After reading the worrisome reviews about the older heritage cabins we upgraded our reservation to the new Vermilion cabin #1. This cabin was outstanding! We stayed for nearly 2 weeks and wished we could live there forever.
The 2 new Vermilion cabins are attached to each other but very quiet, we had various neighbours during our stay but never heard any of them through the walls. These cabins are very well built with gorgeous pine interiors, beautiful easy to open windows, and good insulation for the cold nights. We mainly left the propane fireplace off as it warmed the place so quickly.
The bathroom is spacious and even includes a tub as well as shower. We did without a full kitchen as these new cabins have a microwave and small fridge only. But it wasnt an inconvenience as the fridge held a lot more than we expected and there was ample kitchen cupboard and counter space including a small kitchen sink. We brought a portable BBQ which served us well on the nice sheltered porch that has chairs and a small utility table. We brought our own dishes, kitchen utensils, dish towels, toaster, and electric kettle to boil water. Some items may be rented from the lodge at cost but we weren't sure what they had so it worked out well to supply our own. There is a coffee maker, and small amounts of tea and coffee already in the cabin.
The bedding provided was very comfortable and each day the housekeeping staff came to make the bed, empty the garbage, and change the towels if required. The staff are all very helpful and the manager, Paul goes above and beyond to answer any questions. The visitor centre is delightful with excellent displays and info. The store had really nice gift items and ice for our cooler but is very limited for groceries and there is no gas station there as shown in some of the older photos.
We had a couple of meals in the restaurant and the food was excellent! Some items or ingredients were absent from the menu due to the limited delivery schedule for supplies in this away from it all location. But the burgers and pasta we ordered were lovely and we did not find the restaurant prices any higher than in the nearest towns of Radium and Lake Louise.
The resort is on the highway but the traffic died down at night and a wonderful advantage of the new cabins are that they are secluded in the trees at the end of the resort.
We highly recommend the new cabins! Great value too, cheaper than cabins that are nearer the main tourist hubs. The 45 minute drive each way to either Radium or Lake Louise is very scenic with lots of wildlife along the hwy, we saw grizzlies, deer, mountain sheep, and a moose.

There aren't many places to stay in this area, so we decided to try the Kootenay Park Lodge. Having read the reviews for the "heritage" cabins, we decided to go for the brand new and a bit more expensive new cabin. What a treat! This was an absolutely gorgeous cabin. Beautiful construction and furnishings. There is a partial kitchen with sink, refrigerator, microwave and counter. It has an automatic gas stove for heat. There is a cozy porch with a HUGE overhang, perfect for sitting out a storm.

We also enjoyed dinner in the lodge and being on the grounds of the resort. It's right on the river and peaceful at night. The adjacent store/park headquarters has helpful park information as well as snacks and souvenirs (and a laundromat!)

We enjoyed staying in the cabins. They are definately older and cosy but the quirkiness and age of them adds to their appeal. There location is great - right in the heart of the National Park. Peaceful location. We had a nice stay.

A good location but bad value for money... the bungalows are very basic and rustic... and would need some refurnishing - the bathroom is very small.. very expensive for what you get.. they seem to be taking advantage of the fact there are not many other alternatives in Kootenay.. avoid if you can...