Experience Luxury at Canada’s Grand Railway Hotels

From Toronto to Vancouver, luxury is evident at Canada’s Grand Railway Hotels.

Imagine this: you’ve packed your finest garments for the journey ahead, ready for gourmet meals, fine wine, and great conversations. However, instead of boarding a first-class flight or a luxury ocean liner, you are stepping into a nineteenth-century train cabin.

In the late nineteenth century, Canadian train travel was an exclusive luxury, thanks to the Canadian Pacific Railway and its competitors. These railroads opened up long-distance travel as a coveted experience, characterized by its grandeur and comfort. Consequently, the journey itself transformed into a memorable adventure.

With the rise of sophisticated train travel came the necessity for exquisite accommodations, conveniently located near train stations. This need led to the establishment of Canada’s Grand Railway Hotels, designed to be an extension of the luxurious train travel experience.

To meet the taste of modern travelers, most original railway hotels were built in the majestic Châteauesque style—a distinctive architectural hybrid of Scottish baronial and French châteaux.

Montreal-based architect Ross & Macdonald championed this grand architecture, drawing inspiration from renowned establishments like New York City’s Plaza Hotel but transforming it into a distinctly Canadian style that spread across the nation by the early twentieth century.

While train travel may not be the dominant mode of transportation today, many Grand Dames stand tall, maintaining luxury accommodations throughout Canada. Many of these iconic hotels are now managed by Fairmont Hotels and Resorts, further enhancing their prestige.

Moreover, these remaining Grand Railway Hotels are considered vital components of Canadian history and architecture, with several being designated as National Historic Sites of Canada, protected by provincial and federal cultural property acts.

Discover the Most Notable Grand Railway Hotels

If you’re interested in stepping back in time to experience the opulence of well-to-do travelers from nineteenth-century Canada, here are several storied properties worth exploring, from British Columbia to Nova Scotia:

Fairmont Hotel Vancouver — Vancouver, British Columbia

The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver exemplifies the Châteauesque style with its prominent copper-pitched roof and intricately carved stonework. Despite its later construction, this luxurious property shares the same esteemed architectural aspects as earlier railway hotels, having opened in 1939.

Fairmont Banff Springs — Banff, Alberta

Nestled within the Rocky Mountain range of Banff National Park, the Fairmont Banff Springs was designed to attract international travelers. Since its opening in 1888, it has drawn guests worldwide, famous for its lavish architecture and stunning location. Notable guests have included Marilyn Monroe and King George VI.

Fairmont Château Lake Louise — Lake Louise, Alberta

Fairmont Château Lake Louise opened in 1890, quickly becoming renowned for its breathtaking views and access to the turquoise waters of Lake Louise. Today, this luxury hotel attracts travelers seeking an upscale experience amid the Canadian wilderness.

Fairmont Hotel Macdonald — Edmonton, Alberta

The Fairmont Hotel Macdonald, initially opened by the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway in 1915, showcases exquisite Châteauesque-style architecture, including turret towers and ornate details, reflective of the period’s luxury.

Fort Garry Hotel — Winnipeg, Manitoba

As one of the finest examples of Châteauesque-style construction, the Fort Garry Hotel opened in 1913, following architectural influences from the Plaza Hotel. It has played host to many notable guests, cementing its place in Winnipeg’s history.

Fairmont Royal York — Toronto, Ontario

The Fairmont Royal York stands as one of the largest railway hotels in Canada, featuring over 1,048 rooms at its 1929 opening. Conveniently located near Union Station, it remains a popular choice for railroad travelers.

Fairmont Château Laurier — Ottawa, Ontario

A jewel in Canada’s capital, the Fairmont Château Laurier boasts stunning views and elegant interiors. Despite its tragic inception, it remains a hallmark of luxury and historic significance.

Fairmont Château Frontenac — Quebec City, Quebec

Designed by Bruce Price, the Fairmont Château Frontenac is renowned for its picturesque fortress-like architecture, making it one of the most photographed hotels globally and an iconic part of Quebec City’s skyline.

The Westin Nova Scotian — Halifax, Nova Scotia

While most luxurious railway hotels are found on the west coast, the Westin Nova Scotian, originally known as the Nova Scotian, represents Halifax’s grandeur. Located near the railway station and former Pier 21 terminal, this historic hotel has welcomed numerous notable guests, including Queen Elizabeth II on two occasions.