About Banff / Lake Louise

Castle in the Rockies

Banff Springs Hotel — "Castle in the Rockies"

Cornelius Van Horne, the president of the CPR, recognised the need for hotels along the CPR route. He had already built dining stations at three locations along the way, as it was impossible to serve meals through the steep sections of the route through the Rockies — the dining cars were too heavy. People began to ask for accommodation so that they could break their journey, and the dining stations were transformed into elegant resort hotels.

In the late 19th century alpine destinations were popular, but wealthy travellers also wanted luxury and comfort. As hot springs and spas were also popular, Banff was a perfect location for a luxury hotel in a pristine mountain wilderness. When Van Horne first saw the site beside the Spray River he called it "the million dollar view."

Van Horne hired New York architect, Bruce Price, to design the hotel. He borrowed the Swiss Chalet style and created an overall chateau effect, incorporating influences of French chateau, German Schloss, and English Tudor. The hotel opened in 1888.

In 1926, a fire destroyed the north wing of the hotel, but business continued in the centre block and south wing. The old wood Tudor building was gradually being rebuilt using Rundle stone. The new hotel was completed by 1928, still in the chateau style but strongly influenced by 19th century Scottish Highland castles.

The new manager, Michael Delahanty, was a talented decorator and was given the job of choosing furnishings. Spacious bedrooms with period fixtures and furniture, special suites for visiting royalty, and a ballroom illuminated by hidden lighting were all features of the new hotel. Patrons enjoyed excellent cuisine in the quiet elegance of the two main dining rooms, The Alhambra and The Fairholme, or had tea in The Riverview Lounge.

A new wing and major renovations were completed during the 1980's and 90's. Today, the Banff Springs Hotel is considered Fairmont's "western Canadian flagship resort and conference centre." It boasts 17 restaurants, 50 shops, a 27-hole golf course and a five-pin-bowling centre. The hotel has maintained its high standard of cuisine with its own on-site butcher and bakery and 90 kitchen staff.

The hotel's 770 spacious rooms offer a wide range of amenities, great views and many complimentary services. There is even a "Kids Check-in."

Did you know? The Banff Springs Hotel serves over 1000 breakfasts each day, handles 2000 bags per day, and goes through 16,548 towels per week.