Banff National Park's 'Castle In The Rockies' Is A Romantic Hotel With Unbelievable Views

Surrounded by the natural beauty of Canada's oldest, most visited, and most famous national park is a luxury hotel that has catered to vacationers for nearly 140 years. Often called the "Castle in the Rockies," Fairmont Banff Springs sits in the middle of Alberta's Banff National Park, one of Canada's top attractions for tourists. The hotel's location allows for incredible nature views in every direction and a comfortable, romantic atmosphere that makes for a perfect couple's getaway.

Fairmont Banff Springs first opened its doors in 1888 and sits at the bottom of Mount Rundle in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. The sprawling mountain offers views of impressive peaks and valleys and is home to one of the more difficult and best-known trails in Banff National Park. It's definitely not a mountain for beginner hikers to tackle. But, there are many ways to enjoy breathtaking views of the mountain and pine forest without leaving the hotel — for example, guests can unwind with a cocktail at Fairmont Banff Springs' appropriately-named Rundle Bar. Several suites are also positioned specifically to showcase the natural beauty of the Banff landscape, allowing guests to gaze out at valleys, mountains, rivers, and glaciers right from bed.

The hotel, as it appears today, was built in 1928 after the original 1888 structure burned down two years earlier. Throughout the decades, guests would stay for weeks or months in the luxurious space until the financial hardships of the Great Depression changed the way visitors planned vacations in Banff National Park. However, since its expansion in the 1980s, Fairmont Banff Springs has continued to thrive, drawing visitors from all over the world. Today, it is open all year long, serving up luxury, romance, and outdoor adventure in every season.

While the castle-like environment offered by Fairmont Banff Springs is certainly a cozy getaway, outdoor enthusiasts will find that a stay here puts the majesty of Banff National Park at their doorstep. Hiking trails are an easy way to enjoy the surroundings on foot, while the hotel's two golf courses offer challenging fairways and stunning views from May to October.

The hotel's mix of indoor and outdoor pools provides swimming opportunities year-round, and the on-site spa offers private relaxation lounges, a hot tub, a steam room, and a sauna. The spa offers couples' treatments to elevate the romantic atmosphere. For lovers of history, a guided walking tour of the castle-like hotel and its grounds is available by reservation. The hotel also hosts special events throughout the year. On Halloween, the hotel transforms into an enchanted castle, while the Christmas season brings festive cheer to the grounds. Couples can take advantage of special Valentine's Day events, including private fire pit experiences and afternoon tea for two.

The winter months, of course, are ideal for skiing in Banff National Park. Three ski resorts are within accessible distance of Fairmont Banff Springs. Mount Norquay Ski Resort is a short 15-minute car ride from the hotel, Banff Sunshine Village Ski and Snowboard Resort sits just 20 minutes away, and Lake Louise Ski Resort and Summer Gondola is around 45 minutes away. Banff National Park attracts a lot of visitors, so those outdoor enthusiasts looking for a calmer experience may want to explore nearby Kananaskis Mountain Lodge, a mountainous outdoor haven that rivals Banff.

A hotel as upscale as Fairmont Banff Springs has no problem attracting celebrities and influential people from around the globe. In fact, the 724 plush guest rooms of the hotel have hosted the likes of Hollywood legend Marilyn Monroe in the early 1950s, Winston Churchill in 1929, and even Queen Elizabeth and King George VI in 1939. Guests who splurge for a suite can enjoy complimentary breakfast, valet parking, personalized concierge services, and welcome goodies upon arrival.

The hotel is also home to four restaurants, which offer intimate and romantic dining options. The 1888 Chop House is a gourmet steakhouse, and The Vermillion Room focuses on French cuisine and delicious wine selections. Castello Italiana, as one might suspect, serves a variety of elevated Italian dishes. The Waldhaus Restaurant offers sweeping views of the Spray and Bow Rivers and hearty Bavarian cuisine. Along with two signature bars, Fairmont Banff Springs offers the perfect setting for a romantic evening that will make you feel like castle royalty. It's no wonder the resort is a hot spot for weddings, honeymoons, and anniversaries.

The closest international airport to Fairmont Banff Springs is Calgary International Airport (YYC), just 90 miles to the east. The close proximity makes Calgary a great starting point for your getaway. As the third-largest city in Canada, Calgary has plenty of attractions and things to do for visitors of all ages, ensuring that your trip to the Castle in the Rockies begins on a high note.