Canada's 'Castle In The Rockies' Is Banff National Park's Majestic Mountain Resort Getaway

For travelers who enjoy the finer things in life, there's no doubt this grand chateau in Canada is a bucket-list worthy stay. The Fairmont Banff Springs is the crowning jewel of Banff National Park and has earned its nickname as the "Castle in the Rockies."

Banff National Park became the first national park in Canada when it was created in 1885. The 2,564-square-mile area is full of Rocky Mountain peaks, alpine lakes, and massive glaciers. It is not surprising that William Cornelius Van Horne, the general manager of the Canadian Pacific Railway, wanted to build a luxury hotel in this magnificent part of Alberta. The Banff Springs Hotel, as it was originally called, opened in 1886 and quickly earned a reputation as one of the best mountain getaways in North America. Though much has changed (including its name) since the hotel first opened, the Fairmont Banff Springs continues to top travel award lists and remains one of the best resorts in Canada.

The luxury resort is in Banff, the region's most famous resort town at the southern end of its namesake national park. The closest major flight, Calgary International Airport (YYC), is about 90 miles away and operates nonstop flights to cities all over the U.S. and Canada as well as some more distant destinations. From there, most of the drive to Banff is on the scenic Trans-Canada Highway, the longest road in the country.  Or, if you feel like a longer drive, you can start in Seattle and embark on an epic road trip to beautiful Banff national park.

After a gorgeous drive to the Fairmont Banff Springs, you'll reach the William Cornelius Van Horne statue marking the entrance to the hotel. The hotel does, indeed, look like a castle. It has an 11-story tower with a facade made of stone, windows that are arched, and intricate woodwork — most of which has been recreated after a disastrous fire caused significant damage in 1926. The resort's natural setting is just as impressive. The Fairmont Banff Springs sits below Mount Rundle, the most uniquely-shaped and easily identifiable mountain in the Canadian Rockies. It also overlooks the vibrant blue Bow River, which gathers its colour from glacial sediment flowing down from Bow Lake. It also has spectacular views of the mountains and forests that make Banff National Park so special. Breathtaking doesn't begin to describe this spot.

Upon check-in, you'll find that the storybook castle vibe continues. The Fairmont Banff Springs has more than 700 rooms and suites (with rates starting around $350 per night, depending on the season), and 12 restaurants and bars spread across the property. They include the elegant 1888 Chop House and the Waldhaus Restaurant, where you can eat fondue by a fireplace in a forest cottage. Be sure not to miss the Afternoon Tea experience with scones, mini sandwiches, and other treats. While making dinner reservations, take a peek at the list of services offered at the Fairmont Spa, which features a heated outdoor pool, an indoor mineral pool, and multiple plunge pools. Following your treatment, you can relax in the cozy fireplace lounge or outside on the Rundle Patio with a handcrafted cocktail. It doesn't get more peaceful than this.

Though it may be tempting to find your favorite spot at the Fairmont Banff Springs and stare at the mountains all day, there are too many activities for you to sit still. You can go bowling, join a yoga class, play golf, and even take a guided history tour at the hotel  — but make sure you venture beyond its walls. 

The center of town is full of cute stores, craft breweries, and restaurants with heated patios. Numerous trails are easily accessible, too. Bikers will enjoy the Lake Minnewanka Loop, runners can head through town to the Vermilion Lakes, and hikers might want to go to Sundance Canyon for incredible views. While you are in Banff National Park, you should visit the Cave and Basin National Historic Site. Its thermal springs were part of what inspired the establishment of the national park. Then, Tunnel Mountain, Johnston Canyon, and Lake Louise are just short drives away. 

Tunnel Mountain has a perfect view of Banff from its summit, which will only take you about an hour or so to reach. Johnston Canyon's paths lead you over bridges for amazing views of the rushing water, where you can see how it has carved the ancient limestone over time. Finally, Lake Louise is simply one of the most beautiful places in Canada to visit no matter what time of year you visit Banff. If you have time, cross the provincial border into B.C. and visit Yoho National Park, Banff's overlooked neighbor with immaculate scenery. Just return to the Fairmont Banff Springs in time for a drink to recap your exciting day. The "Castle in the Rockies" will be waiting for you.