Mountain Aire Lodge

The unique location of Mountain Aire Lodge offers incredible opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, fishing, ATVing, hunting, horseback riding, whitewater rafting, canoeing and kayaking. It's also a great place for bird watching and wildlife viewing, so remember to bring your camera. And because Mountain Aire Lodge and Campgrounds are open all year round, there is plenty of opportunity to enjoy winter sports in nature's wilderness. If you're looking for a nice secluded area away from the hustle and bustle of the city, and just want to put your feet up and rest for a while, this is definitely the place to visit. At Mountain Aire there are numerous places where you can 'hide out', or snuggle up with a good book in front of the fireplace in your room.  Sit back, relax, and rejuvenate. If you're looking for a place where you can take in all of Alberta's natural beauty, hike into the pristine wilderness, then west Sundre is definitely for you.

The campgrounds at Mountain-Aire make a great "home away from home". Take a walk up to the magnificent Big Horn Falls, waterfalls that plunge 81 feet into the canyon below. Trails from the falls lead to the Ya-Ha-Tinda Government Ranch, the largest unspoiled example of the Montane Eco-region in Alberta, a backcountry oasis. Although the Ya-Ha-Tinda may be remote and primitive, it's never without life. Each winter, approximately 1,000 elk move in from nearby Banff National Park for winter grazing, and Big Horn Sheep, wolves, cougars, bears and lynx inhabit the area year-round. Frequent Chinook winds and mild winter weather make it accessible year-round.

Experience a touch of heaven in the Panther Valley - one of the best kept secrets in the Alberta foothills. Here you will find the spectacular J-I Hill Landmark, one of nature's wonders, and a favourite of horseback riders everywhere. We can put you in touch with professional guides who would be happy to customize a tour for you, and in return, you will be swept away by the exhilaration of mounting a craggy cliff or plunging deep into a cool river on horseback. Take a hike through the tall timbers to the top of Gap Mountain to view the surrounding valley.

Of course, the central landmark to see during your stay in the Mountain-Aire region is the world famous Red Deer River. Affectionately known as the "Big Red", this river is Alberta's most popular whitewater destination. Don't be surprised if you spot some wildlife during your stay. The spanning valleys and rolling hills provide excellent homes for the many deer, elk and moose.

You can hike to other sights in the area including Scalp Creek, Eagle Lake, Sheep Creek, Burnt Timber, Panther Valley, and the Four Corners of Dormer. The ridges on Dormer Mountain terminate in right angles like dormer windows. The Scalp Creek trail crosses important elk and sheep wintering range. Harlequin Duck breeding range in the Red Deer River watershed has been documented for many years in the Panther River, and also confirmed on the Dormer River. If you're very lucky, you might see some of these beautiful waterfowl on the picturesque Dormer Lake.

While not a natural landmark, one of the sights to see in the area is our own 'Blue Bridge', becoming an area landmark of its own. Bring your camera and be prepared to take some wonderful photographs from the bridge over the Red Deer River.

Mountain Biking

Excellent terrain and a great river run for adventure racing!

Off-Highway Vehicles

Bring your ATV! The Alberta Off-Highway Vehicle Association recommends trail riding areas for off-highway vehicles at Mountain Aire Lodge, Burnt Timber, Hunter’s Valley and Waiporous Creek areas.

Horseback Riding

The Ghost and Fallen Timber forestry areas have some of the greatest horse trails and are accessible right from Mountain Aire Lodge.

Canoeing Kayaking

The Red Deer River is considered one of the top ten paddles in Alberta. It's been THE RIVER for so long, you can't really say you're a canoer or kayaker till you've met Big Red's challenges. A series of broken ledges with good gradient, good access and good flows make this run a standard in anyone's book. The best spot is arguably around at the S-bend. An exciting adventure awaits you, so expect the unexpected! We can put you in touch with professional guides who would be happy to take you for an awesome ride.

Fishing

For the fishing enthusiast, the Red Deer is able to hold its own against other more famous destinations.  Whether your dream is to land a Walleye, Northern Pike or Sauger, or perhaps find the more illusive Brown Trout or even catch the annual Goldeye, the quality of the fish is very impressive. Bull Trout are making a comeback and are becoming more common in almost all mountain rivers and streams and a popular 'hot spot' is the Panther River just west of the Lodge. Make sure you tie some new flies before you come out for a great weekend of fishing.

To make a reservation with Mountain Aire Lodge, please contact our Reservations Department on our convenient Toll free line at 1-877-637-0202 or if you prefer, simply drop us an email.