Staying at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel (Review)

If you’re seeking the best hotel in Banff, then look no further than the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. It is the birthplace of tourism in the Canadian Rockies and an icon of Western Canada. The long-storied hotel remains the place to stay for a trip to Banff, and it is by far the most luxurious.

Fairmont prides itself on service, and it’s undeniable that few other hotels in the region can compete. That service has attracted a wide range of famous guests, including dignitaries, movie stars, and royalty, over its century-long history.

From its perch over the Bow River, it offers unparalleled views of Banff’s pristine natural beauty. While its storied corridors, ballrooms, and restaurants offer an enticing reason to stay inside. That said, as a hotel of its stature, the room rates can be astronomical in the summer, and it regularly sells out.

If you’re wondering where to stay in Banff, here’s a full rundown of the Banff Springs Hotel. And the best of what you’ll experience from a splurge at this world-renowned property.

---

The Hotel

The Banff Springs Hotel is without equal within Banff. There are no other hotels that carry the history, deliver the same level of service, or feel quite as luxurious. It features 12 restaurants, a full-service spa, golf course, adventure centre, concierge, fitness centre, indoor/outdoor pools, and valet parking.

To walk through the hotel is a trip through time and its storied walls hold a lot of stories, it’s long been one of our favorite things to do in Banff. Enough for us to recommend outside guests interested in the hotel to make a reservation at one of the hotel’s restaurants to experience some of the grandeur.

Some of the things we love most about the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel are having drinks in the Rundle Bar, fondue at the Waldhaus, cross-country skiing up the Spray River Trail, biking the Golf Course Loop, and having dinner at Castello. It’s also worth noting the incredible views from the Rundle Terrace, and there is no spot more festive during the Christmas season than the hotel.

It seems there is always some special event, experience, or activity at the hotel. They pride themselves on their exceptional service and make an effort to offer something unique to guests. Whether that’s celebrating Oktoberfest at the Waldhaus, ice skating, cozy terrace bonfires, a garden party in the spring, or the famous Christmas at the Castle.

---

Banff Springs Hotel History

The Banff Springs Hotel is the most historically significant hotel in Banff, built by the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1888. William Cornelius Van Horne, the railway’s president, wanted to capitalize on Western Canada’s natural beauty.

He believed that “if scenery won’t go to the people, the people must go to the scenery.” With that in mind, they built grand hotels and lodges along the rail line and engaged renowned painters to create works of art that highlighted the Rockies’ scenery to promote the region overseas.

The railway and hotels made the grand mountains accessible for tourism. It gave rise to the town of Banff as a resort and helped shape the National Park system. Which means the Banff Springs Hotel is directly tied to tourism and recreation in Banff National Park.

Its original construction was of wood, and it lasted forty years before it was destroyed in a fire. Given its importance, the hotel was made even grander in 1928 to its current stature.

If you’re more interested in the hotel’s history, it’s well worth exploring its interior. There are tons of historic photos and plaques along its walls. Today, the building is designated as a National Historic Site of Canada.

---

Location of the Banff Springs Hotel

The Fairmont Banff Springs lies just outside the Banff town center in an ideal location along the confluence of the Spray and Bow Rivers. It occupies one of the finest locations for enjoying the natural scenery.

Unlike the majority of Banff’s hotels, it does not lie in the center of town, but is a short twenty-minute walk to Banff Ave. However, the hotel runs a shuttle bus, and there is also a ROAM transit stop just outside. The perfect way to get back into town after an evening exploring town.

It’s an ideal location for adventures and mountain scenery. Just below the hotel is Bow Falls, and to the south is the Spray River Trail, a wonderful bike and cross-country ski trail. The hotel goes right down to the Bow River and is home to one of the country’s top golf courses, flanked by the impressive Mount Rundle.

---

Rooms at the Banff Springs Hotel

With almost 20 different room and suite types in the property, the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel has many options. Given the hotel’s price point, most guests who just want to say they’ve stayed at the famous hotel will opt for the lead-in room category, the Deluxe Room. The views are more limited, and the rooms are smaller, but the service will be just as impeccable.

In fact, since this is a historic property, many of the rooms are smaller than those in more modern hotels. This is one of the only cons to the hotel. This is most notable in the bathrooms of the rooms, which are fairly limited in size.

A lot of perks come with some of the hotel’s more historic rooms, as many are part of Fairmont Gold, which includes breakfast, dedicated check-in, personalized concierge service, and a lounge that serves canapés.

The Gatehouse rooms are slightly bigger, although the Gatehouse is in a separate wing from the main building. There are also suites with more space, including one-bedroom suites with separate bedrooms and a sitting area with a sofa bed.

Personally, we’d opt for a room with a view over the more space. However, you can certainly opt for both with some of their larger suites or studio rooms. Take in the mountain views of Mount Rundle and Tunnel Mountain, relax on your sofa and enjoy the chateau feel of the rooms, complete with an ornate fireplace.

Insider tip: Sign up for a free Accor ALL membership to collect points, get access to upgrades and receive welcome amenities. The Fairmont Hotels offer some wonderful Canadian-themed and local treats for their welcome gifts.

---

Things To Note

---

Resort Fees

The Fairmont Banff Springs, as with the other Canadian Rockies Fairmont properties in Jasper and Lake Louise, has instituted a resort fee in the last few years. The fee is $60 CAD + tax per day and covers tours and rentals (see activities), health club access, bell staff gratuities, and more.

Parking at the Banff Springs Hotel

Parking might be a bit more expensive than your average hotel, but as well as valet parking, there’s a slightly cheaper option to self-park. Either way, your car will end up in a multi-level parking lot a couple of minutes’ walk from the hotel entrance. You’ll have in-and-out privileges, and the cost will be added to your bill.

Whichever option you choose, pull into the hotel driveway and check in with the attendants outside upon arrival. For valet parking, you will check in at the front desk while they park your car.

---

Things to Do at the Banff Springs Hotel

The Fairmont Banff Springs is not just a hotel; it’s a resort. You can stay here for a couple of days and have everything you need, without leaving the property. Not that you wouldn’t want to explore the surrounding area, of course. Included in the $60 resort fee is access to the Fitness & Aquatic Centre, including yoga, fitness and meditation classes.

You can also expect Three Sages Wellness Access, complimentary public transportation (ROAM transit passes available at the Front Desk), local transit for all guests, free access to the Whyte Museum, discounted hotel shuttle to Lake Louise, summer transport to the Banff Gondola, as well as professionally guided tours and equipment rentals.

If you don’t feel like going far for dinner, shopping, a round of golf, or even ice skating, you don’t have to. The hotel has all these options and more. Here are some of the best activities to engage in at the Banff Springs Hotel.

Pool and Spa

Guests have access to the fitness center and indoor and outdoor pools. With mountain views while you swim, this is one activity you can’t miss. However, a reservation is required to use the spa’s thermal mineral pools, lounges, and saunas.

The spa offers an extensive menu of services, from massages to facials and salon services. It’s a pretty amazing spot to rest and recharge.

Ghost Hunting

Maybe not what most people want to think about when choosing their accommodation, but the Banff Springs has long been linked to many ghost stories. From the ever-so-helpful bellman, Sam, who helps people find their rooms, to the mysterious room 873, supposedly walled up due to everyone being terrified to stay there.

The most famous of the stories is of the ghost bride who fell to her death down a marble staircase at the Cascade Ballroom on her wedding night. Whatever you believe, it’s fun to take a walk around the castle’s spooky corridors while you keep an eye out for apparitions.

Guided Tours

Sign up for guided walks, hikes, or bike rides around Banff. All leave the hotel daily in small groups, often included in your resort fees (so you might as well take advantage). There are also bike rentals, croquet or tennis, and conservation talks.

Equipment rentals, such as snowshoes or hiking poles, are also available by contacting the concierge. If you want a quick local hike, try Tunnel Mountain, with views over the Banff Springs Golf Course, one of the finest courses in Alberta.

You can book many experiences through their client portal before you even leave home. This will help you plan your stay better, and you’ll discover some of the fun tours and activities they have on. I recommend booking early as space is usually limited.

Golf

As mentioned, the Banff Springs Hotel sits right beside the famous Fairmont Banff Springs Golf Course, which is easily one of the most beautiful places to golf in the entire world. If you’re a golfer, you have to enjoy a round here. If you’re not, have a beer at the Waldhaus and watch everyone else!

Christmas at the Castle

Christmas at the Castle runs from late November to January 1st, with various events throughout the season. The Banff Springs Hotel decorates the entire property with lavish Christmas decorations, a real treat to see. It’s like stepping into a winter wonderland.

If you’re visiting Banff around Christmas, it’s definitely worth it to see the spectacle here. Along with decor, there are some Christmas events around the property, A Christmas Carol plays in the nearby theatre, and you can frequently spot Mr. and Mrs. Claus and the Castle Carolers roaming the hall.

Tips for Kids: Family-friendly activities are also set up, such as treasure hunts, creativity evenings, and bowling. Note kids on your reservation for a welcome gift for the Prince or Princess of the castle. They also offer a private visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, which is sure to be memorable.

---

Eating at the Banff Springs Hotel

With nine Banff restaurants and bars in the hotel, all serving different food options, you will be spoiled for choice on where (and what) to eat. From STOCK, a deli/café in the lobby with quick on-the-go options, all the way up to 1888 Chop House and Castello for high-end dining and some incredible steak options. Here are a couple of my favourite dining experiences in the hotel.

Afternoon Tea in the Rundle Lounge

Of all the restaurants in the Banff Springs, the Rundle Lounge, in my opinion, has the best view. Exclusively used for the decadent Afternoon Tea, this is one experience you won’t want to miss. After treating my parents to this on one of my last stays there, I can tell you firsthand that it’s worth the cost.

Cocktails in the Rundle Bar

This classically timeless bar in the hotel’s heart is a wonderful place for an evening cocktail before (or after) dinner. They serve light meals too, but it’s their cocktail list that really makes it special. Try one of their signature creations or local beers in elegant surroundings.

Pro tip: Sign up for the Accor ALL membership, and you could receive complimentary welcome drink vouchers to use at any of the bars when you reach Silver level (10 nights stayed).

---

Pasta At Castello

Castello is the hotel’s more intimate Italian-inspired restaurant. Since it’s quite small, you’ll want to make reservations in the high season when the hotel is fully booked.

It’s also in the hotel’s gatehouse wing, so it encourages a bit more exploration of the hotel, which is worth doing regardless. We love their lobster carbonara, which is completely decadent.

The Tomahawk At 1888 Chophouse

The finest restaurant at the Fairmont Banff Springs is its signature steakhouse, which specializes in dry-aged beef. Similar to Castello, it’s small, so reservations are recommended. It’s the finest restaurant in the hotel, so expect wonderful service, higher prices, and excellent food.

---

Dessert or Fondue at the Waldhaus Pub

We’re going to let you in on a little secret. This quietly tucked-away European-inspired pub is set away from the main hotel, down near the river. There is a path and staircase that lead you to the pub, which sells German beer and has wonderful evening views.

A cozy pub with some scrumptious desserts that are worth the extra walk. This is my favourite place at the Fairmont Banff Springs, maybe even the most scenic restaurant in Banff. We also LOVE the patio in the summer and think it’s one of the best spots for a meal with a view.

---

Is Staying at the Banff Springs Hotel Worth It?

A stay at the Banff Springs Hotel isn’t cheap, but seasonal deals in the off-season and winter mean it could be more affordable than you think. There are no hotels in Banff that can compete with the hotel. This does mean demand is very high, so it regularly sells out while charging the highest room rates in the Bow Valley.

For the best deals on a room, try searching in late March, April, May, October, and November. So even if the Banff Springs Hotel is above your budget and you are on a epic and special vacation, I think it’s worth it for at least one night. Go ahead and treat yourself to a stay at a castle!

---