The first time I set eyes on the Fairmont Banff Springs was from the summit of the nearby Sulphur Mountain. The observation deck which we had reached after a few minutes Gondola ride gave us a fine view of what appeared to be a stately centuries-old Alpine castle set in Banff National Park, in the heart of the beautiful Rocky Mountains. Overlooking the spectacular Bow River Valley, it is cradled by the sky-reaching Rocky giants. From our vantage point, its majesty enhanced by the natural surrounding scenery was breathtaking.

Just 130 km (81 mi) west of Calgary on the scenic Trans-Canada highway, the Fairmont Banff Springs is cuddled by a tree-filled landscape and surrounded by fantastically shaped snow-capped mountains. The hotel/resort stands out strikingly in all its splendour on the edge of the town of Banff - a huge lodging place overshadowing all other man-made structures. To us, it resembled a gigantic fairy tale castle, shimmering dramatically in the sunlight. Its unparalleled blend of opulence and seclusion has drawn tourists and wealthy honeymooners from the four corners of the world for more than a hundred years.

A few hours later after having entered the portals of this most magnificent hotel in western Canada, I found it even more stunning. Inside its walls and surrounding landscaped acres are incorporated most of the splendours of Banff National Park and guests can enjoy these during the four seasons of the year. Offering all the amenities of a large village, this first luxury hotel built in Canada is an imposing old world-style structure modelled on a Scottish baronial castle with a fantastic view. It offers stunning vistas, looking out on an awe-inspiring mountain scene - one of the most beautiful in the Rockies – a view that, especially, newly weds will rarely forget.

In the summer of 1888, Banff Springs was erected in the environs of the then tiny village of Banff. The largest hotel in the world of that era, it was a 250 room wooden lodging place, which cost $250,000 - a tidy sum for that period. Rates began at $3.50 per night - a price, which in our times seems ridiculously low. Yet, in that age it was somewhat high and could only be afforded by the wealthy. Hence, it became the mecca for the rich and famous. Here they married, partied and spent some of their wealth, enjoying life to the utmost.

Today, the huge sprawling 18-storey hotel, located in a prime Canadian resort area, is one of the country's best-known tourist lodging places. Each one of its 770 chambers, many added during the countless renovations – the last one took place in 2003 - has its own unique features. Like a well-rounded village, the hotel, which has a staff of 1,200, offers an array of world-renowned conveniences.

A year-round wonderland - the hotel opened for winter guests in 1969 - this resort abode offers luxurious lounges; 6 first class restaurants and 10 other eating places, manned by 500 employees, and 14 shops, including fascinating boutiques in which one can shop for exquisite goods. In the words of one of my colleagues, “It’s a town unto itself.”

For fun and fitness, there are an indoor heated swimming pool, whirlpools, five tennis courts and an exhilarating 27-hole golf course stretching, in a storybook setting, up the Bow River Valley - one of the most scenic courses on earth. However, for many guests, overshadowing all these attributes is the Willow Stream Spa – one of the top spas in Canada. Renovated in 2003, the Spa is at the forefront of the spa industry, offering world class European-style spa experience. A tranquil and opulent world surrounded by fantastic mountain beauty, it reflects an image of elegance and luxury. In its waters and relaxing while being massaged newly joined couples can glory in being totally pampered, forgetting about the woes or strife of the outer world.

In addition, outside the doors of the hotel there is a world of recreation. Guests can bicycle, canoe, fish, relax in the solitude and beauty of a mountain hike, horseback ride, downhill ski, mountain climb, soak in hot mineral springs or join excursions to the nearby bewitching Lake Louise, Columbia ice-fields and a host of other Rocky mountain tourist sites.

Accompanied by the hotel’s guest relation manager, Dave Moberg, we stopped in the expansive baronial Mount Stephen Hall, Banff Springs' famous Gothic masterpiece. "This is the room I prefer. It’s the most popular room in Alberta for weddings, Moberg commented. "Here one can, while watching exciting plays, have a medieval dinner in the same fashion as in the bygone ages. Every meal brings to mind feasting halls, lords and ladies, the songs of Camelot and the clash of swords. For a guest it is a never-to-be-forgotten event", he went on as we walked to the Banffshire Restaurant, the hotel’s intimate and exclusive eating- place.

Boasting a-100 % occupancy from May to the end of September, Banff Springs continues as it has for decades to draw well-known personalities. Since it first opened its doors it has catered to international celebrities, from movie stars to wealthy honeymooners, politicians, millionaires and royalty.

For over a hundred years, the castle in the Rockies, nestled in a fantastic landscape and called by some travelers a honeymooner paradise, has been a comfortable lodging place - reasonable in price, yet rich in drawing power. A home of memories and a dream of gracious times in other ages, it is a tribute to man's wise utilization of nature to create a tourist jewel in the heart of the Canadian Rockies.

For Further Information, Contact:
Fairmont Banff Springs, P.O. Box 960, Banff, Alberta, Canada T1L 1J4.
Tel: Toll Free: 1-800-441-1414 or 403-762-2211. Fax 403-762-5755.
E-mail: banffsprings@fairmont.com