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{{Infobox historic site {{Infobox historic site
| name = Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel | name = Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel
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| location = ], ], Western Alberta, ], Canada | location = ], ], Western Alberta, ], Canada
| area = | area =
| elevation = | elevation = {{convert|1415|m|ft}}

| founded = 1887 | founded = 1887
| founder = ] | founder = ]
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}} }}


The '''Banff Springs Hotel''' is a luxury hotel that was built during the 19th century as one of ], being constructed in ] style and located in ], ]. The hotel was opened to the public on June 1, 1888.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.fairmont.com/banffsprings/AboutUs/HotelHistory.htm | title= History of the Fairmont Banff Springs| author= Fairmont Hotels and Resorts| authorlink= Fairmont Hotels and Resorts |date=February 2007 | accessdate= 2007-05-11| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20070514110118/http://www.fairmont.com/banffsprings/AboutUs/HotelHistory.htm| archivedate= 14 May 2007 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref> Presently, The Fairmont Banff Springs resort hotel is owned by ] and operated by ] of Toronto. Banff Springs Hotel is situated at an altitude of 1414 m.<ref></ref> The '''Banff Springs Hotel''' is a luxury hotel built during the 19th century as one of ]. It was constructed in ] style, and is located in ], ]. The hotel opened to the public on June 1, 1888.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.fairmont.com/banffsprings/AboutUs/HotelHistory.htm | title= History of the Fairmont Banff Springs| author= Fairmont Hotels and Resorts| authorlink= Fairmont Hotels and Resorts |date=February 2007 | accessdate= 2007-05-11| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20070514110118/http://www.fairmont.com/banffsprings/AboutUs/HotelHistory.htm| archivedate= 14 May 2007 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref> Presently, The Fairmont Banff Springs resort hotel is owned by ], the real estate arm of the Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System, or ], and is operated by ] of Toronto. Banff Springs Hotel sits at an altitude of {{convert|1415|m|ft}}<ref></ref> It's just one of a handful of mountain resorts located in the beautiful wilderness of Canada. <ref>{{cite web|title=Fairmont Banff Springs Mountain Resorts|url=http://mountain-resorts.fairmont.com/|website=Fairmont Banff Springs|publisher=Fairmont Banff Springs|accessdate=17 August 2015}}</ref>


⚫ The hotel is located within a spectacular setting in the ], just above the ], close to ]. The main view from the hotel looks across the valley, toward ], the sloping side of which was once sea floor, and is now known for its ancient, exposed seabeds. <ref>{{cite web|title=The Ancient Ones|url=http://www.canada.com/story_print.html?id=d7e8c32d-31cc-44d5-a379-17ae6d7abdbe&sponsor=|website=Canada.com|publisher=Postmedia Network, Inc.|accessdate=17 August 2015}}</ref> The hotel is within walking distance of the resort community of ].
⚫ The original building was designed by American architect ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.banffheritagetourism.com/2005/banffs_history_1.htm |title=Building a Dream in the Rockies at Banff |publisher=Banff Heritage Tourism}}</ref> It was built between spring 1887 and spring 1888 by the ] at the instigation of its president, ].


==Architecture==
⚫ The hotel is located within a spectacular setting in the ], just above the ], close to ]. The main view from the hotel is across the valley and toward ], which frequently is cited in ] books for its exposed and tilted ancient seabeds. The hotel is within walking distance of the resort community of ].
⚫ The original building was designed by American architect ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.banffheritagetourism.com/2005/banffs_history_1.htm |title=Building a Dream in the Rockies at Banff |publisher=Banff Heritage Tourism}}</ref> It was built by the ] at the instigation of its president, ]. Construction began in the spring of 1887, and was completed in the spring of 1888.


Starting in 1911, a wholly new structure was built in stages to replace the 1888 hotel. Price's ]-influenced wooden structure was replaced with a new building of concrete and faced with stone.<ref name="glotcr1">{{cite book|last=Barnes|first=Christine|title=Great Lodges of the Canadian Rockies|year=1999|publisher=W.W. West|isbn=0-9653924-2-2|pages=21–26|location=Bend, Oregon}}</ref> The new building was designed by another American architect, ]. Starting in 1911, a wholly new structure was built in stages to replace the 1888 hotel. Price's ]-influenced wooden structure was replaced with a new building of concrete faced with stone.<ref name="glotcr1">{{cite book|last=Barnes|first=Christine|title=Great Lodges of the Canadian Rockies|year=1999|publisher=W.W. West|isbn=0-9653924-2-2|pages=21–26|location=Bend, Oregon}}</ref> The new building was designed by another American architect, ].


The current hotel was completed in 1914. It stands at a height of {{convert|59.5|m|ft}}, and contains 15 floors and 23 elevators. <ref>{{cite web|title=The Fairmont Banff Springs|url=http://www.emporis.com/buildings/126824/the-fairmont-banff-springs-banff-canada|website=Emporis|publisher=Emporis|accessdate=17 August 2015}}</ref>
⚫ Halfway up the internal staircase closest to the Bow Falls is found a noted painting of ] felling trees on the ] during colonial times. Davidson, who had grown up in Moray, close to ], ], was the first European settler in that area of Canada. The name borne by the Canadian city and the national park is derived from his native country. The painting of the pioneer is by the war artist Cyrus Cunoe (1879–1916), who executed a series of paintings for the Canadian Pacific Railway.


The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel offers 764 guest rooms and suites, many with views of the majestic Rocky Mountains. <ref>{{cite web|title=Fairmont Banff Springs|url=http://www.fairmont.com/banff-springs/|website=Fairmont Banff Springs|publisher=Fairmont Banff Springs|accessdate=17 August 2015}}</ref> Guests have no fewer than 13 restaurants, bars and lounges to choose from, offering a variety of dining options, from sushi, to pub food, to weekend brunch. The 1888 Chop House provides a luxury dining experience with a modern twist on the authentic chop house. <ref>{{cite web|title=1888 Chop House|url=http://www.1888chophouse.com/|website=1888 Chop House|publisher=Fairmont Banff Springs|accessdate=17 August 2015}}</ref> Guests can also take advantage of the on-site wine store, filled with numerous local wines, and hosting daily wine tastings. <ref>{{cite web|title=Authentically Local Wine Store|url=http://www.fairmont.com/banff-springs/dining/authenticallylocalwinestore/|website=Fairmont Banff Springs|publisher=Fairmont Banff Springs|accessdate=17 August 2015}}</ref>
⚫ Banff Springs Hotel is also reputedly haunted. Stories suggest a woman dressed in her wedding gown lost her life on the staircase. There were candles on the staircase when the bride was walking up them, when suddenly her dress caught fire, in a panic she tripped and fell down the stairs, dying from a broken neck. Many people have reported seeing her ghost in full wedding gown, often dancing in the ballroom.<ref>http://www.hauntedrooms.com/banff-springs-hotel-alberta-canada</ref>


==History of renovations == ==History of renovations ==
] ]


The original building was quite different from the present Banff Springs structure. Variously termed a "Tudor hall" or a "Swiss chalet", the Price building was clad in shingles with stone accents, and featured a profusion of dormers, turrets, and roof lines. The 1888 structure cost $250,000 and a mistake made by the builder changed the intended orientation of the building, turning its back on the mountain vista. This building included more than 100 bedrooms, centered on a five-story, octagonal rotunda. An addition in 1902 expanded and renovated the building, adding more than 200 rooms. Further additions followed.<ref name="glotcr1"/> The original building was quite different from the present Banff Springs structure. Variously termed a "Tudor hall" or a "Swiss chalet," the Price building was clad in shingles with stone accents, and featured a profusion of dormers, turrets, and roof lines. <ref>{{cite web|title=Banff Springs Hotel|url=http://www.imagescanada.ca/009005-115-e.php?PHPSESSID=jvr82k0uis1ooovs6tinm25p11&q1=%22banff+springs+hotel%22&interval=6&x=0&y=0|website=Images Canada|publisher=Library and Archives Canada|accessdate=17 August 2015}}</ref> The 1888 structure cost $250,000 to build, and a mistake made by the builder changed the intended orientation of the building, turning its back on the mountain vista. This original building included more than 100 bedrooms, centered on a five-story, octagonal rotunda. An addition in 1902 expanded and renovated the building, adding more than 200 rooms. Further additions followed.<ref name="glotcr1"/>


By 1906, plans were advanced for a complete overhaul of the Banff Springs Hotel building, proposing a replacement of much of the original structure. Walter Painter, chief architect for Canadian Pacific Railway, designed an eleven-storey central tower in concrete and stone, flanked by two wings. This time correctly oriented to the dramatic view, the so-called "Painter Tower" was completed in 1914 at a cost of $2 million with 300 guest rooms and, for some time, became the tallest building in Canada. Construction of new wings was delayed by ] and the surviving Price wings continued in service. By 1906, plans were advanced for a complete overhaul of the Banff Springs Hotel building, proposing a replacement of much of the original structure. Walter Painter, chief architect for Canadian Pacific Railway, designed an eleven-story central tower of concrete and stone, flanked by two wings. This time correctly oriented to the dramatic view, the so-called "Painter Tower" was completed in 1914 at a cost of $2 million with 300 guest rooms and, for some time, was the tallest building in Canada. Construction of new wings was delayed by ], and the surviving Price wings continued in service.


Further renovations were designed by architect, J. W. Orrock, who continued in the style originated by Painter, greatly expanded the Painter Tower, altering its roof line, and adding his own massive additions. In 1926, while work was proceeding on the new wings, a fire destroyed the remainder of the original building designed by Price.<ref name="glotcr1"/> The two new wings opened in 1928. In 1926, while work was proceeding on the new wings, a fire destroyed the remainder of the original building designed by Price.<ref name="glotcr1"/> Further renovations to replace the destroyed building were designed by architect, J. W. Orrock, who continued in the style originated by Painter, greatly expanding the Painter Tower, altering its roof line, and adding his own massive alterations. <ref>{{cite web|title=Banff Springs Hotel National Historic Site of Canada|url=http://www.historicplaces.ca/en/rep-reg/place-lieu.aspx?id=7373|website=Canada's Historic Places|publisher=Parks Canada|accessdate=17 August 2015}}</ref> The two new wings opened in 1928.


In 1968, the building was ] and has been open year-round since that time.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fairmont.com/banffsprings/ |title=Hotel History |publisher=Fairmont Banff Springs}}</ref> In 1968, the building was ], and has been open year-round since.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fairmont.com/banffsprings/ |title=Hotel History |publisher=Fairmont Banff Springs}}</ref>


<gallery> <gallery>
Line 69: Line 72:
File:GeorgeVIBanffSprings.jpg|], ], and ] with ] ] at the Banff Springs Hotel on May 27, 1939 File:GeorgeVIBanffSprings.jpg|], ], and ] with ] ] at the Banff Springs Hotel on May 27, 1939
</gallery> </gallery>

==Artwork==
⚫ Halfway up the internal staircase closest to the Bow Falls hangs a noted painting of ] felling trees on the ] during colonial times. Davidson, who had grown up in Moray, close to ], ], was the first European settler in that area of Canada. The name borne by the Canadian city and the national park is derived from his native country. The painting of the pioneer is by the war artist Cyrus Cuneo (1879–1916), who executed a series of paintings for the Canadian Pacific Railway, the original builder of the Banff Springs Hotel. <ref>{{cite web|title=Cyrus Cincinnatti Cuneo (Terence's Father)|url=http://terencecuneo.co.uk/?page_id=37|website=Terence Cuneo|publisher=Carole Cuneo|accessdate=17 August 2015}}</ref>

==Folklore==
⚫ Banff Springs Hotel is reportedly haunted. Stories suggest a woman dressed in her wedding gown lost her life on the staircase. The bride was walking up the staircase, which was lined with candles, when suddenly, her dress caught fire. In a panic, she tripped and fell down the stairs, and died from a broken neck. Many people have reported seeing her ghost in full wedding gown, often dancing in the ballroom <ref>{{cite web|title=Banff Springs Hotel, Alberta, Canada|url=http://www.hauntedrooms.com/banff-springs-hotel-alberta-canada|website=Haunted Rooms|publisher=HauntedRooms.com|accessdate=17 August 2015}}</ref>

In addition, a family was allegedly murdered in room 873, the door of which is now bricked up and made to look like part of the surrounding walls. Guests have reported seeing apparitions come out of the room. <ref>{{cite web|title=Banff Springs Hotel, Alberta, Canada|url=http://www.hauntedrooms.com/banff-springs-hotel-alberta-canada|website=Haunted Rooms|publisher=HauntedRooms.com|accessdate=17 August 2015}}</ref>



== See also == == See also ==
Line 74: Line 86:


== References == == References ==
⚫ {{commons category|Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel}}
{{reflist}} {{reflist|40em}}



== Further reading == == Further reading ==
* '''' (2007; ) * '''' (2007; )
* ''Rails & Rooms: A Timeless Canadian Journey'' (by Dave Preston; Whitecap Books) * ''Rails & Rooms: A Timeless Canadian Journey'' (by Dave Preston; Whitecap Books <ref>{{cite web|title=Whitecap Books|url=http://www.whitecap.ca/|website=Whitecap Books|publisher=Whitecap Books|accessdate=17 August 2015}}</ref>)

==External links==
⚫ {{commons category|Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel}}
*
*
*
*


{{Canada's railway hotels}} {{Canada's railway hotels}}

Revision as of 22:29, 23 August 2015

Historic site in Alberta, Canada
Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel
EtymologyNearby thermal springs
LocationBanff National Park, Banff, Western Alberta, Alberta, Canada
Elevation1,415 metres (4,642 ft)
Founded1887
FounderWilliam Cornelius Van Horne
Built1888 (original hotel); 1928 (present hotel core)
Original useCanadian railway hotel
ArchitectBruce Price (original hotel); Walter S. Painter (present hotel core)
Architectural style(s)Scottish Baronial
Governing bodyFairmont Hotels and Resorts
WebsiteFairmont Banff Springs Hotel
National Historic Site of Canada

The Banff Springs Hotel is a luxury hotel built during the 19th century as one of Canada's grand railway hotels. It was constructed in Scottish Baronial style, and is located in Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada. The hotel opened to the public on June 1, 1888. Presently, The Fairmont Banff Springs resort hotel is owned by Oxford Properties, the real estate arm of the Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System, or OMERS, and is operated by Fairmont Hotels and Resorts of Toronto. Banff Springs Hotel sits at an altitude of 1,415 metres (4,642 ft) It's just one of a handful of mountain resorts located in the beautiful wilderness of Canada.

The hotel is located within a spectacular setting in the Rocky Mountains, just above the Bow Falls, close to thermal springs. The main view from the hotel looks across the valley, toward Mount Rundle, the sloping side of which was once sea floor, and is now known for its ancient, exposed seabeds. The hotel is within walking distance of the resort community of Banff.

Architecture

The original building was designed by American architect Bruce Price. It was built by the Canadian Pacific Railway at the instigation of its president, William Cornelius Van Horne. Construction began in the spring of 1887, and was completed in the spring of 1888.

Starting in 1911, a wholly new structure was built in stages to replace the 1888 hotel. Price's Shingle style-influenced wooden structure was replaced with a new building of concrete faced with stone. The new building was designed by another American architect, Walter S. Painter.

The current hotel was completed in 1914. It stands at a height of 59.5 metres (195 ft), and contains 15 floors and 23 elevators.

The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel offers 764 guest rooms and suites, many with views of the majestic Rocky Mountains. Guests have no fewer than 13 restaurants, bars and lounges to choose from, offering a variety of dining options, from sushi, to pub food, to weekend brunch. The 1888 Chop House provides a luxury dining experience with a modern twist on the authentic chop house. Guests can also take advantage of the on-site wine store, filled with numerous local wines, and hosting daily wine tastings.

History of renovations

Banff Springs Hotel, October 1929 - note the bare hillsides around the hotel at the time, trees would later cover these slopes

The original building was quite different from the present Banff Springs structure. Variously termed a "Tudor hall" or a "Swiss chalet," the Price building was clad in shingles with stone accents, and featured a profusion of dormers, turrets, and roof lines. The 1888 structure cost $250,000 to build, and a mistake made by the builder changed the intended orientation of the building, turning its back on the mountain vista. This original building included more than 100 bedrooms, centered on a five-story, octagonal rotunda. An addition in 1902 expanded and renovated the building, adding more than 200 rooms. Further additions followed.

By 1906, plans were advanced for a complete overhaul of the Banff Springs Hotel building, proposing a replacement of much of the original structure. Walter Painter, chief architect for Canadian Pacific Railway, designed an eleven-story central tower of concrete and stone, flanked by two wings. This time correctly oriented to the dramatic view, the so-called "Painter Tower" was completed in 1914 at a cost of $2 million with 300 guest rooms and, for some time, was the tallest building in Canada. Construction of new wings was delayed by World War I, and the surviving Price wings continued in service.

In 1926, while work was proceeding on the new wings, a fire destroyed the remainder of the original building designed by Price. Further renovations to replace the destroyed building were designed by architect, J. W. Orrock, who continued in the style originated by Painter, greatly expanding the Painter Tower, altering its roof line, and adding his own massive alterations. The two new wings opened in 1928.

In 1968, the building was winterized, and has been open year-round since.

Artwork

Halfway up the internal staircase closest to the Bow Falls hangs a noted painting of William Davidson felling trees on the Miramichi River during colonial times. Davidson, who had grown up in Moray, close to Banff, Scotland, was the first European settler in that area of Canada. The name borne by the Canadian city and the national park is derived from his native country. The painting of the pioneer is by the war artist Cyrus Cuneo (1879–1916), who executed a series of paintings for the Canadian Pacific Railway, the original builder of the Banff Springs Hotel.

Folklore

Banff Springs Hotel is reportedly haunted. Stories suggest a woman dressed in her wedding gown lost her life on the staircase. The bride was walking up the staircase, which was lined with candles, when suddenly, her dress caught fire. In a panic, she tripped and fell down the stairs, and died from a broken neck. Many people have reported seeing her ghost in full wedding gown, often dancing in the ballroom

In addition, a family was allegedly murdered in room 873, the door of which is now bricked up and made to look like part of the surrounding walls. Guests have reported seeing apparitions come out of the room.


See also

References

  1. Fairmont Hotels and Resorts (February 2007). "History of the Fairmont Banff Springs". Archived from the original on 14 May 2007. Retrieved 2007-05-11. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  2. Banff Springs Hotel Altitude and Location
  3. "Fairmont Banff Springs Mountain Resorts". Fairmont Banff Springs. Fairmont Banff Springs. Retrieved 17 August 2015.
  4. "The Ancient Ones". Canada.com. Postmedia Network, Inc. Retrieved 17 August 2015.
  5. "Building a Dream in the Rockies at Banff". Banff Heritage Tourism.
  6. ^ Barnes, Christine (1999). Great Lodges of the Canadian Rockies. Bend, Oregon: W.W. West. pp. 21–26. ISBN 0-9653924-2-2.
  7. "The Fairmont Banff Springs". Emporis. Emporis. Retrieved 17 August 2015.
  8. "Fairmont Banff Springs". Fairmont Banff Springs. Fairmont Banff Springs. Retrieved 17 August 2015.
  9. "1888 Chop House". 1888 Chop House. Fairmont Banff Springs. Retrieved 17 August 2015.
  10. "Authentically Local Wine Store". Fairmont Banff Springs. Fairmont Banff Springs. Retrieved 17 August 2015.
  11. "Banff Springs Hotel". Images Canada. Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved 17 August 2015.
  12. "Banff Springs Hotel National Historic Site of Canada". Canada's Historic Places. Parks Canada. Retrieved 17 August 2015.
  13. "Hotel History". Fairmont Banff Springs.
  14. "Cyrus Cincinnatti Cuneo (Terence's Father)". Terence Cuneo. Carole Cuneo. Retrieved 17 August 2015.
  15. "Banff Springs Hotel, Alberta, Canada". Haunted Rooms. HauntedRooms.com. Retrieved 17 August 2015.
  16. "Banff Springs Hotel, Alberta, Canada". Haunted Rooms. HauntedRooms.com. Retrieved 17 August 2015.


Further reading

Grand railway hotels of Canada
City hotels
Resort hotels
Hotels portal • flag Canada portal
  1. "Whitecap Books". Whitecap Books. Whitecap Books. Retrieved 17 August 2015.
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