What are the grand railway hotels of Canada?

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Canadian Pacific Railway built a series of grand hotels to encourage tourism, attract rail travellers, and create memorable stops along its transcontinental route. These properties helped showcase Canada’s landscapes while making long-distance train journeys more appealing.

Many of these hotels were designed in European architectural styles, including Scottish baronial influences at Banff Springs Hotel, and French château style at Chateau Lake Louise and Château Frontenac in Quebec City. With stone façades, dramatic towers, and elegant interiors, they became iconic landmarks across the country.

The Canadian Pacific Railway built many iconic railway hotels, including Fairmont Empress in Victoria and Fairmont Royal York in Toronto. The Grand Trunk Railway and Grand Trunk Pacific Railway also developed landmark properties, including Château Laurier in Ottawa and Fort Garry Hotel in Winnipeg — hotels that passed to Canadian National once the two railways were nationalized in the early 1920s, and that operated for decades afterward as part of the Canadian National Hotels before eventually joining Fairmont. Together, these historic hotels showcase the connection between Canada’s railways, hospitality, and destinations.

For travellers exploring the Canadian Rockies by rail, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise offers a memorable overnight experience, allowing guests to stay within one of the Rockies’ most iconic landscapes and enjoy the rare opportunity to wake up near the turquoise waters of Lake Louise.

Upgrades and amenities at Fairmont le Château Frontenac

Fairmont Gold is located on the 11th 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 hors d'oeuvres.

Pairing a luxury Canadian train journey on VIA Rail Prestige or the Rocky Mountaineer with a stay at a historic Grand Railway Hotel such as Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise offers a golden-age of travel experience, since the same railway companies once built both the coaches and the hotels.

Onboard, panoramic views, dedicated service, dining cars and gourmet meals offer the same level of comfort and luxury as any Grand Railway Hotel. Arriving at a station near a Grand Railway Hotel skips the hassle of a rental car, directions, or a tight schedule; the hotel becomes the destination itself.

For travellers who want a more relaxed trip without spending their days driving and navigating, the pairing works especially well. Scenic routes like the Rocky Mountaineer or VIA Rail take travellers through landscapes they might otherwise miss from the highway, while amenities like Fairmont Gold lounges, full-service spas, and storied dining rooms give guests plenty to enjoy once they arrive, without needing to leave the property.

If you’re considering a luxurious rail tour featuring stays at a Grand Railway Hotel, planning with Canadian Train Vacations by Fresh Tracks Canada can help make the experience effortless. Explore our trips featuring luxury rail and stays at Grand Railway Hotels. All our vacations are customizable, so you can add as many hotel nights or train journeys as you'd like.

Fairmont Hotels are often paired with Canadian rail journeys, whether along the route, at the beginning or end of a trip, or as part of a pre- or post-rail extension. Popular pairings include Fairmont Banff Springs and Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise on Canadian Rockies itineraries, Fairmont Empress on Vancouver Island extensions, Fairmont Hotel Vancouver with some Rocky Mountaineer routes, Fairmont Royal York with VIA Rail's The Canadian, and Fairmont Château Frontenac on Eastern Canada journeys.

The local travel experts at Canadian Train Vacations by Fresh Tracks Canada can help you plan a rail journey with Fairmont stays that suit your travel preferences. They specialize in creating personalized rail journeys based on the hotels you want to experience, destinations you want to visit, your preferred pace, activities, and comfort needs.

Upgrade to Fairmont Gold for a one-of-a-kind luxury experience

Fairmont Gold is a premium hotel experience available at select Fairmont properties. It’s an  exclusive hotel-within-a-hotel experience, providing guests with unparalleled service, comfort, and sophistication. These select floors of the hotel feature a private check-in and lounge, a dedicated service team, and elegant extras. 

Several Grand Railway Hotels offer Fairmont Gold accommodations, including Fairmont Banff Springs, Fairmont Royal York, and Fairmont Château Frontenac.

If you’re planning a Canadian rail vacation, a Canadian Insider can help you explore Fairmont Gold options and include them in your personalized itinerary.