Fairmont Banff Springs Family Destination Home Away From Home – Loving Littles
Daydreaming about the Fairmont Banff Springs has been happening to me since Drew and I took our very first road trip to Banff, years ago, pre-kids! It’s always caught our eye, the beauty, how grand it is. A castle nestled in the landscape surrounding Banff. Last year when we brought the kids for the first time we took them to drive by it and Ella swore she saw Elsa living there! Haha Not only is every kid’s dream to stay here but it’s every adult’s as well.
With our second trip back to Banff with the little ones, we had the perfect opportunity to experience a two night three day stay here. Basically, the dream was coming true for our family! Travelling is very special to us. It’s something we missed during self isolation. We make some of our most favourite memoires travelling together and this stay at Fairmont Banff tops the list.
We arrived and like total tourists peeking out our windows staring up into the vastness of this hotel. Giving our vehicle to valet to take care of, it seemed like it was already so easy to us. Checking in and bringing our bags up to the room, again so nice and easy. Children are greeted so graciously to, giving each kid their own little crown and tiara. Treats in the room!
Once we unloaded in our gorgeous viewed two bedroom room. We knew we had to explore. We knew we had to learn more history about this very old hotel. We knew we had to immediately go have fun as a family!
Campfire & Naturalist Table
Every evening around 4:30pm-5:30pm outside in front of the Vermillion Room, the hotel puts on a free family activity. A campfire and naturalist table. Relax in front of the campfire with breathtaking views. The kids enjoyed the naturalist table and roasting up some smores. Fairmont Banff is really the best family stay in how they really make an effort to give you the full experience of the outdoors, while keeping it fun with the whole family.
Scavenger Hunt
Is also something that you can do at the Fairmont Banff, if you ask the concierge they will set you up and give you all the information you need! We loved how sweet and helpful they were to us. Throughout the hotel in special areas the kids will look for things along the way!
Dinner Rundle Bar
That evening we dressed up and headed downstairs in the hotel to the Rundle Bar for some dinner. I loved this little gem, it’s such a gorgeous restaurant and bar. So elegant and fun to share with the little ones. They were very well behaved and literally took it all in like us. We ordered a little bit of everything to share. But I do have to recommend the sushi and the dumplings. Amazing. Drinks were very tasty too, the Mai Tai were delicious. Open later in the evening and walk in as well!
Rise and Shine at The Vermillion Room
Early start to our day, we slowly made our way downstairs to The Vermillion Room for breakfast. They greeted the little ones so nicely with colouring sheets, crayons and a breakfast menu. Drew and I filled up on coffee and ate away. We each had a little bit of everything from pancakes to hashbrowns, sausages, bacon, eggs, toast. It was all so good. I loved how convenient it was to take a quick elevator ride down to eat!
The following day we took to Banff exploring a little visiting Mount Norquay, Banff Gondola, Lake Minnewanka cruise. That’s another really perfect thing about staying here, it’s so close to downtown Banff and a quick drive to scenic places that will leave you inspired. We spent this trip exploring as much as possible.
Lunch at STOCK
In between our bopping around from one place to another, we stopped and took some time to eat and refuel for the afternoon. Stopping back at STOCK inside the Fairmont Hotel, eating a refreshing and healthy lunch was just what we needed to do. Quick and easy sandwiches and juice on the go. More coffee of course and a sweet treat from their bakery! Off we continued to the Banff Gondola.
Wilderness Walk & Creativity Night
Another great family friendly and free activity held by the Fairmont. They organize a simple and light trail walk down Spray Trail with an animator, they teach you all about the landscape, mountain areas and a little bit about history. We really took this time on this trip and learnt so much about Banff’s history and fun little tidbits along the way.
Creativity night is definitely more geared towards the little ones, where you meet up in the evening and enjoy making crafts together!
Special Meal at The Waldaus Pub
This place was a fun adventure to walk to, it’s outside of the hotel but not located very far. There are lots of guides to help you find this location and when you do you’ll be very excited. The Waldaus Pub is a traditional bavarian pub for everyone including kids. They serve so much excellent comfort food. It was such a cozy dimmed light spot. Drew had to order the schnitzel and it was a big portion. He loved it. Owen and I had the boar poutine and Ella stuck with her chicken strips! Hahah Great service, great atmosphere and just so chill. It was a really nice evening followed up with dessert. Ice cream all around!
Photos Trip Advisory
Pool & Hot Tub
The kids were itching to go, begging and pleading. Drew and I dressed them up and took an adventure walk to the indoor pool, hot tub and outdoor heated pool. Oh.My.God. It was the prettiest pool we’ve ever been in. The kids had a blast and stayed for hours. Inside and outside. The pool was seriously a highlight to this trip to the children. Big long lanes to swim, adult hot tub and kids hot tub. Loads of seating and fresh towels. Lockers and shower/change rooms.
The four of us really took our time to, to learn more history about the Fairmont Banff Hotel. It’s the oldest hotel built by the Canadian Pacific Railway, dating back to 1888. Serving guests like Marilyn Monroe and Queen Elizabeth. The structure was originally built the opposite way so the staff were the ones who could see the views and the guests were located on the other side of the hotel. Then in 1926 there was a fire which ruined parts of the hotel, they then rebuilt to make the original plans in 1928.
Along with all of these great features I’m sharing with you, there are really many many more. There is also Willow Stream Spa & Salon, events, family and recreation activities that are seasonal, shopping inside and located just below the golf course. Which Drew has golfed on before, back in the pre-kids days!
Afternoon Tea at Rundle Bar
Our last little hoorah was here our final day. Enjoying afternoon tea at the Rundle Bar. Happening every Friday, Saturday and Sunday with reservations. They served the creamiest tea and tour of sweets and eats. Drew and I shared one while the kids shared their junior tea and tier. Such a great spread of delicates. It’s a 132 year long hotel tradition. We loved how ours was themed Thanksgiving with pumpkin ingredients added. We enjoyed it!
It was really hard for us to leave, we had such an excellent time being able to spoil the little ones and treating them like a king and queen for the three days. I was really enlightened to see just how family friendly it was here. Everything is so perfectly done to every last little detail and they really do all they can to make your stay enjoyable. We slept on clouds of bed and pillows all night and left so well rested being so spoiled. Room service that last morning was a total win to, letting everyone sleep in and casually eat and drink! Love dine in service with kids!
Views from our room!
Covid safety protocols were in place and well done, lots of cleaning, mask wearing and hand sanitizer stations all around. I love how this little home away from home is located in such a historical and beautiful place in Canada!
Fairmont Banff Springs
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{Disclosure this post was sponsored post as part of an collaboration program, however all opinions are my own}
Keisha lynne, xx