Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel was the brainchild of Sir William Cornelius Van Horne, general manager of the Canadian Pacific Railway. On arrival at Banff, the tourism visionary made the canny observation that "Since we can’t export the scenery, we'll have to import the tourists"—and thus set about building a string of great railway hotels across Canada. The original wooden hotel that opened in 1888 burned down in 1926, but was replaced two years later with the grander castle-meets-baronial-Scottish-hall structure that exists today. The public lobby spaces are vast, and there are countless nooks to curl up in with a book where guests will remain undisturbed. With its signature stone walls, turrets, and winding staircases, Van Horne’s gambit paid off: The Fairmont Banff Springs feels for all the world like an elegant and ancient castle, albeit one with all the modern conveniences. Rooms in the main building come with quirky period details such as chandeliers and crown molding; those in the Stanley Thompson wing (the old staff quarters) are more spacious and a solid bet for families. Foodies will not be disappointed: The hotel has 11 different restaurants, cafes, and bars. So much choice, in fact, that guests are issued with a food guide upon check-in to help them make the most of the hotel's offerings, which range from Japanese to Canadian via Italy and Germany.
