The hype
The location is magic and the staff are resilient saints, but the rooms are starting to feel their age.
Pyramid Lake Resort
$180-320/ night
Book this if You want a front-row seat to the Canadian Rockies without the chaotic bus tours of downtown Jasper.
Why People Love It
- Direct access to Pyramid Lake (literally steps from your door)
- Aalto restaurant is currently the best dining view in Jasper
- Free one-hour canoe and fat bike rentals included in the resort fee
Quick Take: It’s a glorified chalet colony with thin walls, but the morning view of Pyramid Mountain makes you forgive the footsteps upstairs.
Reviewed by @explorewithkrissy: I escaped to Pyramid Lake Lodge for a winter weekend and it was incredible. From biking on the frozen lake to warming up by the fire pit, it’s the ultimate cozy getaway. The mountain views from my room were insane. Highly recommend for a couple's trip.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
If you book a ground-floor room, you become intimately acquainted with the walking habits of the guests above you.
- You prioritize silence and stars over nightlife
- You want to skate or kayak right from your hotel room
- You are traveling with a dog (very pet-friendly)
Cleanliness & Maintenance
9.2
- Housekeeping: Consistent and thorough. Daily service is back to normal standards.
- Bathroom hygiene: Sparkling. Grout lines are clean, though fixtures in some unrenovated rooms feel dated.
- Maintenance: Good, but the harsh winters take a toll on exterior paint and deck wood.
- Linens & towels: Crisp, white, and hotel-standard. No complaints of wear.
- Odors & scents: Fresh alpine air. No musty cabin smell, which is a huge plus for this age of property.
Sleepability™
7MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Footsteps from upper-floor guests
- Plumbing noise from adjacent units
Before you book
Good to know
- The resort fee ($22 CAD/night) is actually worth it if you use the boats/bikes
- Aalto requires reservations weeks in advance for dinner
- There is no elevator in the chalet buildings—pack light or be ready to haul
What to pack
- Slippers (floors get cold)
- High-quality bug spray (lake proximity = mosquitoes in July)
- A sleep mask (sunrise hits the mountain early in summer)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Founders Room (top floor, vaulted ceilings, best views)
- Pyramid Room (Upper Floor) to avoid the footstep noise
Rooms to avoid
- Ground floor Cavell rooms (noise transfer is significant)
- Rooms near the ice machine/lobby if you sleep light
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am a light sleeper and kindly request a top-floor unit to avoid overhead footstep noise. A view of Pyramid Mountain would be deeply appreciated.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the resort open after the 2024 wildfire?
Yes. The resort itself was saved and is fully operational, though you will see fire damage on the drive up Pyramid Lake Road.
Is there a swimming pool?
No. There is a large outdoor hot tub and a sauna, but the 'pool' is the glacier-fed lake (swim at your own risk).
Do the rooms have AC?
Most do not. They rely on mountain breeze and fans. It rarely gets hot enough to matter at night, but July afternoons can be warm.
How far is it from downtown Jasper?
It is a 6km (3.7 mile) drive up a winding road. You cannot walk to town for dinner.
Is breakfast included?
No, it is à la carte at Aalto and on the pricey side ($20-30 CAD).
Can I see the Northern Lights here?
Yes, this is a Dark Sky Preserve and one of the best spots in Jasper for aurora viewing when active.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The lobby has a fancy coffee machine that is free for guests 24/7—save your $6 Starbucks money.
- ✨
Walk to Pyramid Island at sunrise (6am) to beat the photographers and get the reflection shot.
- ✨
If Aalto is full, the Maligne Canyon Wilderness Kitchen is owned by the same group and often has better availability.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'gym' is tiny and an afterthought—run outside instead.
💡Elk frequently graze on the lawn right outside the ground floor rooms (keep windows closed).
💡The drive up Pyramid Lake Road is a prime spot for black bear sightings at dusk.
💡You can skate on the lake in winter, and they maintain a rink/oval for free.
💡The WiFi blocks some streaming services, so download your movies before you arrive.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Pyramid Lake Resort is located and what's nearby.