Post Hotel Lake Louise Review: Amenities, Spa, and Wine

Planning a stay near Lake Louise often leads to questions about the Post Hotel & Spa. This article draws on the property’s official listings, travel guides, and guest reviews to provide a clear overview of what this alpine lodge offers, from its Relais & Châteaux affiliation to the Temple Mountain Spa and its position along the Bow River Valley.

Last checked: 2026-08-14

Location: Bow River Valley, Lake Louise, Alberta · Style: Lodge with rustic and inviting atmosphere · Notable feature: Spa, saltwater pool, natural stone fireplaces, jacuzzi tubs · Awards: Voted #1 Resort in Canada (source source not specified)

What Is Post Hotel Lake Louise Known For?

The Post Hotel & Spa built its reputation on the combination of a Relais & Châteaux designation, a substantial wine program, and a full‑service spa in a mountain setting. The property’s wine cellar—containing more than 25,000 bottles and 2,200 labels—is frequently cited by the hotel’s own materials and travel guides as a centrepiece of the dining experience (Relais & Châteaux). The main dining room serves fresh market cuisine, and a separate Fondue Stübli offers Swiss‑style fondues (Audley Travel).

Spa and Wellness

The Temple Mountain Spa provides massages and body treatments in treatment rooms, and guests have access to an indoor saltwater swimming pool, a whirlpool hot tub, and a steam room. Audley Travel and the official Relais & Châteaux listing both confirm these facilities are part of the spa complex. A small fitness room and a library with a large stone fireplace are additional indoor amenities noted by Audley Travel.

Rustic Lodge Atmosphere

Fodor’s Travel describes the hotel as having “understated elegance” and notes the Swiss chalet architecture with post‑and‑beam construction and a bright red roof that makes it a local landmark. Guest rooms across five categories feature whirlpool baths, private patios or balconies, and ensuite bathrooms. Many rooms include natural stone fireplaces and separate showers, according to the hotel’s official room descriptions (Post Hotel & Spa official site).

Dining and Restaurant

Beyond the main dining room and Fondue Stübli, the property also operates the Outpost pub for casual fare. One TripAdvisor reviewer who booked the Gourmet Package described a six‑course prix fixe dinner with wine pairings included in the rate. Fodor’s characterizes the restaurant’s menu as using fresh, seasonal ingredients complemented by the extensive wine selection. The bottom line: the Post Hotel’s identity rests on fine dining, a large wine cellar, and a spa—three features that consistently appear across official and third‑party descriptions.

How Far Is Post Hotel from Lake Louise?

The hotel sits in the Bow River Valley, roughly 5 kilometres (about 3 miles) by road from the Lake Louise shoreline. Audley Travel and Fodor’s both place the hotel within Banff National Park, with the Relais & Châteaux listing noting that it is “near Lake Louise.” The property is approximately 55 kilometres (34 miles) northwest of the town of Banff along the Bow Valley Parkway. A seasonal free ski shuttle runs in winter, and complimentary bicycles are available in summer for exploring the area, as reported by Fodor’s.

For day‑use trailheads, guests can reach Lake Louise itself via a short drive; the hotel’s location along the Pipestone Road places it close to the Lake Louise Village shopping area and the Bow River. What to watch: the actual hiking trails around Moraine Lake and Lake Louise are a 5–10 minute drive, but no on‑site shuttle to those trailheads is mentioned in the sources reviewed.

“The location is perfect—far enough from the crowds but close enough to the lake and trails.”

— TripAdvisor guest review, 2022

Who Owns the Post Hotel in Lake Louise?

Original ownership was held by the Schwarz family, who operated the property as a lodge with WWII‑era ski origins. According to a July 2022 report in Western Living, the O’Connor family purchased the Post Hotel & Spa from the Schwarz family. The property became part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Resorts (CRMR) portfolio, with Larkin O’Connor named as co‑owner. CRMR stated at the time that existing management and staff would be retained to preserve continuity under the Relais & Châteaux banner (Western Living).

Is It Better to Stay at Banff or Lake Louise?

Banff town offers a larger selection of dining and shopping venues, plus nightlife options. Lake Louise, by contrast, is quieter and more directly positioned near the lake and mountain trailheads. The Post Hotel itself is located outside the Lake Louise village core, contributing to a secluded feel. Travel guides such as Fodor’s and Audley Travel frame the Lake Louise area as a base for wilderness exploration, while Banff provides more urban amenities. There is no single “better” choice; the trade‑off is between convenience to amenities (Banff) and proximity to the lake and hiking trails (Lake Louise).

Several TripAdvisor reviews mention that the Post Hotel’s quiet atmosphere and access to the Bow Valley Parkway make it a strong choice for couples and nature‑focused travellers. One reviewer noted that the free bikes and ski shuttle reduce the need for a car during certain seasons. The trade‑off: if you want a variety of restaurants and bars within walking distance, Banff is more suited. If you prefer a lodge‑style base near the lake, the Lake Louise area holds an advantage.

Where Should I Stay When Visiting Lake Louise?

Accommodation options in Lake Louise range from the budget‑friendly HI Lake Louise Alpine Centre to the luxury Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. The Post Hotel & Spa occupies the upper‑mid to luxury segment, with room types that include standard doubles, deluxe king suites with river‑stone fireplaces, and loft suites with sleeping areas and whirlpool tubs. The hotel also offers three stream‑side log cabins, according to Fodor’s.

For travellers prioritizing a spa and fine dining on site, the Post Hotel is the only Relais & Châteaux property in the immediate Lake Louise area. Priceline lists typical amenities as free parking, free Wi‑Fi, pool, fitness centre, and spa services. For those on a tighter budget, Lake Louise Village has motels and hostels, though none match the Post Hotel’s dining and wine program. Why this matters: your choice should align with whether you intend to spend most of your time on the trails or prefer to relax at a resort with multiple on‑site amenities.

How Many Days Is Enough in Lake Louise?

Typical stays at the Post Hotel range from two to three nights, based on sample itineraries from Audley Travel and guest reviews. In two days, guests can hike the Lake Louise shoreline, visit Moraine Lake (seasonal road access), and enjoy one dinner at the hotel. Adding a third day allows for a full spa session and a hike further into Banff National Park, such as the Plain of Six Glaciers trail. Because the hotel offers complimentary bikes and a ski shuttle, one reviewer noted that a three‑night stay gave enough time to use both without feeling rushed.

If you are coming from Banff as a day trip, the drive along the Bow Valley Parkway takes about 45 minutes each way, so a day visit to Lake Louise is feasible but does not allow time to fully experience the hotel’s amenities. The bottom line: for a relaxed visit that includes the hotel’s spa and dining, plan for at least two overnights.