Tucked away on the side of Sulphur Mountain, a few minutes from town, The Rimrock Resort Banff is an ideal hideaway for those wanting to get away without having to rough it. Banff National Park is one of those magical mountain towns that no matter how many times you visit, it never gets old. Which is why when COVID restrictions were lifted, I decided a little splurge was in order.
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Rimrock Resort Banff
Of all the Banff hotels you could choose from, The Huz has always been a huge fan of this AAA 4 Diamond hotel. The Rimrock Resort Banff is unique in that you check in on the seventh floor and most guest rooms are on the floors below. What you don’t realize until stepping inside, is that the resort is perched on the side of a mountain, affording sweeping views of the Bow Valley.
Forget craning your neck out your hotel window in the hopes of spotting a few snowcapped peaks. Most guest rooms at The Rimrock Resort faces the Rockies. And because of the hotel’s vantage point, guest get these spectacular mountain views, with a carpet of coniferous trees unfurling from the Rundle Mountain range. It’s the kind of spot you’ll want to take any friends or relatives who’ve never been to Banff, to ensure they get to experience these awe-inspiring vistas.
Getting down to practicalities, our grandview guest room featured hardwood floors, which is great because hotel carpets slightly freak me out. Hardwood just feels so much cleaner, you know? And in this new world we’re living in, who doesn’t want to feel extra sanitized?
From our massive king bed, topped with what seemed to be an extra fluffy duvet, we had incredible floor to ceiling views of the snow-capped peaks and the pale aqua ribbon of the Bow River carving its icy path through the valley. Layer that with the oh-so deep bathtub, and you’d be forgiven if you never wanted to leave your room. At least, I hope you’ll forgive me for not wanting to leave mine.
But leave it we must if wanted to keep our dinner reservation. Fret not, I made sure we checked in early enough to enjoy a bottle of wine picnic-style onto of that fluffy bed. Who needs an actual picnic when you can do it bug free?
Eden Dining Room
Foodies know this, but most of my friends don’t realize Eden dining room, the fine dining restaurant at the Rimrock, is the only AAA/CAA 5 Diamond Award restaurant in Alberta. In fact, it’s currently the only 5 Diamond restaurant west of Ontario.
Yes, the food is posh, but it’s approachable. Like the rest of the resort, Eden sports an elegant, but relaxed feel. While I wore a skirt and cute sweater, The Huz wore jeans with a long sleeve button up.
Currently, Eden is only open 3 nights a week: Friday, Saturday and Sunday. They have this amazing special going on – 4 courses for $100, which of course I went for. Who am I to ignore crazy good value? And if you’d like to celebrate in style with a recent grad, on Sunday evenings they’re offering a 30% discount on the 3-course menu to all 2020 graduates.
Minutes after sitting down with our menus, a champagne trolly rolled up. Obviously I wasn’t going to ignore that. And since it was my birthday, I splurged on a glass of Bollinger. Sinking into my wingback leather chair, sipping my bubbles, I realized this was the first time The Huz and I have been alone together in months. We needed this time.
Sure we could’ve hit any restaurant, but there’s something about dining at a white linen tablecloth restaurant, where bottles of wine peak out of silver tableside buckets and everyone gets their own sommelier. It all adds up to one elevated experience.
I’ve been so cautious during quarantine that I forgot how delightful it is to receive an artful amuse bouche before the start of my meal. I forgot how much I loved the feel of a velvety chicken liver parfait on my tongue. I forgot how excited I’d get to sample new flavours like tempura seaweed and butter infused with hay (more complex and deeper – like goat butter).
I could go on and on about how succulent the scallops topped with a tomato water foam were. Or how the pheasant (I thought would taste gamey), tasted like a hearty chicken with the most incredible skin. As good as the food and drink were, it was how I felt dining at Eden that stayed with me. I felt like myself again. Truth be told, I almost felt like crying. That’s how happy I was to be in a fine restaurant, experiencing new delights.
Other dining options at Rimrock Resort
A little secret I’ve learned from Canmore locals is to head to the Rimrock for their weekly dining special. They have this amazing pasta buffet in the Primrose Dining Room, and currently there’s a steak sandwich deal in the Larkspur Lounge on Wednesday nights. You can score a 7 oz. AAA Alberta Striploin on homemade sourdough with a side for only $17. And their happy hour runs from 4-6pm with $6 glasses of wine, beer, and 1oz spirits.
What else is there to do?
We were too late to make it the spa that night and of course, slept in until almost check out time. That’s a pity because both the spa, fitness center and indoor pool at Rimrock Resort are open. I’m still kicking myself for not taking advantage. Another fail was not getting up early enough to secure an e-bike for the day or half day.
After checking out, we did traipse into town. (The public transit Roam bus is free for hotel guests.) In town, Banff Avenue – the 100 to 200 block – is car free, so we browsed and shopped with plenty of space to spread out.
One of the perks of staying at this resort hotel is the proximity to the Banff Gondola. You can easily walk along the Sulphur Mountain road to the gondola entrance. Of course, you can hike up Sulphur Mountain, too! Budget between an hour and a half to two hours to hike up to the gondola’s viewing platform.
Rimrock Room Deals
Be sure to check out the OFFERS section on their website. There’s usually seveal seasonal deals. And Alberta residents can get 30% off stays when they book ahead. During ski season they often have Ski & Stay packages, too. It’s a worthy splurge for anyone looking for a luxe break in the Canadian Rockies.
Save these tips
Keep these tips for visiting The Rimrock Resort for future reference. Simply pin the image above to Pinterest. I hope you’ll follow Travels with Baggage on Pinterest while you’re at it!
My favourite way to reset in summer is camping! Or reading a book in a hammock! I’d looooove to stay at the Rimrock right about now though! So much happening in my hectic life…I need a vacay!
My favorite way to reset is to get out of the city, if only for a day. Liked both rim rock and twb on Facebook and am subscribed to emails.
I reset by going camping with my family – love relaxing and doing things as a family I also reset by listening to relaxing music
This would be an amazing prize to win! Thank you
Camping with a campfire and food cooked over the fire, the chance to reconnect as a family with more time with the kids around
Hanging out in the yard with a cold drink!
I love going hiking and backcountry camping! The mountains are the best place to relax 🙂
Our favourite way to reset in the summer, is definitely heading to the mountains and the Beautiful Lakes. There is literally nothing better than a day in the fresh air and on the water, and heading back to an amazing dinner with a fabulous view. I moved to Alberta seven years ago specifically to be closer to the mountains. They are my happy place!
The mountains are my summer reset as I am fair weather and like to hike in the summer. This year is especially tough financially so will just be going for one night to Canmore this upcoming weekend.
Best way to reset is going to the Rockies for a hike then relax in a hottub.
We head out to crown land, where only our side by side can go, take the dogs to the river and explore trails and when safe have a fire and roast smokies. 🙂
I love going out for hikes and long walks in the mountains to reset. We are heading out to Hinton this weekend in our travel trailer with our kids.
Following The Rim Rock Resort Hotel and Travels with Baggage on Facebook – May Lilly
Subscribed to email
I love going deep into the Kananaskis for a hike or camping – far from a cell tower so I can truly unplug!
Best way to reset is getting to do exactly what you did! Sounds amazing and so relaxing! Would love to win this treat for my family! ????????????????????????????????☀️????????????
I love reading books in my backyard during the summer with some good snacks and drinks. A chance to do the same at the Rimrock sounds amazing. Thanks for the chance!
Getting out of the city is the best way to reset away from the noise of traffice. The Rimrock sounds like it would do the trick. Liked both pages and subscribed. Hope I am lucky
My favorite way to reset is to take time off with no plans! I like to do some random adventures during that time off.
I love to fill my yard with flowers that I can spend some “me time” just tending to them.
I would love to get away!
Going camping in the woods is a great reset!
Spa day!
My absolute favourite way to reset is to get into nature! Camping, hiking, day trips, picnics, anything with trees, mountains and outdoors!
Wow this would be amazing! Liked all pages! Favourite way to reset in the summer is camping and spending time at the lake!
Our reset is always a trip to the mountains any time of the year. We were in Banff and Lake Louise last week and we will go again this year.
Love to have picnics and walks by the river. Love getting outdoors!
My favourite way to reset in the summer is definitely hiking in the mountains! My husband and I hike all year round and both feel so grateful to be a short drive to the mountains. Nature always helps the body and mind reset!
This year we didn’t have our usual option of flying home to Nova Scotia to reset. Instead, this single momma packed up the car, my kiddo & a friend and went camping for 4 days. We have been hoping for a mountain trip but haven’t been able to find an affordable accommodation as I haven’t worked since March. But we are doing what we can & getting outside everyday. I hope you all are taking care of yourselves & resetting wherever you can! Much love!
We love to go camping with the kids and when we are not camping just hanging out in the backyard on hot days.
My favourite way to reset in the summer is by sitting around a campfire in the middle of nowhere listening to the calm that is otherwise drowned out by city noise
The kiddos and I have really gotten into kayaking this summer. Way more relaxing than doughnuts in a speed boat!
my reset summer is to be near or swim in a lake
Family time, lake swimming and afternoon naps are the perfect summer reset!
Going to the mountains is my favourite way to reset any time of year, but especially in the summer. Give me some nature, fresh air and exercise, along with a restful night after a busy day and that is all I need! I suppose an amazing meal, and a nice relaxing pool and spa to go along with that would help 😉
Summer Reset – Mantra: (Mind/Body/Spirit) – MIND : Read and watch documentaries with husband/son. BODY – Eat sensible and daily walk around our house x 3. SPIRIT : Son plays piano, husband plays guitar: Listening to my guys jamming/BBQ’s – Grillin & Chillin and the imprompto Rubbermaid contain filled with water balloons. Amidst all that, RAK – being kind when situations presents itself. Understanding we are all going through is. We have to have compassion.
We love to head out camping to the mountains & breath in that fresh mountain air while hiking
I love to summer reset by getting outside to hike and bike as much as possible! Getting all the Vitamin D the natural way 🙂
I love sitting on my back deck and watching the world go by.
To reset in the summer I love cabin time with my kids, roasting treats over the fire, and connecting with friends, family and the outdoors.
Taking a whole week staycation, where you don’t open your work email, is a good way to reset.
For me, a road trip is the perfect way to reset in the summer. It shakes up our routine and lets us reconnect without regular distractions.
I like and follow Rimrock on facebook as Jonnie JB Hartling
I like and follow you on facebook as Jonnie JB Hartling
I am subscribed to your emails.
A solid staycation is a way to reset. Going away anywhere involved planning and traveling. Unless going away for a long time and not doing much
My favorite way to reset in the summer is to have a few staycation days where we have no kids activities to attend to, no gatherings to go to, no chores/errands to do around the house. We literally have an open schedule where we can open our eyes and do whatever we want to.
My favourite way to reset during the summer is to go hiking as much as I can! Making it to the top of a mountain and just being surrounded by mountains and exploring alpine lakes, is all I need to reset and give me energy for the week!
Sitting on a balcony and watching the rockies.So peaceful and beautiful in a chaotic world.
Even a day trip is a nice reset sometimes
I like to pack up a picnic, and head out to the mountains with the family and spend the day in the mountains by water.
My favorite ways to reset in the summer is a morning walk/hike or an early morning golf game. Being outdoors in nature recharges my soul. Also love drinks on the patio with friends and family.
My favorite way to reset in the summer is to get outside and explore my city and province. Calgary and Alberta are amazing places and I am so fortunate to live here!
Favourite reset this year has been getting out to local parks and photographing the world around me, wildlife plants etc. Just appreciating our own backyard ahhhh
A day in the mountains hiking! Can’t believe I’m never stayed at the Rimrock yet.
(I follow/like you on Facebook)
We love to just “be” …… relax and rejuvenate in the mountains
We love to road trip and discover new places within Canada. Sometimes we’ll head over the boarder to Montana or the other closer states. Last year we visited Niagara Falls when we flew to visit family in Ontario.
We are so lucky to live where we do! Any time I can get out of town and head to the mountains in Canmore, Banff, or Kananaskis for a day of activity I feel “reset”!
A long hike anywhere in Alberta is my rest! I do love to hike Banff, Jasper and Drumheller!
We love to visit the mountains to reset, it’s always great to get out of the city and put onto nature. We love to camp with our two small children.
My favourite way to reset is to go for a long walk in a park somewhere with my music on for a couple of hours.
My favourite way to reset in the summer is by turning off my phone and sitting in the sun and reading a book.
I have completed the following:
Followed The Rimrock Resort Hotel on Facebook
Liked and follow Travels with Baggage on Facebook
Subscribed to Travels with Baggage via email
Being with my family on a little adventure. Anytime we can get out of our house it seems to recharge us as a family; so good.
My favorite way to reset in the summer is to go to the lake for some swimming and boating!!
My reset is gardening, I love keeping plants alive. I act like I invented tomatoes.
A surprise road trip! something that is unplanned, spur of the moment! i don’t get much free time and this is the best way to reset, a little adventure. we could make it better by finding a great place to hike or explore!
My favourite way to reset summer would be to have a mountain getaway with fantastic views and delicious food. ????????????
My fave way to reset is to head to the mountains for a hike. Clean air, great views, exercise… best of all no housework!
Observing wildlife while respecting their space and admiring the spectacular scenery in our beautiful parks is how we relax.
I love little staycations or overnight trips. Hop in the car, pick a direction, and find a room spontaneously when you don’t fed like driving anymore. Sometimes it backfired and places are booked, but usually it works out!
I have to admit the pandemic has not helped in reset this summer. I usually like to go for a hike in nature, and a boat ride at Lake Minnewanka. Have a safe summer.
Love to spend some time in mountains or extra special would be along a river. Walking and relaxing, those are the best.
Love to get out of town and into nature – away from all technology- to reset and appreciate our beautiful province and country
To be pampered at a great hotel in the heart of the Rockies. A couple glasses of wine helps:)
Like to relax and do nothing afterwards 🙂
Resetting in summer can only be done in the mounts with great views,great food and fresh mounts air
My favourite way to reset in the summer is to camp with my family and discover points of interest along the way. My husband and I haven’t had a chance to get away without the kids in forever and would love to experience the Rimrock. Glad I learned about your website after listening to the Informed Traveller.
As a native Albertan I reset my summer by annualy seeking a new experience in a new to me uniquely Alberta setting. Over the years I have had the pleasure of viewing and being in touch with the great diversity all of Alberta has to offer. The mountains have always been a favourite destination of ours that makes us thankfull for our life in Alberta. A stay at the Rimrock Resort would surely become a memory in the making for life……….
For me, a summer reset to us is planning day and weekend trips throughout the province, but always having at least a couple trips to the Rockies! We are hotel people, and love to use all the amenities we can! With all the stress of this pandemic, slowing down and appreciating this beautiful province we live in is a gift! Summer=Banff trips ⛰????????
A hike in the mountains is our favourite way to reset in the summer!
Getting out of the city and relaxing at The Rimrock Resort followed by a spectacular dinner.
My favorite way to reset for summer is a hike with beautiful views followed by a nice dip in a river.
My favourite way to reset is a nice long hike to a secluded place for the scenery and then getting back to a room or campsite for a shower and a beer! A well earned beer!
My favourite way to reset in summer is to hike trails in the Rockies. Trails in the Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, Spray Valley Provincial Park and Evan-Thomas Provincial Recreation Area, to mention a few areas in Kananaskis Country, offer hikers an invigorating and peaceful experience.
My favourite way to reset for summer is to take some time off work and go on a summer adventure.
Resetting this Summer, in particular with the zaniness of this Covid Pandemic we will be visiting Canmore for a little R & R. Otherwise it’s off to my parents farm for a little bit of quiet and nature.
I love walking in nature and gardening to help me reset!
My fave way to reset in the summer is time off camping, not being stuck to the phone, out in the fresh air, not being confined to your watch or checking the time.
I like to go on a wilderness hike to reset during summer.
Love going in to Banff to get away from everyday – always a beautiful retreat!
My favorite way to reset is all 4 seasons is the mountains. As soon as I start to see the mountains on the horizon my deep breathing starts, and once my feet touch I’m grounded.
I so grateful.
Love Banff and the rim rock. My husband and I have been married for 6 years but never had a wedding we hope one day we can get enough money saved and have a ceremony here
My favourite way to reset is to take an evening stroll outside. Its cooler, quiet and a nice way to wind down. We love doing the loop at the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary and have fun spotting deer and other wildlife.
Great reminder to get out to the bird sanctuary!
My favorite way to reset is a quick trip somewhere that’s a feast for the eyes (and hopefully the belly too)! AB has lots of these places; beautiful mountains, lakes, hoodoos, trails, etc that take you away from day to day and refresh your mind. The Rimrock and Banff in general is definitely one of those places.
Spending time with family and hiking up the mountains!
My favourite way to reset is to get out into nature.
My favourite thing to do when I need a good step away from all the go go going – ness in my life is to either take a hike with my best friend or just hang out in my back yard with my fiancé and cat while enjoing a nice cold one. No phones allowed!
My fave way to reset is with a lux getaway (which I don’t get to do that often). This Free Spirit will never say no to a good pampering, complemented with a fine dining weekend “wine down” in well appointed surroundings. Sounds like a most wonderful experience to win! Crossing fingers.
My favorite way to reset in the summer is getting away to the mountains and breathing in the fresh air! Mountains and trees as far as the eye can see, walking around through the trees and finding beautiful spots to stop on the river to dip your feet in. I love Banff and Canmore especially since they’re so close to Calgary 🙂 I’d love to go to the Nordic Spa in Kananaskis as well!! I feel happy just writing about this!
My favourite way to reset is to get out on my paddle board. Preferably on a calm mountain lake.
Reset back 35 years ago July 1985 newlyweds….spent the 1st night of our Honeymoon at the Rim Rock Resort….
The Honeymoon Suite $125.00. (still have that receipt and the husband)
Since then our summers’ resets’ have been mostly the outdoors recreation in the nearby Porcupine Hills (Forestry)
A stay at the Rim Rock would be a wonderful 2020 reset….that trip down memory lane
My favorite way to reset is to get away from it all in the mountains. We are so blessed to have Banff, a world class destination, out our backdoor. A day of golf, hiking and great food (that I don’t have to cook) is a wonderful day!
My favourite way to reset for the summer is some great books sitting in the woods or a park or any great green space.
My favourite way to relax in the summer is camping with the family at the lake! Going boating during the day and sitting by the fire at night! Love spending time with the family in the summer before the kids have to get back to school in the fall!
my favourite way to reset this summer with all the stress and anxiety of covid is to drive to the mountains and take my kids on a hike. we’ve been camping in kananaskis and would LOVE a hotel stay to rest and recharge in the mountains.
Bellinis on the patio on a warm Sunday afternoon. Good food, good company.
There are so many beautiful hikes around Banff and throughout the Park. Best thing to do to change your perspective and just get away from it all. Great contest!
Only way to reset is to get into the mountains and immerse yourself in nature. ❤
Family dinners and gatherings, wine and conversation into the night ❤️ Missing that this year with Covid ????
Favorite way to reset is a road trip! I just pick a direction and drive. It’s fun discovering cute little places that are local.
My way to reset is take in the light in the endless awe of the mountains in our beautiful province whether it be hiking camping or driving through
We love going on a hike in the summer since the views around the mountains are incredible! We always have to fit in all the foodie spots while we walk everywhere!
Road trip to the mountains. Preferably jump in a lake!
Our favourite way to reset is to ride our bicycles and it would be awesome to ride them in and around Banff. It’s also my husband’s 65th birthday this month and it would be such a wonderful treat for us to celebrate it with a stay at the Rim Rock!
I’ve been resetting a lot this summer – on hikes in the Rockies and on canoe trips. Awesome giveaway Jody. Have heard amazing things about their dining room. Would be lovely spot to celebrate our 40th.
We live to reset in the mountains! Hiking in K country, camping anywhere we can snag a spot, mountain biking at the Nordic Centre or a romantic night in Banff does the trick.
This summer? We haven’t left home much, but we’ve done a lot of trail walking which has been a huge reset in a time like this. It’s something we’ll continue when we have a new (old?) normal for sure. Yet, with Banff a skip away, the kids and I would love to get away for a couple days. Especially staying at a place I’ve been once before and love! 🙂
I follow Rimrock on Facebook!
I follow you on Facebook too! 🙂
My favourite way to reset summer is heaidng to the moutnains for a hike!