Deer Lodge has always represented the “soul” of the mountaineering community at Lake Louise—the rustic, grit-and-pine reality of those who scaled the peaks. While the Chateau Lake Louise embodies railway Gothic luxury, Deer Lodge offers a mountain-casual sanctuary; the unofficial home base for Swiss guides (the Feuz and Haesler families) who could smoke pipes, mend ropes, and plan first ascents without the formal constraints of the grand hotels.

Foundational history. In 1923, Lou and Gertrude Crosby established the site as a teahouse, capitalising on mountain tourism fuelled by the Canadian Pacific Railway. By 1925, demand for overnight accommodation from mountaineers led the Crosbys to expand into a full-scale lodge. The Lake Louise Trading Post, built by Jim Boyce as a commercial anchor for the townsite, was closely associated with the property; over time the Trading Post and lodge operations became intertwined, with Deer Lodge encompassing both. For nearly 60 years the Crosby family operated Deer Lodge primarily as a seasonal summer destination.

Architecture. The aesthetic is defined by hand-hewn log construction—saddle-notched corners and locally sourced timber. The original 1923 log structure remains the architectural heart of the property. The Rotunda (Grand Room) serves as the social anchor; a massive stone fireplace and taxidermy speak to the region’s biodiversity, fostering “fireside culture”—the exchange of stories between climbers and travellers. The low profile and dark-stained logs were designed to blend into the subalpine forest, contrasting with the stark white and green of the Chateau.

Ownership and winterization. In 1982, the O’Connor family; founders of Canadian Rocky Mountain Resorts (CRMR); purchased the property. Recognising Lake Louise’s shift to a world-class ski destination, they embarked on a major renovation to winterize the structure. Reopening in February 1985, Deer Lodge became a year-round retreat with modern insulation and heating while preserving the historic log facades. CRMR also operates the Post Hotel, Emerald Lake Lodge, and Buffalo Mountain Lodge.

Rocky Mountain Cuisine. Deer Lodge is a primary vessel for “Rocky Mountain Cuisine”—CRMR’s fusion of European techniques and indigenous Canadian ingredients. The menu reflects the Victorian fondness for wild game; elk and bison are raised on the company’s ranch near Calgary. The culinary style pays homage to the Swiss guides’ heritage; hearty, high-protein meals for those at high altitude.

2026 redevelopment. As of February 2026, Deer Lodge is undergoing a phased restoration led by Metafor Studio. Following a period as staff housing for the Lake Louise Ski Resort (after a 2023 fire destroyed resort accommodations), the lodge has pivoted to a “heritage-first” Master Plan. A signature outdoor Nordic-style spa integrates thermal circuits (hot and cold pools) into the forest floor, with views of the Victoria Glacier. The historic Rocky Mountain Tour Garage; originally used for the lodge’s sightseeing fleet; is being restored as an après-ski bar, preserving the industrial-alpine aesthetic. New room wings use sustainable timber, designed to increase capacity while maintaining the low-profile visual impact required by Parks Canada.

Identity. The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is a “Resort”; Deer Lodge is a “Lodge.” The Chateau was built to showcase the British Empire and the CPR; Deer Lodge was built as an extension of the forest itself. While the Chateau offers ballroom galas and high-end retail, Deer Lodge offers a rooftop hot tub with a silent view of the stars and a quiet library of mountaineering journals. The “Chateau guest” arrived by private rail car to be seen; the “Deer Lodge guest” arrived with mud on their boots, seeking the quiet camaraderie of the peaks. Today, as it nears its centennial, Deer Lodge remains the primary link to the Golden Age of Alpinism at Lake Louise.