Fairmont Banff Springs

The dining spread across twelve outlets means you are unlikely to eat the same way twice during a stay. The 1888 Chop House is the flagship, a serious steakhouse named for the hotel’s founding year with a menu built around Canadian beef and an extensive wine list.

Castello is the Italian-influenced option with mountain views. The Waldhaus, a separate chalet building a short walk from the main hotel, does fondue and German-inflected dishes in a setting that makes complete sense in the Rockies.

The Rundle Bar in the main building is the place for a drink before dinner, with castle architecture above you and the mountains through the windows.

The hotel sits inside a national park, which means the activities on offer go well beyond what most resorts can arrange. In summer, the Fairmont Banff Springs Golf Course, one of the most scenically dramatic in the world, plays directly alongside the Spray River with the Rockies as the backdrop.

Hiking trails leave from the hotel grounds. Canoe trips on the Bow River, horseback riding, and guided wildlife excursions are all bookable through the activities desk. In winter, three ski resorts, Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise, and Mount Norquay, are all accessible within 30 minutes, and the hotel operates ski storage and can arrange passes and transfers.