Standing tall and elegant amongst the lush forest of spruce and pine, the Fairmont Banff Springs is the heart of Banff National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
With majestic mountains and flowing rivers visible from almost every angle, the property reaches the Bow River, is flanked by Mount Rundle and is home to one of the world’s top golf courses.
Styled after a Scottish baronial castle, Canada’s ‘Castle in the Rockies’ has been providing legendary hospitality to international guests for over 130 years. This property is a year-round luxury mountain resort which offers a championship golf course during the summer, unparalleled skiing in the winter, the European-style Willow Stream Spa, authentically local dining experiences, and, it goes without saying, the most breathtaking views.
Ideally situated for peaceful seclusion, guests who wish to adventure are just a few minutes from Bow Falls and the Mount Rundle Trailhead. Banff Upper Hot Springs and the scenic Banff Gondola are only a 10-minute drive away.
Beauty & Grandeur in the Majestic Mountains
The Fairmont Banff Springs, a sprawling 35,000 sq ft, is the most significant hotel in Banff National Park. With the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway, access to the Rockies opened up, and this brought workers and travellers.
With Banff solidified as a premier tourist destination in the late 19th century, its beauty and grandeur brought people from all over the world to experience the spectacle of the Rockies. Tragically, after opening in 1888, the original wood-built Banff Springs was destroyed by fire. The gorgeous hotel we visited, as part of the Rolls-Royce Black Badge Ghost experience, was constructed in 1928.
Experience Diversity in Dining
From our plant-based perspective, of the eight dining – casual to elegant – offerings at the Fairmont, the Rundle Bar offered the widest selection of dishes to enjoy. But do not be dismayed, any luxury hotel of this stature and reputation would never deny guests substitutions based on lifestyle, beliefs, allergies, and dietary restrictions.
Cozy, comfortable, surrounded by the beauty of the environment, being served delicious meals and sophisticated cocktails – what is not to love? Located on the picturesque Upper Garden Terrace, the 360° Dome is reservable for an extravagant family-style brunch in the morning, an intimate Grapes Wine & Charcuterie experience in the afternoon, and a five-course gourmet menu in the evening.
The Vermillion Room, a French-inspired bar and brasserie designed by female-led FRANK Architecture in Calgary, opened in May 2018 after a multi-million dollar renovation. The 250-seat venue serves Parisian elegance with Canadian charm and features an extravagant breakfast service, French-inspired dishes and hand-crafted cocktails. We requested and received a delectable plant-based multi-course dinner complete with wine pairing.
Willow Streams Spa and Pools
A world-class establishment like the Fairmont Banff Springs would not be complete without offering an oasis of luxury and relaxation. Willow Stream Spa is the ultimate serene alpine sanctuary for pampering, reflection, and rejuvenation.
Unwinding to the calming sounds of rushing waterfalls and burbling mineral pools is more than anyone can resist. For more than a century, travellers have flocked to this beautiful natural place for journeys of wellness and healing. The crisp mountain air is enticing, and the intensity of high-altitude oxygen inspires clarity of thought and renews strength and purpose.
Guests will find easy elevator access to the Spa and pool areas and full hotel perimeter access via the rooftop terrace. Treatment rooms and lounges are situated on the second floor above the impressive mineral spa pool. Antique fixtures adorn the walls, while three cascading waterfall pools offer therapeutic varied temperature dips.
The Willow Stream Spa Pass includes the use of the pool and fitness facility, plus the spa locker room, amenities, and attire. Enjoy the steam and inhalation rooms, saunas, indoor and outdoor mineral spa pools.
From Studio to Turret – Rooms to Enjoy
The hotel offers eight different suites and specialty rooms. There are two styles of Junior Suites (375 sq ft) for those travelling solo, one with an open concept and elevated sleeping area and the second with turrets and a spiral staircase to a private bedroom. These options allow you to choose between a chic studio style or Old World romanticism. The Terrace Suite (600 sq ft), with its modern decor, luxurious bedroom, grand living area with adjacent dining area, and gas fireplace, also has a large outdoor terrace with a spectacular view of the Bow River. Perfect for a romantic destination for two.
The Royal Suite is everything you could dream of for a luxury stay. This grand suite offered unsurpassed luxury, with royalty and dignitaries in mind. This unforgettable suite features a reception foyer, a spacious living room with grand piano, a proper powder room and an upper perimeter library that is reachable via a spiral staircase. The attached master bedroom is private with a showpiece chandelier, a plush window seat, and an additional bathroom. A roomy 1,500 sq ft, the Royal Suite is located in the pinnacle of a castle peak on the topmost floor of the hotel’s main building and is accessed by a private elevator. The suite offers magnificent panoramic 360-degree views of the Bow River and the mountains beyond.
Our stay at the Fairmont Banff Springs was wonderful and full of surprises, courtesy of Rolls-Royce as part of a weekend excursion to experience the brilliance of the Black Badge Ghost AWD.
Author Profile
- Helen Siwak is the founder of EcoLuxLuv Marketing & Communications Inc and publisher of Folio.YVR Luxury Lifestyle Magazine, PORTFOLIOY.YVR Business & Entrepreneurs Magazine, and digital women's lifestyle magazine EcoLuxLifestyle.co. She is a prolific content creator, consultant, and marketing and media strategist within the ecoluxury lifestyle niche. Post-pandemic, she has worked with many small to mid-sized plant-based/vegan brands to build their digital foundations and strategize content creation and business development. Helen is the west coast correspondent to Canada’s top-read industry magazine Retail-Insider, holds a vast freelance portfolio, and consults with many of the world’s luxury heritage brands. Always seeking new opportunities and challenges, you can email her at helen@ecoluxluv.com.
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