Luxury wellness at Fairmont Banff Springs
To vacation means to put those skills of enjoying every moment, relaxing and resetting, enjoying great food and drinks and everything else, to good use. As we enter a high vacation season, we are thinking of places that we don’t have to travel too far to get to, and still lift our mental, emotional and physical wellbeing. The first place that comes to mind is Banff.
Chatting with Claire Edwards, Fairmont Banff Springs’ Public Relations Manager, reminds me of all the beauty and enjoyment Banff has to offer, and how magnificent it is in the summer months. “With over 1,600 kilometres of trails, Banff National Park offers adventurers some of the best hiking on the planet. That may not be breaking news to Albertans, but what will surprise many is the deeper appreciation of this special place gained by opting to explore with the help of a highly qualified guide who can provide insightful knowledge and information. One great way to connect with this environment is through the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku, also known as forest bathing. Guided hikes and forest bathing sessions are available at Fairmont Banff Springs through its Resort Activities team.”
Even for the regular visitors, some of the must-do activities include the following:
Get pampered by the award winning Willow Stream Spa. This serene alpine oasis boasts waterfalls and a relaxing mineral pool perfect for a restorative soak. With top-of-the-world views and 27 private treatment rooms, this 40,000 square foot spa beckons anyone seeking refuge and quiet. A must-visit sanctuary where magical sunsets can be viewed right from the outdoor whirlpool.
Experience the first and only via ferrata in a national park in Canada at Mount Norquay. This designated ‘Canadian Signature Experience’ by Destination Canada boasts unique panoramic views of the town of Banff and Bow Valley, and offers a greater variety of routes than any other via ferrata in Canada. Leave your worries behind and let a highly experienced ACMG-certified guide lead the way.
Cycle one of Canada’s most scenic roadways car-free! From May 1 – June 25 and September 1 – 30, adventure seekers can enjoy cycling the scenic eastern 17-kilometre section of the Bow Valley Parkway, which will be closed to public vehicle traffic as part of a three-year pilot program. Connecting Banff and Lake Louise and running parallel to the Trans-Canada highway, the Bow Valley Parkway offers users spectacular mountain vistas and is renowned for wildlife sightings, particularly in the morning and evening. Rent a bike at Fairmont Banff Springs or join a tour for a more fulsome experience
While Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel has been one of the most loved landmarks in Banff, the management team is always working on improving their guests’ experiences. They are currently undergoing extensive renovations of the Royal Suite, Fairmont Gold Rooms, and many other rooms, with a completion date of summer 2022.
And for those who love to golf, masterful golf courses await. Both the Stanley Thompson (18 holes) & Tunnel Mountain (9 holes) courses were designed and perfected for pure enjoyment with a strategic and challenging layout sure to win over both experts and beginners of the game. With perfectly placed bunkers and optical illusions aplenty, these courses demand the players’ undivided attention. Cart tours offer a chance to spot local wildlife and highlight the history of this acclaimed course.
If you’re looking for exceptional dining experiences, Edwards has some recommendations. For incredible food and a view to match, try the private 360 Dome Dining experience or a luxurious Afternoon Tea at the castle. Fairmont Banff Spring’s Royal Tea experience launched this year in the newly renovated Rundle Bar, and features a lavish array of savoury artisanal ingredients and house made sweets. 1888 Chop House boasts the best in Alberta beef, Japanese Wagyu, sustainably sourced wild game and Ocean Wise seafood, paired with a sophisticated dining environment and service to match. Champagne Bar, anyone?
Places To Be
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