The Fairmont Banff Springs in Banff, Canada are what fairy tales are made of … with its towering gray stone architecture piercing the vivid green-blue landscape of the Canadian Rocky mountains, one expects the Royals to wave from a window at any minute (in fact, six British Royals have stayed here over the years, including the Queen).
The original hotel modeled after a Scottish castle was built in 1888 and a genius way to attract visitors to enjoy the breathtaking scenery and outdoor activites of Banff and its surrounding towns via the Canadian Pacific Railway. Since the bigger and better rebuild in 1928 after a fire burned it to the ground and another recent $75 million restoration complete, The Fairmont Banff Springs lives up to its 19th century marketing slogan as the “Finest Hotel in the North American Continent”.
Entering the grand lobby, the atmosphere was charged with nostalgia. Even the rooms, each distinct in their decoration and configuration, had a distinct past. The conviviality enjoyed by guests from ages past and present was prevalent throughout the property. My favorite public space on the Fairmont Banff Springs property was the Mount Stephen Hall which firmly establishes it as “The Castle in the Rockies.” One can imagine the Queen of England greeting her guests from the balconies above.
All 768 rooms have stunning views, either of the mountain or the valley. My room looked out on to the valley and what a sense of tranquility it gave to start and end the day taking in the sunlight as it highlighted the verdant pine trees and the midnight blue river flowing towards the town of Banff.
Another thrilling experience for me at the Fairmont Banff Springs, besides exploring the enormous property, was unwinding in the outdoor Jacuzzi at the Willow Springs Spa with the cool mountain air nipping at my nose while reveling at the majestic scenery.
After taking a guided hike, which all the Fairmont Hotels of the Canadian Rockies are known for having the most reputable nature guides, I had a traditional German meal of Wiener Schnitzel, truffle fondue and ice wine at Waldhaus – their Bavarian themed restaurant and pub. I would have preferred to walk, as it was a picturesque stroll from the hotel, but it was raining, so a shuttle was gratefully provided.
Before going off for the day to explore the quaint town of Banff, a stop at the 24-hour Castle Pantry, stocked with homemade granola bars, gourmet sandwiches, European chocolates and designer beverages is a delight.
There is so much to see and do in the Banff and Lake Louise area that two nights was not enough to enjoy and explore all the mysteries and intrigues of the Fairmont Banff Springs. Winter promises to be yet another storybook dream-come-true, so I will return to enjoy Banff’s skiing, dog-sledding and ice skating while reveling in the long history of hospitality at the majestic Fairmont Banff Springs…
Getting to Banff, Alberta
The most convenient and economical route to Fairmont Banff Springs is on a direct WestJet flight from Orange County to Calgary – it’s 2 ½ hours and each way is $129. From Calgary, it’s a beautiful 1 hour drive to Banff. www.westjet.com
For more incredible experiences, dining or outdoor activities in Banff or neighboring Lake Louise, visit www.banfflakelouise.com.
