Fairmont Banff Springs  

Rooms: 770 Rooms

Modeled after a Scottish baronial castle, this mountain resort is built of locally quarried Rundle limestone from nearby Exshaw. The exquisite floors and stairwells inside feature Tyndall Stone, a sedimentary rock imported from Manitoba that is studded with fossils and shells. The Fairmont Banff Springs appeals to a wide range of international travelers, and is popular with tour groups during summer months.

In addition to the rejuvenating treatments available in the Willow Stream Spa, guests can enjoy an après-ski soak in three waterfall spa tubs. Complimentary access is provided to the resort's indoor and outdoor pools and children's pool.  Other on-site recreation includes an 18-hole golf course designed by Stanley Thompson, a nine-hole golf course, five tennis courts, an ice-skating rink, and a bowling center (surcharges). Guests choose from 13 restaurants and lounges, including an Italian restaurant, a casual grill with mountain views, a clubhouse restaurant specializing in German and Swiss dishes, and an intimate bistro and wine bar.

Scheduled shuttles (surcharge) provide transportation to Mount Norquay, Sunshine Village, and Lake Louise.

Located in several wings of the nine-story castle, Fairmont Banff Springs' 770 guestrooms feature views of the forested Bow or Spray River valleys or the surrounding mountains. Windows open to fresh mountain air. Feather beds include down duvets.

All rooms offer high-speed Internet access (surcharge), cable/satellite TV with pay movies and video games (surcharge), and complimentary local calls. Compact refrigerators and in-room safes are additional conveniences. Junior suites have sofa beds; executive suites provide upgraded decor and artwork, desks, and flat-screen TVs.