12 Unique Things to Do at the Fairmont Banff Springs

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The Fairmont Banff Springs hotel is iconic. Known as the Castle in the Rockies, the building is one of the most stunning in the area and can be seen for miles. In fact you get a great view if you’re visiting the Banff Gondola ride on Sulphur mountain.

Even if you’re not staying at this world class hotel, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy some of the unique activities the hotel has to offer though.

Many Banff visitors go for a walk around the old hotel and to enjoy some of their amenities. I have stayed at the hotel a number of times, and have visited when staying at other hotels in Banff. It’s a special place to explore whether a guest or not.

Afternoon tea

The Fairmont Banff Springs has a wonderful afternoon tea experience. I took my parents and had the most amazing food alongside some delicious teas. The tea choices are vast, there’s even a tea station to smell the teas before making your choice.

The ever changing menu for the afternoon tea is never boring, and is as vibrant as it is tasty. Bring food envy to all your friends from a dining room looking out over the valley and the Bow river below. The perfect backdrop for such an exquisite feast. Check out this post on my Fairmont Banff afternoon tea experience.

Shop til you drop

This hotel is so big it even has it’s own shops. Buy some fancy art from the gallery, or purchase a couple of souvenirs from one of the gift shops. There’s a Fairmont store where you can purchase the luxurious bathrobes and bedding that make your stay here so comfortable.

Beauty shops such as l’Occitane offer some of my favorite products, and there’s even a deli in the main lobby to get a snack or buy lunch for your day trips.

A round of golf

Did you know the Fairmont Banff Springs is one of the most famous golf destinations? Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio even played here back in the day while Marilyn was shooting a movie in the area.

Hopefully the views won’t distract you from your game, and watch out for wildlife as you make your way around the course. There are two courses, a 9 hole and an 18 hole course. Prices range from $100 to $200+ but this historic course is worth the visit for any avid golfer.

Relax in the spa

Massage anyone? How about a facial? Or even just a soak in the whirlpool. In fact, one of the whirlpools is outside so you can enjoy the fresh mountain air while your body slips into relaxation mode.

Full spa access is included with any massage, facial or body treatment service. Or you can purchase a pass to the spa independent from any treatment. Looking for a cheaper option? There’s a 24 hour fitness center and a pool which is included in the resort fee for all guests.

Remember to take a reusable water bottle with you on your travels, like this one from FastTech

Ghost hunting

Not an activity to do just before bed, but the Castle in the Rockies has been around for over a hundred years, so it’s bound to have a ghost story or two. The Fairmont Banff is actually one of the most haunted buildings in Canada with a number of reported “resident” ghosts.

There’s the helpful bellman who might help you to your room and the ghost bride who took a tumble down the marble staircase on her wedding night.

And if you’re still not convinced then find out more about the legend of room 873. A room so haunted that they had to brick it up as no-one could sleep when they were in it.

I’ve stayed in this hotel a number of times and although I’ve had some creepy feelings, I’ve never seen anything too out of the ordinary. But I’ve slept with a light on more than once. Haven’t seen enough of ghosts at the hotel? Book a Banff Ghost Walk.

Enjoy a gourmet dinner

What’s the point in visiting a world renowned hotel if you can’t treat yourself to a first class meal every now and again? The Fairmont Banff Springs has a variety of restaurants that will cater for every taste.

Relaxing lounge? Steakhouse? Italian? Even contemporary Canadian fare. The 1888 Chop House restaurant is a popular fine dining option, but I’m partial to Grapes with its meat and cheese boards, fondue and plates for sharing.

Top it off by having a cocktail in the Rundle Bar with a view of Mount Rundle. They also do more casual dining with burgers, sandwiches and salads.

A pint of German beer

My favorite evening activity at the Fairmont Banff Springs (other than ghost hunting) is to take a wander down the trail at the back of the hotel to The Waldhaus. The German style restaurant along the banks of the river is very nice and super popular, but I actually like the more casual Waldhaus pub next door.

It’s a quaint, cozy pub with delicious German style beers on tap and a more relaxed feeling than some of the other hotel bars. Play a game of pool, take part in the weekly pub trivia game, and definitely get a dessert or two. I recommend the apple strudel. It’s divine!

Go bowling

If pubs and spas aren’t the kind of kid friendly activities you like don’t worry. The Fairmont Banff Springs has something for everyone. Across the street from the main entrance of the hotel is the property’s bowling alley.

Complete with licensed bar, pool tables and 5 pin bowling you’ll be able to wile away a couple of hours here one evening. Open evenings only during the week (from 4pm) and from 11am weekends.

Take in the views

So many views! The Fairmont Banff Springs hotel is located at the outskirts of Banff, with views of the Bow river out the back. All of the dining rooms seem to have amazing views of the surrounding mountain including the ever impressive Mount Rundle and Cascade Mountain.

Take a walk onto the terrace at the back of the property, and follow the trail down towards the river where you won’t want to leave. Set up your camera and snap away as you realize why this hotel became such a tourist spot in the first place.

Revel in the brunch buffet

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day right? Well the good news is the Fairmont Banff Springs does breakfast right! They have a buffet with an obscene amount of options that you can try whether you’re a guest of the hotel or not.

The first time I visited Banff, I was staying at a hotel nearby and I still went to the Fairmont for breakfast. There are juices, coffees and teas. Cereals, pastries, fruit and yogurts. Pancakes, waffles, meats and fish. Freshly cooked sausages, bacon and eggs with potatoes, mushrooms and tomatoes on the side.

Grab a bowl of oatmeal, or create your own masterpiece at the custom (made to order) omelette station. Then plan to sleep the rest of the morning.

Learn about the history of the hotel

At the main entrance to the hotel there is a grand staircase. Follow it and take a right at the top, opposite the 1888 Chop House. There you’ll find a wall of photos detailing the construction and rise in popularity of the Fairmont Banff Springs hotel.

From it’s Scottish roots to modern day Canadian icon, it’s a great introduction to the hotel. Continue through to the elevators and keep going down a few stairs to the Mt. Stephen Hall with it’s creepy paintings and historic suits of armor.

All around the hotel though you will find plaques and information boards with little nuggets of info. Take some time to just wander, explore and try not to get lost. It’s a huge castle!

Walk along the river

If you’ve made it all the way down to the Waldhaus pub like I talked about before then take a break from sitting inside and take a wander down to the river. You’ll often see caribou roaming the river banks eating grass and enjoying the peace and tranquility Banff has to offer.

Outside of the hotel the other way, there is a path that leads all along the river, past Bow Falls and across a bridge into the town of Banff. It’s a great evening walk. Just make sure you watch out for bears. Actually, not joking!

Visiting the iconic Fairmont Banff Springs

If you are staying at the Fairmont hotel then you’ll be able to wander around as much as you please. For visitors who are not guests there are areas that are only accessible if you have a guest key card. These are generally just the areas that have guest rooms.

All restaurants and services are open to the public. If you’re staying in the town of Banff, then the Fairmont is a short 5 minute taxi ride away, or a 15-20 minute walk from the main town area of Banff Avenue.

Whether you stay here or not, there’s no reason not to visit this amazing hotel and take in some of the fun activities it offers. The dining is out of this world, as are the views. And although some things (okay most things) are a little on the higher price point, it’s a great property to check out and splash out during your stay.

Everyone usually flocks to the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise nearby but although they have the most amazing lake right out front, I definitely think the Fairmont Banff Springs has way more character.

It’s a visually stunning hotel, and you can easily get lost for hours walking the corridors. Just make sure to thank the ghostly bellman if he helps you find your way!

If you’ve enjoyed this post leave a comment or share using the social media buttons below. Have you ever visited or stayed at the Fairmont Banff Springs hotel? What was your favorite part?