Fairmont Banff Springs

"Stay Here: Fairmont Banff Springs is a historic hotel in the region and a must-visit when staying in the park. The castle-like architecture is truly awe-inspiring, as is the impressive spa." - Shelby Wax

"Stay at the castle-like Fairmont Banff Springs — perhaps the most majestic property I’ve ever slept in — so you can return to excellent on-site restaurants and cozy beds after each long excursion." - Travel + Leisure Editors

"This postcard-perfect chateau, open since 1888, has long been associated with paranormal activity. One of the most well-known stories is of the 'Ghost Bride,' the spirit of a woman who died during her wedding at the hotel. She is sometimes seen still dressed in her white gown and waltzing alone in the Cascade Ballroom. Another is of Sam the Bellman, a cantankerous old porter at the hotel who threatened to come back and haunt the place after he died. He apparently kept his word, as numerous guests have told of a silent bellhop who brought their bags to their rooms before disappearing without a trace." - Travel + Leisure Editors

"Fairmont Banff Springs is the copper-roofed castle with a million-dollar view that you've been dreaming of visiting. Snow-dusted mountain tops provide a backdrop for this Scottish Baronial fortress, whose interior contains Tyndall stones holding 450-million-year-old fossils. On the property, Banff Springs Golf Course boasts one of the world's highest-ranked holes: Devil’s Cauldron. The 768-room manor and National Historic Site of Canada is a six-time Readers' Choice Award winner and offers personalized experiences to visitors (join the history tour for the lowdown on the property and park). Experiencing the iconic afternoon tea is a must when visiting the Castle in the Rockies. Take a sip and stay awhile as you enjoy fine finger sandwiches and petite pastries, all perfectly positioned on a tiered tea stand. Make your way from a mineral-infused Kur bath and massage at the spa to the mindful Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku (forest bathing); or, take a mixology class at Rundle Bar, then wrap it all up with warm fondue at Waldhaus Restaurant or a cheese board from Grapes."

"Set in the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Banff National Park, the year-round Fairmont Banff Springs was the brainchild of Sir William Cornelius Van Horne, president of the Canadian Pacific Railway. On arrival at Banff, the tourism visionary made the canny observation, “Since we can’t export the scenery, we’ll have to import the tourists.” He then set about building a string of noteworthy railway hotels across Canada. The original wooden hotel that opened here in 1888 burned down in 1926, but was replaced two years later with the grander castle-meets-baronial-Scottish-hall structure that exists today. The public lobby spaces are vast, and there are countless nooks guests can enjoy with a book undisturbed. With its signature stone walls, turrets, and winding staircases, Van Horne’s gambit paid off: The Fairmont Banff Springs feels like an elegant and ancient castle, albeit one with all the modern conveniences. Rooms in the main building come with period details such as chandeliers and crown moldings, while those in the Stanley Thompson Wing (the old staff quarters) are more spacious and a solid bet for families—who will also enjoy the kids club packed with activities. The hotel also has 11 different restaurants, cafés, and bars, with the choices so diverse—from sushi, fondue, and Italian to Canadian steakhouse and southern U.S. barbecue—that guests are issued a food guide at check-in to help them make the most of the offerings. To round out time between meals, activities include skiing and playing the resort’s 27-hole championship golf course. Another option is downtime in the expansive Willow Stream Spa, which features indoor and outdoor whirlpools, a European-style mineral pool, and 23 rooms for therapeutic treatments." - Aislyn Greene, Nikki Bayley