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Compiled by the Highway Journey Alberta crew
Final up to date on January 8, 2024
As you arrive on the Fairmont Banff Springs Lodge, the grandeur and stylish environment transport you to a different realm. With its majestic castle-like structure, picturesque mountain setting, and opulent facilities, a keep right here definitely evokes a way of fairytale enchantment. From the imposing stone façade and towering turrets, harking back to a storybook fort, the horse and buggy that ceaselessly drops off company and picks up others, the sweeping lawns, manicured gardens, and cascading waterfalls together with the picturesque mountain backdrop, there really isn’t any different place prefer it.
We at all times really feel like royalty once we keep on the Fairmont Banff Springs Lodge, and that is every little thing that it’s essential to learn about staying right here.
Historical past of the Fairmont Banff Springs
The Fairmont Banff Springs (additionally known as the Banff Springs Lodge, its authentic title) is maybe probably the most historic resort in Canada. Situated at an altitude of 1,414 metres (4,639 ft) in Banff Nationwide Park, the resort first opened in 1888 as one in every of Canada’s earliest grand railway motels. The unique wood resort featured architectural components drawn from Scottish baronial structure and the chateaus of the Loire Valley, which you’ll be able to see mimicked within the resort’s present design. This distinctive mixture of architectural kinds led to the distinctly Canadian Châteauesque model that you’ll find in many of the grand railway motels in Canada (such because the Château Frontenac in Quebec Metropolis), in addition to some authorities buildings across the nation.
The resort has since been rebuilt and renovated quite a few occasions, and in 1988, 100 years after it first opened its doorways to company, the Fairmont Banff Springs was designated a Nationwide Historic Web site of Canada. Its superb location within the Canadian Rockies makes it a bucket listing resort for a lot of; on high of the unimaginable views of the picturesque alpine city and the encircling Rocky Mountains, it additionally gives incredible facilities and issues to do. It’s no marvel so many individuals take into account staying on the Fairmont Banff Springs to be a fairy story come true!
Location and Parking on the Fairmont Banff Springs
The Fairmont Banff Springs is positioned at 405 Spray Avenue inside Banff Nationwide Park and simply outdoors of the townsite. Discovered on the south finish of Banff, it sits on the confluence of the Bow River and the Spray River. It seems out over the Bow Valley to Mount Rundle, whereas different mountain peaks close by embrace Cascade Mountain, Mount Norquay, Stoney Squaw Mountain, and Sulphur Mountain. It’s also near Banff Higher Scorching Springs and plenty of different vacationer points of interest.
In case you are arriving from the Calgary Worldwide Airport, the Fairmont Banff Springs is roughly 145 kilometres away, or a couple of 90-minute drive.
There are 415 parking spots on the Fairmont Banff Springs. Discovered beside the conference centre, the parkade prices $35 per evening in case you are self-parking or $49 per evening in case you are valet parking; sadly, parking is just not included in your resort fee. Each choices permit limitless entry to the parkade. There’s additionally complimentary charging of electrical autos.
Price of Staying on the Fairmont Banff Springs
The Fairmont Banff Springs is a luxurious resort, so you may anticipate its costs to match. Relying on the season and the room you might be on the lookout for, costs can vary from roughly $600 CAD to 1000’s of {dollars} per evening. There’s additionally a further Resort Expertise Payment of $50 CAD plus taxes per room per evening; this payment provides you entry to the resort’s many facilities, experiences, excursions, and extra. The resort does have a best-price assure, which means that if you happen to discover a decrease fee than their web site’s fee, they’ll match it and offer you 10% off.
There are additionally good offers ceaselessly posted on websites corresponding to Reserving and Expedia. Availability in the summertime months could be very low, and there’s a a lot better likelihood of getting a deal within the shoulder and off-seasons. Test typically for the most effective charges and offers all year long.
Rooms and Suites
There are 739 visitor rooms and suites on the Fairmont Banff Springs, and the most important variations between the rooms are the sizes and the views, each of which have an effect on the charges. Every of the rooms is gorgeous, with trendy, Canadiana-chic decor, snug bedding, and home windows that open (good for inhaling that contemporary mountain air!). Select from double, queen, or king beds, and ensure to test which view you’ll have out of your room earlier than reserving.
A number of the hottest rooms on the Fairmont Banff Springs are the Turret Suites; discovered within the towers of the resort, the suites function a spiral staircase that takes you as much as a bed room and toilet. Common with honeymooners, you actually get that feeling of being in a fairy story!
Facilities
On the Fairmont Banff Springs, there’s no scarcity of facilities. Make the most of the property facilities corresponding to:
- concierge service
- bell workers (together with portage of bags)
- housekeeping (together with a turndown service if requested)
- dry cleansing and a laundry service (at an additional payment)
- an information enterprise centre
- childcare companies (from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on choose nights, with the primary hour complimentary)
- dog-friendly choices
- ski and bicycle storage
- quite a few transportation choices (corresponding to a complimentary ROAM Transit Go, airport shuttles, and extra)
There’s additionally a superb health centre in addition to an aquatic centre which options an indoor pool, an out of doors pool, and a sizzling tub.
Provides and Packages
There are quite a few gives and packages obtainable on the resort. Packages embrace Christmas on the Fortress, Banff Golf Trip, the Fairmont Spa Bundle, and extra, whereas the Fairmont Gold Expertise consists of premium lodging, entry to the Fairmont Gold Lounge, a non-public test in, and extra. Different gives embrace the Alberta Resident’s Fee, CAA/AAA Membership Reductions, and a Senior’s Fee.
Issues to Do on the Fairmont Banff Springs
Golf
Many individuals keep on the Fairmont Banff Springs with a view to expertise the magnificent golf course. The Fairmont Banff Springs Golf Course is without doubt one of the most stunning in Alberta, if not in all of Canada; with gorgeous panoramic views of the mountains throughout you, the course can be famend for its difficult format.
Select from the world-class Stanley Thompson Course, which is eighteen holes, or the shorter (but nonetheless incredible) Tunnel Mountain Course, which is 9 holes.
Tennis
Followers of tennis rejoice… there are 5 out of doors turf-topped courts on the Fairmont Banff Springs. Company have complimentary entry to limitless tennis, the usage of tennis rackets and balls, and weekly tennis nights. There are additionally personal and semi-private classes obtainable.
E book a Spa Day
Typically thought of Banff’s premier spa, the Fairmont Spa Banff Springs (previously the Willow Steam Spa) is house to 40,000 sq. toes of absolute bliss. With 27 remedy rooms, spa terraces, an out of doors heated pool, a hearth rest lounge, an indoor mineral pool, steam rooms, whirlpools, and a lot extra, this present day spa is without doubt one of the greatest in Alberta.
Additionally add on spa companies corresponding to a therapeutic massage, facial, pedicure, or physique wrap, together with {couples}’ remedies.
Excursions
There are a variety of excursions obtainable by way of the Fairmont Banff Springs (at an additional payment). From climbing excursions, to bike excursions, and extra, these personal excursions are created with a view to provide the most luxurious and memorable means of exploring the Canadian Rockies.
Some of the standard excursions by way of the resort is the personal Lake Louise and Moraine Lake tour, which incorporates transport, a information, and a picnic-style breakfast. We’re additionally massive followers of the Banff Scenic Insta Tour!
Climbing
One of many advantages of staying on the Fairmont Banff Springs is being within the coronary heart of Canada’s Rocky Mountains. Fortunately, there are many superb hikes in Banff Nationwide Park for all ranges.
The resort gives just a few guided hikes in addition to the chance to e-book a non-public information for no matter expertise you’re craving.
Buying
There are quite a few outlets contained in the Fairmont Banff Springs, starting from luxurious objects to the requirements (as a result of we’ve all forgotten our toothbrush on a visit not less than as soon as). You’ll discover clothes, footwear, souvenirs, sports activities gear, jewelry, groceries, artwork, and a lot extra, together with outlets devoted to promoting Indigenous artwork and handmade objects.
A number of the shops additionally act as rental companies; for instance, Chateau Mountain Sports activities gives e-bike, hybrid bike, and mountain bike leases through the summer season months, whereas they’ve a winter gear rental store positioned within the Convention Centre for all of your snowy gear wants.
Eating on the Fairmont Banff Springs
There are quite a few eating places and bars to select from on the Fairmont Banff Springs! We extremely suggest making restaurant reservations every time you may.
Waldhaus Restaurant
For an unforgettable meal, head to this Bavarian-style cottage within the woods for alpine delicacies. Take pleasure in tender pretzels, fondue, and schweineschnitzel, all washed down with a German pilsner.
1888 Chop Home
1888 Chop Home is right for a romantic evening out. With a mouthwatering menu that features Alberta beef, ocean smart seafood, and sustainably-sourced wild recreation, there’s additionally a incredible wine and cocktail listing to select from.
The Vermillion Room
Some of the standard eating places on the Fairmont Banff Springs, the Vermillion Room brings collectively Canadian and French cuisines for a scrumptious menu that features every little thing from Eggs Benedict to handmade gnocchi. Be certain that to cease by for Sunday brunch, because it’s one of the crucial well-known within the province!
Castello Italiana
Take pleasure in easy, contemporary components at Castello Italiana, the place you’ll discover your entire favorite Italian dishes alongside stunning wines. The Lobster Carbonara is divine!
Grapes
Craving a snack or a lightweight meal? Grapes provide charcuterie boards with a number of the greatest artisanal meats and cheeses within the province. Take pleasure in freshly baked bread, housemade preserves, and a stellar wine listing, too.
Afternoon Tea
Dwell out your Scottish Baronial fort fairy story with a spot of afternoon tea! Don’t overlook the freshly baked scones with house-made preserves, finger sandwiches, and delectable pastries, too.
Stanley’s Smokehouse
One of many extra informal eating places on the Fairmont Banff Springs, Stanley’s Smokehouse is for individuals who love barbecue and eating al fresco. Make be aware that it’s solely open in summer season!
Rundle Bar
Some of the well-known bars in Banff, Rundle Bar is ideal for a cocktail, just a few sharing plates, or a tasty lunch. Sink into the comfortable seating by the hearth or get pleasure from a spot on the bar the place you may watch the skilled mixologists at work.
Ramsay Bar
Head to Ramsay Bar for a relaxed vibe, the place you’ll love the cocktails and heat environment. It’s a preferred spot for an après ski!
Accessible Rooms
Sadly, the Fairmont Banff Springs Lodge is just not totally accessible. Whereas there are some accessible rooms, different elements of the resort usually are not wheelchair-friendly, together with the health centre and swimming pool. For extra particulars concerning the particular accessibility points, contact the resort at +1 (403)762-2211.
Service canine are at all times welcome on the Fairmont Banff Springs.
Are Pets Allowed?
Service canine are welcome on the Fairmont Banff Springs Lodge. Moreover, all pets are welcome within the resort with a one-time cleansing payment of $50 CAD per day, as much as a max of $100.00 for 2 pets.
Pets should be supervised always and be on a leash in public locations, and they don’t seem to be allowed within the resort’s eating places.
Dalene Heck is a co-founder of Highway Journey Alberta. She was born in Edmonton, grew up within the Peace Nation, and has ventured to nearly each nook of Alberta and the world (she’s travelled to 60 international locations)! She is a serial blogger, the CEO of HMI Advertising, co-creator of the Journey Chaser card recreation, a leukemia-slayer, and cat whisperer.