Even if you’re not from my neck of the woods, you’ve likely heard about the Castle in the Rockies in Banff. Fairmont Banff Springs is one of the world’s most iconic hotels, the jewel in the crown of Banff National Park. This historic hotel first opened its doors way back in 1888, but has been totally modernized with a swish spa, luxe pool and renovated rooms.
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Banff Fairmont
She may be old, but like most grand dame’s she sure isn’t tired. If you’ve never stayed at the Banff Fairmont hotel, you’re missing out. Even if you’re not a guest, you can still take advantage of this resort’s many swish attributes. Here are 10 things to know before your visit.
Banff Springs pool
There’s more than one pool to plunge into at Fairmont Banff Springs. Well, there’s a few more if you book into Willow Stream Spa, but for regular guests, you’ve got two pools at your disposal. One is a rather large (could it be Olympic length?) indoor swimming pool.
Beside it is a small, separate wading pool for babes and toddlers, plus there’s an indoor hot tub. With the cathedral type windows letting in loads of light, the pool area is way nicer than anything else you’d find in Banff.
The second Banff Springs pool is a divine, outdoor, heated pool. It’s warm and lovely no matter the weather. In fact, it’s particularly rad when it’s snowing outside. And they often offer drink service!
The confusing thing is that despite being called Fairmont Banff Springs, this hotel doesn’t have hot spring water in its pools. The only place you get the thermal water direct from the source is at Banff Upper Hot Springs.
If our family is deciding between going to Banff Upper Hot Springs or the Fairmont Banff Springs outdoor pool, the Fairmont pool always wins. The Upper Hot Springs can get quite crowded as it’s super touristy.
Banff hotels with pools
There are loads of Banff hotels with pools, but both the indoor and outdoor pool at this Fairmont are the most popular in town. Even though there’s so much to see and do in Banff National Park, you’re going to be spending loads of time in these pools – especially if you’re traveling with kids. Just make sure you budget enough time to enjoy the facilities.
Banff Springs restaurants
Within Fairmont Banff Springs are several restaurants. Luckily, you don’t need to stay overnight to experience dining around the castle. This is one resort with restaurant range.
You could spend a long weekend dining at different restaurants for every meal. Or, eat here instead of hitting a chain along Main Street, before driving home. There’s at least a dozen restaurants situated inside Fairmont Banff Springs.
For a classic steak house experience saddle up to 1888 Chop House (order the Tomahawk). Afternoon tea can’t be missed either, nor can fondue at Waldhaus. Insider tip: Head to the Waldhaus Pub on Thursday for quiz night with the locals.
Food tours at Fairmont Banff Springs
Say you have limited time and you want to hit as many of the hotel’s top restaurants as possible. Simply book into Alberta Food Tours ‘Eat the Castle.’ On this sumptuous food tour, you’ll travel through your stomach to 4 of the 14 dining establishments at Fairmont Banff Springs.
The hotel can often be at 90% occupancy during the summer months, so this is an ideal way to access the iconic property and enjoy it just as a guest would. Not only do you taste the place, but tours also give that sense of place by taking you back to the history of the hotel when it first opened in 1888.
Tours begin with Canadian inspired eats, before headed to Europe via the Spring’s new French brasserie: The Vermillion Room. Finally, you’ll cap off your food tour by tucking into Albeta’s signature dish at 1888 Chophouse. Can you guess what it is?
Is the Banff Springs hotel haunted?
Yep, she’s haunted! When you’ve been around as long as the Fairmont Banff Springs hotel has, you’ve got to expect some skeletons rattling around. There’s Sam the (friendly) phantom bellman and even a Ghost Bride, who was commemorated with her own stamp and coin by the Royal Canadian Mint.
Guests can take the 1 p.m. daily Heritage Tour to learn more about the hotel’s historic attributes and haunted tales.
How to score free wifi
Like most luxury hotels, the Fairmont charges for wifi – except at the Fairmont Banff Springs if you register to be a member of the Accor loyalty program.
Also if you register you get complimentary newspapers and magazines from around the world (via the PressReader electronic service). Joining is free, so if you’re a Fairmont or Accor fan, it makes sense so you can snag extra perks and points.
Banff Springs golf
A round of golf at Fairmont Banff Springs is a bucket list item for many visitors. The Stanley Thompson 18-hole golf course is one of the world’s most beautiful and has these optical illusions created by the surrounding mountains. That’s impressive and all if you’re golfer, but if you’re not, it’s still worth checking out the Banff Springs golf course.
Why? Animals love the wide open spaces of the green. Take a complimentary shuttle down to the course from the hotel for a lovely scenic drive.
From there, you can tuck into proper barbecue at Stanley’s Smokehouse or do a golf cart tour around the stunning course, possible viewing elk, deer and even bears! Not to worry, they close the course when dangerous wildlife won’t budge.
Banff Springs spa
My very favourite part of visiting Fairmont Banff Springs is their Willow Stream Spa. Since the 2020 reno, it’s now the largest Willow Stream spa in the world!
The European-inspired, indoor thermal springs pool is the big draw. Just off that large pool are three smaller plunge pools with waterfalls.
The spa at Fairmont Banff Springs has all the treatments you could ask for, and they really go above and beyond. For example, a facial will include a foot, hand and upper back massage.
Try to time your visit so you can order a bento box for lunch or dinner and enjoy it in the co-ed lounge.
Banff Springs Gym
Nothing’s worse then walking into a hotel gym and seeing it’s smaller than your walk-in closet. (Not my closet, but a rich person’s.) The Fairmont Banff Springs’ gym here is as sizeable as any in Banff, with all the machines, cardio equipment and free weights you could ask for.
In a room separate from the main gym, Fairmont Banff offers daily (decent) fitness classes led by certified instructors. I had my butt kicked at a Saturday interval class and the yoga isn’t a snoozer either.
Forgot your gear? You can get complimentary gym shoes, workout gear, plus a yoga mat delivered to your room at no charge. Even if you’re not staying overnight, spa guests can access the gym free of charge.
Biking in Banff
One of the best ways to explore Banff is by biking and like many Fairmonts, Banff Springs offers complimentary BMW bikes for guests. They don’t have a bike for every guest (obvs!), and it’s first come, first served, so snag yours early.
There are plenty of biking trails laced throughout Banff townsite and it’s worth hitting the Legacy Trail for biking all the way into Canmore.
In winter, the hotel operates its own ski school, a complimentary shuttle to the hills, plus ski gear storage.
Proximity to Banff Hot Springs Pool
Here’s a little local secret: many Bow Valley residents aren’t fans of Banff Upper Hot Springs. They think it’s too touristy and isn’t hot enough. While I still like me a thermal soak, I have to admit the outdoor pool at Fairmont Banff Springs is more up my alley.
It’s the perfect temperature, has tons of noodles to float with and boasts prettier views than the Hot Springs. Naturally, the Fairmont Banff Springs pool is complimentary for guests, but you can buy a pass in 3, 6 or 12-month bundles to use the pool and fitness facilities as often as you like.
Fairmont Banff Springs family activities
Not many hotels sport their own bowling alley, but you’ll find four lanes of five-pin bowling at Fairmont Banff. Even if you’re not a guest, you can use the space for kiddie birthday parties and group outings in Banff.
If you are a guest, you’ll be spoiled of choice with all their summer and holiday family activities. Take advantage of their Kids @ The Castle programming for nature safaris, horseback riding, treasure hunts and loads more.
How to get what you want at a fancy hotel
The huz hates it when I send food back to the kitchen and ask hotel staff too many questions. But hey, I live by the motto: You don’t get what you don’t ask for. Not everyone is as comfortable with making demands polite inquires as I am and for those folks, there is the Kipsu program.
Meaning: You can text the front desk for more towels, dining reservations or anything your little heart desires. It’s super fast, no-one will know you’re doing it and shy types don’t feel like they’re imposing – which is weird they would, but whatever. Everybody’s different and all that.
Pet friendly hotels in Banff
Yes, your pet is welcome at Banff Springs! And unlike some luxe hotels, there’s no weight limit. You can’t leave your pet alone in the room, but Fairmont offers a pet sitting service.
Don’t forget Banff is in a National Park, so some hiking trails don’t allow pets. Those that do, will require your pet is leashed.
Have you ever stayed at Fairmont Banff Springs? What’s your impression of this landmark hotel?
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Hey, I didn’t know you can bring your dog. Good tip!
They even have puppy treats!
THEY HAVE A BOWLING ALLEY?! I had no clue.
They do! And you don’t have to be a guest to use it…
My once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to stay at Fairmont Banff Springs was the most disappointing and frustrating part of my entire trip to the Canadian Rockies, which I had anticipated so eagerly. I booked a twin room 6 months in advance only to be told upon check in that there was not one available room in the entire hotel that had 2 beds and I would have to make do with a room with one bed and a sofa bed. That room was not in the beautiful main part of the hotel, but in the adjoining building with a stunning view of the carpark and a fluorescent that flickered all night. Other people on our tour raved about their glorious accommodation and spacious living quarters. Whilst I understand that not everyone can be accommodated in the luxurious surroundings that the resort has to offer, I at least expected the room configuration that I requested for the premium price that I paid months in advance. Unfortunately, this was not the first bad Fairmont experience of my Canadian holiday and my feedback to Fairmont upon my return home was ignored.
So sorry to hear. Would you like me to pass along your comments to Fairmont?
I have stayed at the Chateau way back in 1999 we had a beautiful room overlooking Lake Louise. The shops underneath the hotel were fabulous.I have also stayed at the Chateau in Quebec and they are very similar, same company Faimont. Loved it.
Hi! Do you have to be staying at the hotel to use the outdoor pool? I will be visiting but staying in Canmore. However, I would love to get to use their pool for a night.
I think you do have to be a hotel guest. I know they used to offer a membership, but I believe it’s meant for locals and was for 6 months at a time. Still it’s worth calling and asking as rules change all the time. The Banff Springs pool is one of the best in Banff, but if you can’t get in, consider visiting Kananaskis Nordic Spa. I’ve got a post on that, too! Oh, and a giveaway for two free passes.
Thank you for this write up! My family if 20 is going in the spring and you have given me so much to look forward to and be prepared for.
I hope you have the best time. There’s also the actual Banff Springs hot springs pool to check out, too!