With an incredible setting in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, the iconic Banff Springs Hotel is one of the most photogenic hotels in the world. This collection of Banff Springs Hotel photos celebrates the storied history of this luxury Banff hotel built by CP Railways in 1888.
This collection of Banff Springs Hotel pictures are primarily from Banff postcards from the 1900s to the 1940s. We have presented them by decade. Best efforts have been made to present accurate dates for these images of the Banff Springs Hotel history, but in most cases the actual date cannot be 100% verified.
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The Banff Springs Hotel is on the list. See what other hotels made our list of the best luxury hotels in Banff.
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Banff Springs Hotel Photos from The 1900’s
By the turn of the century, the Banff Springs Hotel had become one of the top resorts in North America. Eager to capitalize on its growing international fame, the Canadian Pacific Railway expanded and renovated the Banff Springs Hotel on an annual basis.
The Banff Springs Hotel images from the 1900’s decade showcase its wilderness setting, with Mt. Rundle and the Bow River making an appearance in most images.
Stay at the Fairmont
The historic Banff Springs Hotel is every bit as magical today as it was in the 1900’s. Check the Fairmont website to book your stay at the Banff Springs Hotel.
Banff Springs Hotel Images from The 1910’s
The popularity of the Banff Springs Hotel resulted in many esteemed guests being turned away due to capacity issues. As a result, the CPR decided to ramp up their expansion efforts. As you can see from these historic Banff Springs Hotel images, the decade between 1910 and 1920 resulted in major changes to the hotel.
Written on the back of the Banff Springs Hotel postcard:
“The Banff Hotel, owned and operated by the Canadian Pacific Railway, is located at Banff in the Canadian Rockies. It is the headquarters of the Canadian National Park, an area of 5,732 square miles, embracing parts of the Bow, Spray and Cascade Rivers, Lake Minnewanka [sic] and several magnificent mountain ranges. It is the largest park in the world, being nearly half as large again as the famous Yellowstone Park.”
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The Banff Springs Hotel remains the top resort in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. See our list of 70 reasons to stay at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel.
Banff Springs Hotel Photos from the 1920’s
Disaster struck the Banff Springs Hotel in March 1926, when a massive fire destroyed much of the beloved Banff hotel. Repairs were conducted with remarkable speed and the hotel reopened in phases between July 1926 and 1928. The final 1920’s Banff Springs Hotel image showcases the new fire resistant hotel constructed from steel, concrete and stone.
To: Master T. Image
Springs Hotel, Banff
June 23rd/20
“Had a long run through the Prairies on Monday between Winnipeg & the Rockies.
Dear Tom: Arrived here Tuesday morning 8:45, staying here for a few days. This is in the Canadian Rocky Mountains & the most lovely spot we have yet struck. Mountains all round the Hotel & snow is on them all the year round. Ma & I have had a lovely swim in the sulphur pool this afternoon. This pool is filled by a warm spring. It was snowing here this morning.
Pa “
Postmark Date: 1920-06-24 Banff, Alberta
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A hotel as beautiful as the Banff Springs Hotel has inspired a lot of beautiful artwork over the years. Browse Banff Springs Hotel prints and artwork for your home or as a gift.
Banff Springs Hotel Photos from The 1930’s
As you can see from the historic 1930’s Banff Springs Hotel pictures, the reconstructed hotel was nothing short of remarkable. Many described the 1930’s as the Banff Springs Hotel most glamorous decade, which was capped with a visit by King George VI and Queen Elizabeth in 1939.
To: Mr. & Mrs. Ainslie
“Dear folks: Fun and frolic. Please try and come out on Sunday cause I’m lonely, miserable, and sick, but having fun. Deep in planning stunts with kids, church services with leaders. [?] new potatoes. Up to now, good meals but insufficient. Last night it poured and wouldn’t [?] … everyone had diarrhea (I think) except me. [Anne?]“
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Are you are interested in the fascinating history of the Banff Springs Hotel? If so, I highly recommend the book A Castle in the Wilderness: The Story of the Banff Springs Hotel.
Banff Springs Hotel Pictures from The 1940’s
With the onset of World War II, international tourism dropped, impacting the Banff Springs Hotel. The hotel closed its doors from 1942 to 1945 to support the war effort.
Dated: August 9, 1948
“Hello [?], We are here in Banff for the night. Cool today and quite chilly tonight – raining every other [?]. Wonderful mountains all around. We leave tomorrow for a motor trip to Lake Louise & will get back on the train tomorrow night. Hope you are ok. Love Elianior”
Top Banff Springs Hotel Deal
Are you an Albertan looking for a staycation in the Rocky Mountains? The Banff Springs Alberta resident rate offers locals up to a 30% discount on room rates!
Not from Alberta? See even more Banff Springs Hotel deals.
Sources of these Historic Banff Springs Hotel Photos
The historic Banff Springs Hotel photos within this collection of images were sourced from the Internet Archive. Every effort has been taken to ensure copyright law has been respected. If you have a copyright concern, please contact us at info [at] travelbanffcanada.com with details.
More About the Fairmont Banff Springs
Dan Brewer, a life-long Alberta resident, calls Canmore home along with his wife and two kids. He is the co-owner of Travel Banff Canada, where he gets to share his passion for the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Dan, along with his family, love being outdoors doing one of the many activities they enjoy in the mountains: hiking, mountain biking, paddleboarding, skiing, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
When he's not in Canmore enjoying one of his favourite local hikes, you can find him hoping on a plane to explore a new country with his family or working on one of their other two travel sites: Family Can Travel and Baby Can Travel.