The Fairmont Banff Springs Celebrates 125 years!
This year The Fairmont Banff Springs celebrates 125 years of hospitality and service in Banff National Park. Celebrations kick off this month with the launch of an ‘Artist in Residence’ program in partnership with Mountain Galleries. This program follows in the footsteps of the Canadian Pacific Railway’s vision in the early 1900’s that saw the railway use artwork to tell the story of the hotel and its’ destination to potential travelers around the globe. For the 125th celebration, artists will be asked to create work that is either inspired by or tells the story of The Fairmont Banff Springs.
Each month the artist chosen by Mountain Galleries will live and paint in the hotel for one week. They will work in designated spots throughout the hotel giving guests the opportunity to watch the art come to life from the first stroke of the brush. The ‘Artist in Residence’ program will give hotel guests the chance to become inspired artists themselves with the ‘Artist in Residence Package’. The package will be available the third week of every month and includes two nights luxury accommodation, welcome reception and an artist led seminar.
February’s artist will be Linda Wilder. Ms Wilder is an accomplished award winning landscape painter whose dramatic work can be seen in Mountain Galleries. According to Mountain Galleries owner Wendy Wacko, “Linda Wilder is one of Western Canada’s new leading artists – she has developed her own unique spontaneous style and is extremely talented. Sensitive and intense, her paintings of the Canadian Rockies are powerful. Linda is looking forward to being the first Artist in Residence and sharing her thoughts and process with guests.” Interviews with artists in residence throughout 2013 can be arranged through The Fairmont Banff Springs Public Relations office.
Other significant events that set to unfold throughout 2013 will include:
§ 125 Castle Celebration Package with rates starting from $359 per night with a $125 daily resort credit.
§ Community engagement activities and open house celebration in June.
§ A Walk Back in Time’ nature walk every Saturday – an indoor and outdoor interpretive journey of the past 125 years
§ Then and Now Photography exhibit in spring 2013.
§ Willow Stream Spa will feature specials including a ‘Diamond Facial’ starting mid February.
§ Food and beverage highlights include a 125th specialty cocktail and a $125 Banffshire Club Tasting Menu.
§ Alumni Reunion in May.
§ Charity Gala in June.
To keep up to date on all special events and offers for The Fairmont Banff Springs 125 celebrations click here
Nestled in Canada’s first national park The Fairmont Banff Springs was built in 1888 as a Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) hotel. Sir William Cornelius Van Horne, appointed General Manager of the CPR was one of the first to realize the connection between rail travel and tourism and stated. Since we can’t export the scenery, we’ll have to import the tourists.” In the past 124 years, The Fairmont Banff Springs has hosted numerous royals, heads of state, celebrities and stands as a world renowned symbol of Canadian hospitality. A breathtaking one-hour drive from Calgary will bring you to the “Castle in The Rockies”. Other activities to enjoy while staying at the castle include the Willow Stream Spa, games and bowling centre, a dedicated Kids Club, eighteen shops and boutiques, tennis courts, and horseback riding. The hotel is in close proximity to three world-class ski areas and the charming town of Banff.
ABOUT FAIRMONT HOTELS & RESORTS
Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is a celebrated collection of more than 60 luxury properties around the globe, including Shanghai’s Fairmont Peace Hotel, The Plaza in New York, and Makkah Clock Royal Tower in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The luxury brand’s distinctive hotels offer a sense of heritage and sophistication, warm, engaging service and culturally rich experiences. A community and environmental leader, Fairmont is also recognized internationally for its responsible tourism practices and award-winning Green Partnership program. Fairmont is owned by FRHI Holdings Limited, a leading global hotel company with over 100 hotels under the Fairmont, Raffles, and Swissôtel brands. The company also manages Fairmont, Raffles and Swissôtel branded luxury private residences club, whole-ownership residences and serviced residences properties. For more information or reservations, please call 1-800-441-1414 or visit fairmont.com.
Become a fan of Fairmont. Join our online communities at everyonesanoriginal.com, facebook.com/fairmonthotels, twitter.com/fairmonthotels, and pinterest.com/fairmonthotels/. For career opportunities, visit facebook.com/fairmontcareers.
ABOUT MOUNTAIN GALLERIES
Established in 1992 in Jasper, Alberta by artist/filmmaker Wendy Wacko, Mountain Galleries is one of the largest commercial galleries in Western Canada with locations in Fairmont hotels in Banff, Jasper & Whistle The collection represents major and mid-career artists.
The mission of the gallery is to support and promote Canadian Artists. Ms. Wacko brings 35 years of working experience in the arts to this collection and has assembled a staff of well educated young professionals who understand and respect the mission of the gallery. Understanding our clients’ needs and providing the best possible customer service is our top priority.