. Pets are welcome, so no need to leave Rover at home. Guests can enjoy complimentary activities like morning yoga classes, interpretive talks and outdoor fires to roast s’mores.
Have you been on an autumn adventure in Alberta?
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