I’ve spent a fair bit of time walking the halls of the “Castle in the Rockies,” as we locals often call it. The stone corridors and grand staircases always seemed to whisper stories from another era. So when the news broke that our backyard gem had received global recognition, I wasn’t surprised – but I was certainly proud.
The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel has officially earned its place among the world’s elite destinations. Travel + Leisure magazine recently named it one of the world’s best resort hotels, placing it alongside luxury destinations from Bali to the Maldives.
“This recognition really validates what Albertans have known for generations,” says Angela Anderson, regional director of public relations for Fairmont Hotels in Canada’s Western Mountain Region. “The Banff Springs isn’t just a hotel – it’s a landmark that tells the story of Canadian tourism itself.”
Built in 1888 by the Canadian Pacific Railway, the hotel stands as a testament to vision and ambition. Just a 90-minute drive from downtown Calgary, the Scottish baronial castle-styled resort sits surrounded by the breathtaking Rocky Mountains in Banff National Park.
The judges evaluated properties based on rooms, facilities, location, service, food, and overall value. The Banff Springs excelled across categories, earning particularly high marks for its blend of historic charm with modern luxury amenities.
Tourism Calgary spokesperson Deborah Yedlin notes that having such a prestigious property nearby benefits the entire region. “Calgary serves as the gateway to the Rockies. When international visitors plan their Banff trips, they often spend several days exploring our city first. This recognition will likely boost tourism throughout Southern Alberta.”
The hotel’s remarkable setting certainly helped secure its ranking. Perched at the confluence of the Bow and Spray Rivers and encircled by mountain vistas, the location alone would merit attention. But the property offers more than just stunning views.
Last summer, I spent a weekend at the springs with my family. My ten-year-old nephew was equally impressed by the bowling alley in the basement and the afternoon tea service in the lobby – a testament to how the resort balances heritage with contemporary expectations.
According to data from Travel Alberta, mountain resorts near Calgary saw a 22% increase in international visitors last year compared to pre-pandemic levels. The Banff Springs’ recognition will likely accelerate this trend.
“We’re seeing more American and European tourists planning extended stays,” explains David Robinson, tourism analyst with the University of Calgary. “The luxury travel market has rebounded particularly strongly, and this award positions Banff as a premium destination on the global stage.”
The hotel’s 757 rooms and suites maintain period details while offering modern amenities. During a $35 million renovation completed in 2022, the property updated its Fairmont Gold floors – essentially a hotel within a hotel – with enhanced services and exclusive access areas.
Executive Chef Robert Ash has also transformed the culinary scene across the hotel’s 13 restaurants and bars. The 1888 Chop House now features Alberta beef aged in-house, while the Vermillion Room offers French brasserie-inspired cuisine with locally sourced ingredients.
“We’re telling Alberta’s story through food,” Ash told me during a kitchen tour last fall. “When guests taste our bison or sample local produce, they’re experiencing this region in the most fundamental way.”
For Calgarians, the recognition offers a reminder of the world-class experiences available in our backyard. While international visitors might plan once-in-a-lifetime trips to the Banff Springs, locals can enjoy weekend getaways or even day trips to experience what the world is now celebrating.
The resort’s Willow Stream Spa, with its mineral pools inspired by the historic Banff Upper Hot Springs, attracts both overnight guests and day visitors from Calgary. The hotel’s golf course, designed by Stanley Thompson in 1928, remains one of Canada’s most scenic championship courses.
Mayor Jyoti Gondek commented on the award’s significance during a recent economic development conference. “Calgary’s proximity to world-class mountain resorts gives us a competitive advantage when attracting both tourists and potential residents. People can build careers in a vibrant urban center while having easy access to internationally recognized natural wonders and luxury amenities.”
Tourism experts suggest booking well in advance if you’re planning a visit, as the recognition will likely increase demand. Winter months offer slightly better availability, though the hotel’s Christmas and New Year’s celebrations typically sell out months ahead.
For Calgarians looking for luxury closer to home, the Fairmont Palliser downtown offers a sister property experience with its own storied history and recent renovations.
As someone who has reported on Calgary’s tourism industry for over a decade, I’ve watched our region’s reputation steadily grow on the world stage. The Banff Springs’ latest recognition isn’t just about one hotel – it’s about Alberta taking its rightful place among the world’s premier destinations.
And that’s something worth celebrating, whether you’re a visitor from across the ocean or just across town.
