Gostlin Keefer Lake Lodge is a destination that blends adventure, relaxation, and unmatched hospitality. Located in the Monashee Mountains, 1.5 hours from Vernon, the lodge offers an extraordinary retreat for outdoor enthusiasts, thrill-seekers, and anyone in search of an unforgettable getaway. Whether you’re drawn by the lure of cat skiing or the serene beauty of the lake, Keefer Lake Lodge delivers a unique, all-inclusive experience that captures the essence of luxury and wilderness.
What It's All About
What makes Gostlin Keefer Lake Lodge stand out is its dedication to creating a one-of-a-kind experience. The Gostlin family’s vision, which began as a dream, has been realized through careful planning and a commitment to excellence. Every detail, from the custom-built timber frame lodge to the curated activities, has been crafted to provide guests with the best possible stay.
Upon arrival, guests are welcomed as part of the Keefer family. This personal touch is central to what they call the "Keefer Magic." Strangers quickly become friends, and friendships are formed that often extend beyond the visit. It’s this warm and inviting atmosphere that turns a trip to Keefer Lake into something more—an experience filled with great memories and genuine connections.
The Lodge and Accommodations
The Black Bear Lodge and Pinnacles Lodge provide the comfort and luxury expected from a top-tier destination. The custom timber-framed structures are both visually impressive and functional. The architecture blends seamlessly with the natural surroundings, giving the entire property a timeless feel.
Black Bear Lodge features nine guest rooms, each with ensuite bathrooms, accommodating up to 18 people. It also houses a spacious dining room, the Twisted Post Bar, a games room, a sauna, and a hot tub. Pinnacles Lodge, located next door, offers 16 additional guest rooms, accommodating up to 32 guests. Both lodges provide cosy lounge spaces where guests can relax, socialize, or enjoy quiet moments with a cup of coffee.
Culinary Excellence
At Keefer Lake Lodge, dining is about more than just good food; it’s an integral part of the overall experience. The Black Bear Kitchen prides itself on using fresh, locally sourced ingredients to create meals that are as nourishing as they are flavourful. Whether it’s a hearty breakfast before a day of adventure or a three-course dinner in the evening, the lodge’s culinary team ensures every meal is a highlight of your stay.
The dining room’s large windows offer stunning views of Keefer Lake and the Monashee Mountains, enhancing the meal with a scenic backdrop. During the winter, guests enjoy customized lunches packed with homemade treats, which can be eaten directly on the mountain. In the summer, lunches are served on the lodge’s patio, allowing guests to soak in the fresh air and beautiful surroundings.
Keefer Lake Lodge also boasts an extensive wine list, with selections from some of British Columbia’s finest wineries. The resident sommelier is available to recommend the perfect pairing for each meal, ensuring that the dining experience is as elevated as the surroundings.
Cat Skiing: Live Your Powder Dreams
For those seeking adventure, Keefer Lake Lodge offers some of the best cat skiing in British Columbia. The lodge's 86,500-acre tenure in the Monashee Mountains is known for its deep, light powder and thrilling terrain. From steep tree runs to wide-open bowls, the backcountry skiing here is designed for advanced and expert skiers and snowboarders looking for a challenge. Each year they continue to add thrilling new lines so that you can come back year after year and experience a new adventure.
Guests are transported to the mountain’s untouched slopes in custom PistenBully 400 snowcats. These snowcats are not your typical grooming machines—they are equipped with leather seats, heated gear cubbies to warm and dry your items on the way up, panoramic windows to enjoy the views, and a Bluetooth sound system, making the journey up the mountain as enjoyable as the ride down. A typical ski day includes up to 12 runs and between 15,000 and 20,000 vertical feet, depending on the group’s ability and snow conditions.
A typical cat skiing run starts with a 20-minute ascent, covering 2,000 feet of vertical terrain. Each run takes roughly 20 minutes to complete, and as you arrive at the bottom, the snowcat will be waiting, warm and ready to whisk you back up for more. There’s no set limit to the number of runs each day, with skiers often getting in 7 to 12 runs, covering anywhere from 15,000 to 20,000 vertical feet. The terrain is diverse, offering everything from wide open areas and steep tree runs to rolling meadows, cliffs, chutes, and rock gardens. Whether you’re hitting soft tree lines or dropping into fluffy snow, the full day—typically 7 to 8 hours—delivers a variety of challenging and exhilarating experiences, ending with après party back at the lodge by around 4:00 p.m.
Beyond the Slopes: Amenities and Relaxation
After a full day of skiing or snowboarding, guests can unwind at the lodge with a variety of amenities designed to enhance the experience. The outdoor hot tub and wood-fired sauna offer the perfect way to relax tired muscles, while the games room, featuring pool, ping-pong, and darts, provides a fun, laid-back environment for socializing.
For those looking to fully recharge, massage services are available, with practitioners ready to help relieve any aches and pains from a day on the slopes. Guests can also head to the Twisted Post Bar for après-ski drinks, where handcrafted cocktails and local wines are served in a cosy, welcoming atmosphere.
Summer at Keefer Lake
Though it is best known for its winter activities, Gostlin Keefer Lake Lodge is a year-round destination. In the warmer months, guests can enjoy the lodge’s proximity to Keefer Lake. The lake is perfect for paddleboarding, kayaking, and fishing, offering a peaceful way to explore the surrounding wilderness.
Land-based activities include hiking the lodge’s scenic trails, disc golf, yoga and even human foosball. Keefer Lake’s outdoor setting provides endless opportunities for fun, whether you’re looking to explore the landscape or simply relax by the water.
Special Events and Weddings
Gostlin Keefer Lake Lodge is also an ideal location for special events, weddings, and corporate retreats. The lodge’s stunning natural backdrop, combined with its luxurious facilities, makes it a perfect venue for those looking to celebrate in style. Wedding ceremonies can be held by the lake or inside the lodge, while receptions take place in the Twisted Post Bar or out on the patio, offering a range of options for couples to create their perfect day.
Corporate events benefit from the lodge’s blend of business and leisure. Meeting spaces, Wi-Fi, and team-building activities ensure a productive retreat, while the surrounding wilderness provides plenty of opportunities for relaxation and bonding.
Conclusion
Whether you’re visiting for the adrenaline-pumping cat skiing, the serene summer lake activities, or a special event, Gostlin Keefer Lake Lodge delivers an unparalleled experience. With luxurious accommodations, gourmet dining, and a welcoming atmosphere, this lodge combines the best of adventure and relaxation. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be treated like family, and by the time you leave, you’ll be counting the days until your next visit.
