Grand Canadian Railway Hotels

Published Dec 20, 2024
4 min read

Many of Canada's most iconic hotels were built by the Canadian Pacific Railway as it expanded across the country. These grand **Canadian railway hotels** are popular tourist attractions in their own right, offering architectural splendor and historical significance. It also helps that these properties are located in some of Canada's most appealing locations, from Rocky Mountain view points to downtown city cores. 

Our local travel experts help visitors to Canada plan their vacations. We specialize in Canadian train vacations and many of our itineries include these historic Canada railroad hotels. 

blue Lake Louise with trees and Fairmont Hotel in background

Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel

Known as one of the world's premiere luxury resorts, the Fairmont Banff Springs is often called the "Castle of the Rockies." It is one of the older railway hotels, having been built in 1888. Located a short walk from the town of Banff, just above Bow Falls, the hotel is in the heart of Banff National Park — a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is surrounded by spectacular alpine beauty; as William Cornelius Van Horne, president of the Canada-Pacific Railway back when the hotel was built, famously said:"If we can't export the scenery, we'll import the tourists".

Fairmont Banff Springs with mountains and river

Upgrades and amenities at the Fairmont Banff Springs

Luxury rooms: Fairmont Gold are the accommodations at this property. Room types options include Fairmont Gold Rooms, Fairmont Gold One Bedroom Suites, Fairmont Gold Mountain View Rooms, Fairmont Gold Junior Suites, and the Fairmont Gold Two Bedroom Suites. The elegant rooms and suites are on a private floor with its own check in desk and concierge. Benefits of Fairmont Gold include access to a private lounge with complimentary breakfast and afternoon hors d'oeuvres.  

Golf Course: The resort is home to the The Fairmont Banff Springs Golf Course. Designed by the famous Canadian architect Stanley Thompson, it's meant to exist in harmony with the natural contours of Canada's Rocky Mountains.
Spa: Inspired by the area's hot springs,the hotel's Willow Stream Spa offers soothing treatments, including massages. 
Take in the views from the fabulous restaurants, such as the 1888 Chop House and the Waldhaus Restaurant. 

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

Situated in Banff National Park in Alberta, the Chateau Lake Louise is located on the shores of the beautiful glacier lake for which it is named. Originally built as a base for outdoor enthusiasts and alpinists over 100 years ago, it still offers guided mountain tours, world-class skiing in the winter, and scenic hiking and canoe activities in the summer. 

The luxury accommodations feature 539 guest rooms and suites with modern décor, offering views of Lake Louise and the surrounding Bow Valley mountain ranges.

blue Lake Louise with trees and Fairmont Hotel in background

Upgrades and amenities at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise 

*  The resort is home to seven restaurants, including an ice bar in winter, an inviting Swiss-inspired restaurant, and an Italian kitchen. 
*  The hotel has a full-service spa and a wide range of amenities to ensure that your Canadian vacation is one whose luxury you'll always remember. 

Fairmont Royal York

Originally opened on June 11, 1929, this historic hotel is conveniently located across the street from Toronto's Union Train Station. At 28 floors, the Château-style building was once the tallest building in the British Empire. Known for its posh elegance, rich Canadian history, and word-class accommodations, the Royal York has been the Canadian residence of choice for Queen Elizabeth II and other members of the Royal Family when in Toronto. 

A recent renovation features expansive new suites, an inviting 18th floor Gold level lounge, and grand luxurious common spaces.

Fairmont Gold is the hotel's VIP-level on the 18th floor. Room types include the Fairmont Gold Room, Fairmont Gold Suite, or Fairmont Gold Studio Suite. Some of the many perks include access to the private lounge and complimentary breakfast and afternoon canapés. 

The restaurants, including its French Brasserie Reign, draw from the multicultural influences of Toronto, sourcing local produce, wild-caught fish and seafood, and the finest ingredients across the world.

Exterior view of the Fairmont Royal York and downtown Toronto

Upgrades and amenities at Fairmont Royal York

A recent renovation resulted in expansive new suites, an inviting 18th floor lounge, and grand luxurious common spaces. 

Stay on the designated Fairmont Gold floor with its private lounge and complimentary breakfast and afternoon canapés. These rooms a private check-in area on the 18th floor. Options include the Fairmont Gold room, studio suite or suite.

Sip delightful cocktails at Clockwork or the cozy Library Bar, or dine at REIGN, the hotel's take on an elevated French brasserie. Reign draws from the multicultural influences of Toronto, sourcing local produce, wild-caught fish and seafood, and the finest ingredients across the world. Our Canadian Insiders highly recommend lingering over the breakfast buffet before a day exploring the city.

Fairmont Le Château Frontenac

Designed by architect Bruce Price, Fairmont Le Château Frontenac was opened in 1893. It is a National Historic Site of Canada in 1980 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located in Old Quebec, the hotel is an ideal location for walking and exploring the city. The 610 renovated guest rooms and suites have a contemporary decor influenced by the elegance of European history. 

Famous guest include Charles Lindberg, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Winston Churchill King George VI and Queen Elizabeth. 

Upgrades and amenities at Fairmont le Château Frontenac

Fairmont Gold is located on the 11 to 17th floors, with a dedicated check-in counter and lounge.  The lounge offers panoramic views of the city to enjoy with complimentary breakfast or evening hor d'ouevres. 

Fairmont Chateau Laurier

Often considered to be the grandest of Canada's Grand Railway Hotels, the castle-like Fairmont Chateau Laurier is a study in splendor, and is a local Canadian landmark and a popular vacation destination. The hotel was commissioned by then-commissioner of the Grand Trunk Railroad, Charles M Hayes and designed by the Ross & McFarlane architectural firm of Montreal, Canada. The Fairmont Chateau Laurier was completed in 1912; timing intended to coincide with the opening of Ottawa's Train Union Station.

Located in Ottawa's downtown core, with ByWard Market on one side and the Rideau Canal locks on the other, the hotel is perfectly situated to explore the city. Rooms range from traditional to luxury suites. 

aerial view of Fairmont Chateau Laurier

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