About Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel
Rising majestically out of the pine-scented forests of Banff National Park, the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel stands as one of Canada's most legendary travel destinations. Modeled after a Scottish Baronial castle, this year-round luxury resort offers guests an unparalleled blend of opulent hospitality, rich heritage, and breathtaking views of the Canadian Rockies, including Mount Rundle and the Bow River Valley.
Visitors to the castle will discover world-class amenities designed for ultimate relaxation and adventure. The hotel features over 700 guest rooms and suites, an 18-hole championship golf course designed by Stanley Thompson, and the award-winning Willow Stream Spa, complete with mineral pools and outdoor whirlpools overlooking snow-capped peaks. Gastronomy is at the heart of the experience, with over a dozen restaurants and lounges offering everything from hearty Alpine fondue at the Waldhaus Restaurant to fine cuts of prime beef at 1888 Chop House.
Even if you aren't staying overnight, day visitors are welcome to explore the grand public spaces, browse the high-end boutique shopping galleries, enjoy afternoon tea in the Rundle Bar, or take a peaceful walk around the scenic hotel grounds and nearby Bow Falls.
History
The story of the Fairmont Banff Springs began in the late 19th century with Sir William Cornelius Van Horne, the General Manager of the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR). Recognizing the immense tourist potential of the Canadian Rockies, Van Horne famously declared, 'If we can't export the scenery, we'll import the tourists.'
Designed by American architect Bruce Price, the original wooden hotel opened its doors on June 1, 1888. However, after a devastating fire destroyed much of the original wooden structure in 1926, the hotel was completely redesigned and rebuilt in 1928 into the majestic stone fortress seen today, utilizing local Rundle quarry limestone.
Over the decades, the hotel has hosted numerous legendary figures, including King George VI, Queen Elizabeth II, Marilyn Monroe, and Winston Churchill. In 1988, the Fairmont Banff Springs was officially designated a National Historic Site of Canada.
The castle is also famous for its captivating folklore and ghost stories. Among the most popular tales are 'The Ghost Bride', a young bride who allegedly met a tragic end on the marble staircase in the 1930s and still wanders the ballroom, and 'Sam the Bellman', a loyal retired employee named Sam Macauley who promises to help guests even from beyond the grave.