Welcome Guide

Your Guide to an Authentic Mountain Experience

Essential information for your stay at Walcott Lodge

Welcome to one of the most unique wilderness experiences in the Canadian Rockies. This guide will help you make the most of your stay while respecting the environment and our off-grid lifestyle.

Arrival & Check-In

Check-In Time

3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Please plan your hike to arrive within this window. If you’ll be delayed, use the emergency satellite phone number provided in your booking confirmation.

What Happens at Check-In

Welcome orientation (15 minutes)
Room assignment and tour
Safety briefing
Trail map and daily schedule overview
Dietary preferences confirmation

Daily Schedule

Breakfast

7:30 AM - 9:00 AM
Served family-style in the main dining room. Please be prompt - our chef times everything for peak freshness.

Trail Lunch

Available from 9:00 AM
Self-serve station. Pack your lunch from prepared options. Everything is designed for easy trail carrying.

Afternoon Tea

3:00 PM - 4:00 PM (Optional)
Hot beverages and light snacks available in the common area.

Dinner

6:30 PM SHARP
Three-course meal served family-style. Please be on time - dinner is a communal experience and we wait for all guests.

Evening Program

8:00 PM - 9:00 PM (Varies)
Presentations, stargazing, or fireside socializing.

Lodge Etiquette

Communal Living

Quiet hours: 10:00 PM - 7:00 AM
Common areas: Shared spaces - please be considerate
Headphones: Please use them for any audio devices
Conversations: Welcome in common areas, but respect quiet zones

Dining

Family-style service: Dishes are passed around the table
Dietary needs: Inform us at check-in, not at the table
Helping: Guests often help clear - it’s appreciated but not required
Cell phones: Please keep them off the table

Outdoor Gear

Boot room: Remove boots before entering main lodge
Wet gear: Drying area available - please use it
Ski/snowshoe storage: Designated area outside
Pack storage: Keep in your room or gear room

Off-Grid Living

Lighting

Lanterns provided: In each room and common areas
Matches available: At multiple stations
Headlamps: Bring your own for nighttime trips to facilities
Candles: Use safely, never leave unattended

Heating

Wood stoves: Staff maintain main areas
Room heating: Shared or individual stoves depending on room
Blankets: Extra blankets available - just ask
Closing vents: Don’t close room vents completely at night

Water

Drinking water: Fresh spring water available at all times
Washhouse: Shared facility with basin washing
Hot water: Available at scheduled times (posted)
Conservation: Please use water thoughtfully

Washrooms

Outhouse location: 20 meters from main lodge
Nighttime: Headlamp required, chamber pots available
Composting system: Please follow posted instructions
Toilet paper: Provided, but bring backup
Hand washing: Station at outhouse entrance

Safety Guidelines

Wildlife

Bears: Possible sightings. Follow staff guidance
Food storage: Never keep food in your room
Scented products: Minimize use
Wildlife viewing: Keep safe distance (100m minimum)
Reporting: Tell staff immediately of any wildlife encounters

Hiking from Lodge

Sign out/in: Mandatory trail register at entrance
Estimated return time: Be realistic
Partner system: Never hike alone
Turn-around time: Stick to it, even if you haven’t reached your goal
Weather changes: Return immediately if conditions deteriorate

Winter Safety (December-March)

Avalanche check: Review daily bulletin (posted)
Terrain selection: Stay in approved zones unless with guide
Group travel: Minimum 3 people for backcountry
Equipment: Carry avalanche safety gear at all times
Weather: Can change rapidly - always have extra layers

Emergency Procedures

Injury/illness: Notify staff immediately
Weather emergency: Follow staff instructions
Fire alarm: Two sharp whistle blasts - evacuation procedures posted
Satellite phone: Emergency use only - staff will operate

Environmental Practices

Leave No Trace Principles

Plan ahead and prepare
Travel and camp on durable surfaces
Dispose of waste properly
Leave what you find (especially fossils - it’s illegal to remove them)
Minimize campfire impacts
Respect wildlife
Be considerate of other visitors

Our Zero-Waste Goal

Composting: Food scraps go here (bins labeled)
Recycling: Separated streams (paper, plastic, metal)
Reusables: Use provided containers, not disposables
Packaging: Minimize - leave excess packaging at trailhead

Water Conservation

Use biodegradable soap only
Wash dishes efficiently
Report any leaks
Respect water sources

Activities & Amenities

Self-Guided Hiking

Trail maps: Available at entrance
Difficulty ratings: Clearly marked
Trail register: Sign out and in EVERY TIME
Suggestions: Staff can recommend routes for your ability

Evening Programs

Schedule posted daily. Topics include:

Burgess Shale geology and fossils
Charles Walcott’s expeditions
Wildlife ecology
Indigenous history
Stargazing (clear nights)
Mountain navigation skills

Library

Small collection of regional books
Field guides available for checkout
Journal available for guest entries
Games and cards

Sauna (Winter Only)

Hours: 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Wood-fired: Allow 45 minutes to heat
Sign-up sheet: Reserve your time slot
Towels: Bring your own

What’s Provided

In Your Room

Quality bedding and pillows
Wool blankets
Lantern and matches
Candles
Water pitcher and basin
Mirror
Hooks for clothing
Storage cubby or shelf

In Common Areas

Games and cards
Books and field guides
Writing supplies
Binoculars (limited)
Spotting scope

What’s NOT Provided

Hair dryers (no electricity)
Towels for washing (bring quick-dry)
Personal toiletries
Laundry service
Cell phone charging
Internet access

Communication

No Service Area

Cell phones: No signal
Internet: Not available
Email: Cannot be checked
Emergency only: Satellite phone available

Messaging

Outgoing: Staff can send emergency messages via satellite
Incoming: Not possible during your stay
Pre-trip: Advise contacts you’ll be offline

Check-Out

Check-Out Time

10:00 AM

Please have your room cleared by 10:00 AM. Breakfast is at 7:30 AM, giving you time to eat, pack, and depart.

Before You Leave

Pack out all personal items
Leave room tidy (we don’t expect cleaning)
Return any borrowed items (binoculars, books, etc.)
Sign out in trail register
Complete guest feedback card (optional but appreciated)

Trail Snacks

We provide trail snacks for your departure hike. Please take them - they’re included and important for energy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I charge my camera batteries?
A: No. Bring fully charged batteries and spares. Our solar system is for emergency communications only.

Q: What if I forget something essential?
A: We have limited emergency supplies. Contact us before your visit to discuss specific concerns.

Q: Is there cell service at the trailhead?
A: Limited. Best to make calls from Lake Louise Village before starting your hike.

Q: Can I do laundry?
A: No laundry facilities available. Pack enough clothing for your stay.

Q: What about vegetarian/vegan meals?
A: Fully accommodated with advance notice at booking.

Q: Can I extend my stay?
A: Subject to availability. Ask at check-in.

Q: Is alcohol available?
A: Wine available for purchase with dinner. Beer and limited spirits at the bar. No alcohol on trails per Parks Canada regulations.

Q: What if I need to leave early due to emergency?
A: Staff will assist with emergency communication and departure logistics. No refunds for early departure.

Contact During Your Stay

Non-Emergency Questions

Ask any staff member at any time.

Emergency

Notify staff immediately. Satellite phone available 24/7 for true emergencies.

Our Promise to You

We promise:

Safe, well-maintained facilities
Delicious, nourishing meals
Knowledgeable, friendly staff
Respect for your experience
Connection to this incredible place

We ask that you:

Respect the environment
Be considerate of fellow guests
Follow safety guidelines
Embrace the off-grid experience
Leave no trace

Thank You

Thank you for choosing Walcott Lodge. We’re honored to share this special place with you. Whether you’re here for the paleontology, the hiking, the solitude, or simply to disconnect, we hope this experience exceeds your expectations.

The mountains are calling, and you’ve answered. Welcome home.

— The Walcott Lodge Team

Emergency Satellite: +1 (403) 555-0199
Email: stay@walcottlodge.com