Vagabond at Kicking Horse Resort — Hotel in Area A (Kicking Horse/Kinbasket Lake)

We found this lodge as we looked for a central location to visit all the national parks. The lodge is located on the outskirts of Golden, BC, Canada.||||My partner and I stayed for 5 nights and this was the perfect location for day trips to all the parks - being in the center of 5 parks...Revelstoke, Glacier, Yoho, Jasper and Banff. While some parks are further away than others, the location made it easier than changing hotels every day.||||The lodge itself is walking distance to the Kicking Horse Resort gondola that takes you up to the peak. This was great for a down day where we didn't want to travel and simply relax and walk around the trails on the ridge. We followed this with a nice lunch at the restaurant on the peak. Beware, the altitude increases the impact of alcohol on the body and it hit pretty fast.||||The owners of the lodge, Ken and Lori, are the best hosts imaginable. Both greeted us at the door and went above and beyond in every interaction. From suggesting things to see on our outings to recommending a good mechanic when we experienced an engine light come on during a day trip. Ken even provided tools to disconnect the battery. Each day, both engage in conversations over breakfast that are genuine and insightful. We got several tips from them about things to see that left us blown away.||||I cannot emphasize enough how great the breakfasts are that are included in the pricing of this lodge. Ken's homemade bread and Lori's homemade fruit scones (that were different every day) were a nice touch to look forward to each morning. The egg preparations were different each day and it was nice to have a varied selection of food every morning. ||||There is a communal fridge to keep things in (take away food, alcohol, etc) and it was great for super cold wine each night. Rooms are spacious and clean and almost all have a private balcony with a view. There is a great room with a fireplace and boardgames that make for a perfect space to gather as a family or just read if seeking solace.||||The lodge is nestled on the mountainside and has plenty of parking. There are two restaurants next door - Winston Pub & Bistro and Copperhorse Steakhouse. Perfect dinner spots and both are walkable from the lodge. Double-check that they are both open as one had to close for the season due a shortage in staffing. This makes it easier than grabbing dinner in town.||||This lodge and the owners are the best! We highly recommend staying with this property as the owners had the lodge built from the ground up and are clearly invested in its success. All the little touches shine through and you will not regret picking this accommodation.||||The only negative we experienced was being locked out by another guest one night. We returned from dinner to find the deadbolt engaged from the patrons that came home before us. In this situation, there is no resolve except to ring the bell and wake up the owners to let us in. We just felt bad having to inconvenience anyone. That being said, Lori was apologetic as if it were her fault. She appeared in no time at all to let us in. Otherwise, CHOOSE THIS LODGE! You will be glad you did. Feels like home when...

Everything written by others is true. This place is fantastic, and we had a very enjoyable two weeks there. Rather than repeat what others have said, let me focus on a few other details:

1. Initial impression is WOW. The attention to detail is immediately obvious, with carefully chosen decorations, there is wood everywhere, including the stairway and handrails, and plenty of room, with several lounge areas. Our room layout was unexpectedly good, with lots of room, quality bathroom and shower fittings, beautifully folded/fanned towels. Every detail has been carefully considered. And everything is functional - the heater works as expected, the shower is full power and the adjustments work. Large bed with high quality linen - incredibly comfy, best bed I've ever slept in. The list goes on.

2. As far as location, it is a short 200m walk to the Gondola and KHMR shops and restaurants. Winstons restaurant is next door.

3. Ambiance is welcoming, comfortable, spacious and warm. Wooden beams, thoughtful decorations, large fireplace, and friendly open areas, where you get to know the other guests, and of course Lori and Ken, your hosts. There was usually a bit of a get together in front of the fire after the lifts closed each day, very sociable if you want to join in.

4. Breakfast: Lots of it, and everything a serious skier needs. Including Ken's home made bread (delicious and nutricious). These guys have literally the best coffee that I found in Canada. I'm from Melbourne, and we are bloody fussy about our coffee. The breakfast buffet is tasty, fresh, nutricious, and always includes eggs of some sort, done differently on different days. While enjoying breakfast, you can watch the snow coming down on the pine trees next to the lodge, and if you are lucky, spot a squirrel.

5. Hosts: In addition to the famous welcome others have written about, Lori and Ken are very knowledgable and communicative. I got all sorts of skiing and mountain advice, heard about the history of the local area and its personalities (some of who visit Ken and Lori), and all my day to day questions answered (restaurants, transport, equipment purchase and hire, and more).

Simply the best lodge you will find - and I've...

Staying at the Vagabond was a magical experience! ||The lodge itself is beautiful, comfortable, impeccably clean, and provides everything you might wish for ... sauna, jacuzzi, pool table, and many conversation areas to sit and read or watch TV, etc. ||The hosts, Ken & Lori, provide the ambience that makes this place special. Their warmth and enthusiasm make you feel like you are being welcomed into their home (which it is). An introductory tour of the facilities and plush robes await you. ||They have intimate knowledge of all the best hiking trails, directions on getting to places (that google maps gets wrong), interesting things to see and do, restaurants to eat at, etc. Their recommendation on catching the weekly open mike night at a local restaurant was great fun and enabled us to meet some great people. ||The daily breakfast spread is incredible. Fresh baked goods, delectable pancakes, fresh juices and items cooked up by Ken were a real treat. But best of all, the ambience at Vagabond encouraged everyone to interact with each other. People from all over the world stayed here during our several night stay. The bonding over breakfast conversation made for great fun and a experience that you could never replicate in a hotel or condo rental. ||Yoho and Banff were easily accessible. And we found the short 5 minute walk to the Kicking Horse gondola to be so convenient for accessing local bars, stores, hiking trails on the ridge, and an amazing grizzly bear research park that is not to be missed. ||Nearby Golden is also a quaint town with a lot of character. ||On our next trip to the area, the Vagabond will be a destination rather than just a place to rest our...