The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel is more than accommodation — it's one of Canada's most iconic landmarks. Known as the "Castle in the Rockies," this grand railway hotel has been welcoming guests since 1888 and remains the crown jewel of Banff. Whether you're staying overnight or just visiting, here's everything you need to know.
A Brief History
The original Banff Springs Hotel was built by the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1888 as part of a chain of luxury hotels designed to attract wealthy tourists to ride the transcontinental railroad through the Rockies. The original wooden structure burned in 1926, and the current castle-like stone building was completed in 1928 in a Scottish Baronial style.
The architect, Walter Painter, designed the building to complement its mountain setting — turrets, towers, and stone walls rise from the forest at the confluence of the Bow and Spray rivers, framed by Mount Rundle and Sulphur Mountain. It's been called one of the most beautiful hotel locations in the world.
Room Types & What to Expect
- Fairmont Room: Standard rooms starting from $400-600/night. Comfortable with mountain or valley views
- Fairmont Gold: Premium floor with exclusive lounge access, complimentary breakfast, and evening canapes. From $600-900/night
- Suites: Spacious suites with separate living areas and premium mountain views. From $800-1,500+/night
- Stanley Thompson Suite: The most prestigious suite in the hotel, with panoramic views and luxurious appointments
Tip: Request a room with a Bow Valley or mountain view — the scenery from your window will be extraordinary.
Check current rates and availability on Expedia.
Willow Stream Spa
The Willow Stream Spa is a world-class wellness facility within the hotel. Highlights include:
- Indoor mineral pool with cascading waterfall
- Steam rooms, saunas, and therapeutic whirlpools
- Extensive massage and treatment menu
- Outdoor terrace with mountain views
- Day access available from $75 (treatments additional)
Dining
The hotel houses multiple restaurants and bars:
- 1888 Chop House: Fine dining steakhouse with premium cuts and an extensive wine list
- Rundle Bar: Casual bar with craft cocktails and mountain views — great for apres-ski
- Grapes Wine Bar: Intimate wine bar with charcuterie and an impressive by-the-glass selection
- Castello Ristorante: Italian dining in the castle
- The Vermillion Room: French brasserie-style cuisine in an elegant setting
- Afternoon Tea: Traditional afternoon tea service in the Rundle Lounge — a popular experience
Activities & Amenities
- Stanley Thompson Golf Course: An 18-hole championship course designed in 1928, consistently ranked among Canada's best. Open May-October
- Bowling alley: A vintage 3-lane bowling alley in the hotel's basement — a hidden gem
- Outdoor pool: Heated outdoor pool with mountain views (seasonal)
- Heritage tours: Guided tours of the hotel's history, architecture, and rumoured ghosts
- Ski shuttle: Direct shuttles to all three ski resorts during winter
Visiting Without Staying
You don't need to be a hotel guest to enjoy the Fairmont Banff Springs:
- Walk through the grand lobby and admire the architecture
- Have a drink at the Rundle Bar or a coffee at the lobby cafe
- Book afternoon tea or a dinner reservation at any restaurant
- Book a spa treatment at Willow Stream
- Walk the grounds and take the iconic exterior photos
You can also book guided tours of the Banff Springs Hotel that include its history, architecture, and ghost stories.