Fairmont Banff Springs is the castle in the Rockies, one of the most famous hotels in Canada and a landmark of Banff National Park. Opened by the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1888, its turreted, Scottish baronial towers rise from the forest above the meeting of the Bow and Spray rivers, with mountains on every side. It was the railway's dream of luring travellers into the wilderness; as the CPR's William Van Horne put it, "If we can't export the scenery, we will import the tourists."
Fairmont Banff Springs is the castle in the Rockies, one of the most famous hotels in Canada and a landmark of Banff National Park. Opened by the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1888, its turreted, Scottish baronial towers rise from the forest above the meeting of the Bow and Spray rivers, with mountains on every side. It was the railway's dream of luring travellers into the wilderness; as the CPR's William Van Horne put it, "If we can't export the scenery, we will import the tourists."
Location: Banff, Alberta, Canada
The hotel stands on a hillside above Bow Falls, a short walk or shuttle from the centre of Banff, at around 1,400 metres. Calgary International Airport is about an hour and a half by road. Banff itself is the main town of Banff National Park, Canada's first national park and part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
From the hotel, the Banff Gondola, Cave and Basin, the Banff Upper Hot Springs and Lake Minnewanka are all close by, and Lake Louise is about 45 minutes away.
Wildlife is part of daily life here. Elk regularly wander through the town and across the golf course, bighorn sheep graze the roadsides, and bears, wolves and moose live in the surrounding valleys. Guided wildlife tours, canoe trips on the Bow River and drives along the Bow Valley Parkway are easily arranged from the hotel.
Rooms and suites at Banff Springs
This is a vast hotel, with around 770 rooms and suites in its historic towers and wings. Rooms vary greatly in size, style and view, from classic Fairmont rooms to suites with mountain or valley views, and the castle's architecture means that some rooms have charming quirks. For the best experience, request a room with a view of the Bow Valley or the surrounding peaks.
Fairmont Gold, a hotel within the hotel, offers upgraded rooms, a private lounge and dedicated concierge, while suites range up to grand, multi-room apartments in the towers.
The hotel's historic character shows in its public spaces: grand stone halls, carved wood, stained glass and sweeping staircases that recall the golden age of railway travel. Wander the corridors and lounges, and you will find portraits and memorabilia from more than a century of royal visits, film shoots and famous guests.
Facilities at Banff Springs
The Willow Stream Spa is one of the most celebrated in Canada, with indoor and outdoor mineral pools, waterfall pools, saunas and a long menu of treatments. The hotel's 27-hole golf course, among the most scenic anywhere, winds along the Bow River beneath Mount Rundle, with elk often grazing on the fairways.
Dining is equally extensive: the Waldhaus serves Alpine fondue in a Bavarian-style lodge, the Rundle Lounge offers afternoon tea with views of the valley, Castello Ristorante serves Italian dishes, the Bow Valley Grill offers buffets and classic dishes, and the Banffshire Club is the fine-dining room, alongside the Grapes Wine Bar and Ramsay Lounge.
In winter, shuttles run to Banff's three ski areas: Mt Norquay, Sunshine Village and Lake Louise.
The mountain moment
The defining moment is the view from the hotel's terrace across the Bow Valley at dusk, as the light fades on Mount Rundle and the river winds away below. On a winter evening, with the castle's windows glowing and snow on its turrets, the hotel looks like a scene from a fairytale.
Nearby, a ride up the Banff Gondola to the summit of Sulphur Mountain reveals six mountain ranges, and the walk to Bow Falls starts right below the hotel.
For a quieter alternative, walk the riverside trail beside the Bow River at dawn, as mist rises off the water and the castle's towers emerge above the trees, often with elk grazing nearby.
Why Banff Springs is one of the best mountain hotels
Fairmont Banff Springs earns its place as one of the great grand hotels of the mountains, steeped in history and set in an extraordinary landscape. It is large, busy and popular with tour groups and conferences, and service can feel stretched at peak times. But its architecture, spa, golf and location make it a classic Rockies experience, in winter or summer, and a superb base for exploring Banff National Park.
When to go to Banff Springs
Banff Springs is open year-round. Summer, from June to September, is the busiest and most expensive season, ideal for golf, hiking and lakes. Winter, from December to April, brings skiing at the three Banff resorts, skating and festive events. Shoulder seasons in May and October are quieter and better value, with good chances of seeing wildlife. Book early for July, August and Christmas.
Questions, answered
- When was Fairmont Banff Springs built?
- It opened on 1 June 1888, built by the Canadian Pacific Railway. It was rebuilt after a fire in 1926 and reopened in 1928.
- How far is Fairmont Banff Springs from Calgary airport?
- About an hour and a half by road.
- Can you ski from Fairmont Banff Springs?
- Not directly, but shuttles run to Banff's three ski areas: Mt Norquay, Sunshine Village and Lake Louise.
