Mount Burgess Dining Room at Emerald Lake Lodge — Restaurant in Area A (Kicking Horse/Kinbasket Lake)

After a walk around the lake in the rain (which was still fantastic) we were ready for a great meal in the dining room. We were early for our reservation so sat in the lounge to warm up with a round of drinks. We were sat right away and our orders taken, with a note that our server would be back with the drinks and to take any further orders. When our drinks arrived we were looking over the menu to decide if we would also order a starter in the lounge before our meal. This was the end of any worthwhile experience.

We did not see our server again. Not once. No one checked on our drinks. No one asked if we wanted to order any food or further drinks. And, 50 minutes later when we wanted to pay for the drinks, the serving team had no idea who was taking care of our table. Complete confusion. Which, goes along with the experience of the table of 6 beside us who were also not served and had to go up to the bar to get drinks (they were sat less that 10 feet from the bar and also ignored). But, we thought our dinner experience would improve as we moved to the dining room. How wrong we were.

In the dining room we were sat at a lovely table overlooking the lake. Our server was prompt and courteous. The remainder of the experience was not his fault, as he has to follow the rules provided by management and an overly restrictive chef that puts their own vision ahead of the satisfaction of their guests. All we wanted was this: a change in the side dish for one of the meals. We wanted to order the tenderloin but with the sides from the ribeye. We wanted to change from sides of mushroom salad and fingerling potatoes to mashed potatoes and glazed heirloom carrots. This is where it all fell apart. The server said that there would be a $10 upcharge, that he would have to go and ask the chef for permission because they prepare the meal with the sides to complement each other (sure, but to their palate and likes) and that even if he asks they may not be able to do it because they may not have enough side dishes to then go around for the night. It was a major issue for them to make a change to potatoes and carrots. It was absurd, and we openly laughed when the server made such a major issue out of this ask.

We decided to forego a full meal at that time. It was clear that this was not a place that cared about the satisfaction of their guests, rather only the satisfaction of a pretentious chef.

But, wait, it gets worse. We ordered two salads and two duck confit poutine. We needed some food before travelling elsewhere to get a real dinner. The poutine (for $24) was the equivalent to 1 cut up potato, and was served cold. The gravy (veal jus) and the fries (Yukon frites) were cold.

We laughed because it was just all so bad, and in a Canadian way politely ate our food, paid our bill, and left.

A beautiful lake, but I can't recommend to anyone to...

Nestled amidst the breathtaking beauty of Emerald Lake Lodge lies a culinary haven that transcends mere dining; it's an experience that tantalizes the senses and leaves an indelible mark on the palate. I had the pleasure of indulging in the culinary delights of the Mount Burgess Dining Room over three unforgettable evenings, and each visit left me spellbound.

From the moment you step into the elegant ambiance of the dining room, you're enveloped in an atmosphere of refined charm and rustic allure. The warm glow of the fireplace casts a cozy spell, while the panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness captivate the soul.

But it's not just the ambiance that sets Mount Burgess Dining Room apart; it's the culinary masterpieces that grace the menu. Each dish is a symphony of flavors, meticulously crafted to showcase the finest ingredients and culinary expertise.

The duck, lamb chop, elk, and buffalo dishes were nothing short of extraordinary, each a testament to the chef's dedication to perfection. The succulent meats, expertly seasoned and cooked to perfection, melted in the mouth, leaving behind a trail of pure culinary bliss.

Accompanying this gastronomic journey was an impeccable selection of wines, curated to complement and elevate each dish. From robust reds to crisp whites, the wine list at Mount Burgess Dining Room is a connoisseur's dream, offering something to delight every palate.

Yet, what truly sets Mount Burgess Dining Room apart is its service. The staff, embodying the epitome of professionalism, greeted us with genuine warmth and hospitality. Their expertise and attentiveness elevated our dining experience to new heights, ensuring that every need was anticipated and met with grace.

And let's not forget the desserts – oh, the desserts! Each sweet creation was a work of art, a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that provided the perfect finale to our culinary journey.

In conclusion, dining at Mount Burgess Dining Room is not just a meal; it's an experience to be savored and cherished. Whether you're seeking a romantic dinner for two or a celebratory feast with loved ones, this hidden gem promises to exceed your expectations at every turn. My only regret is not being able to linger longer in this...

4-5 for food, 2-3 for service of all staff but head manager. 4 for atmosphere/ambiance. Very conflicted overall with how to rate this dining spot. It's the only one open at the moment if you are staying at Emerald Lake Lodge. The conflicted feelings come due to service vs quality vs time. The food is great, there is no doubt about it and the higher price is reflective of it but the wait time can get pretty ridiculous (even with it's not a full house scenario), with wait times of over an hour. For the two nights and 2 straight days of meals (3 meals per day) here, found hair in the food on two occasions for two separate times for meals in one day. There wasn't much service except for a quick sorry and I'll let the back know. There was no offer to replace but to only take away. We were compensated with a free dessert for one meal when we complained about our food wait time when we ordered the same time as another table with also no acknowledgement or fyi for our table on the delay. But the other meal had no compensation of any sort or replacement. There is a huge staff changeover that occurs every 3 or 6 months here plus some shortages, so that much is understood but it is very inconsistent staffing behaviours. The main food manager/bartender was great though. The only one I applaud. Need more consistency and service waiters/waitressing and more care for (health/safety)...