OUR STORY
The story of how The Rimrock Resort Hotel became one of the most iconic hotels in Canada begins in 1886 with the discovery of a natural hot spring in Banff, Alberta, which prompted the creation of Canada’s first National Park. A simple bathhouse was built in 1887, which grew and evolved throughout the 20th and 21st centuries into the luxury resort we know today. Our history continues to unfold, as the Rimrock is about to embark on one of its most exciting transformations yet.
The Early Days
1886 - 1904
When a natural hot spring was discovered in the Canadian Rockies, tourists from all over the world flocked to the area to bathe in the natural mineral waters. Soon a log bathhouse was built on the future Rimrock location, allowing travelers a place to soak in the Banff Hot Springs.
Humble Beginnings
1905 - 1958
After seeing the success of the bathhouse, and the abundance of tourists the mineral springs attracted to Banff National Park, the Hot Springs Hotel was built in 1905, directly across from the bathhouse. This structure remained largely unchanged for the next five decades.
'Retro' Fittings
1959 - 1989
To accommodate the increasing demand for luxury travel in the 1960s, the “Hot Springs Hotel” received a significant makeover. Now boasting an impressive 60 rooms and three restaurants, the luxurious new building need a name befitting its new look, and The Rimrock Hotel was born.
Major Expansion
1990 - 2022
A pivotal moment for The Rimrock was a major expansion project that started in 1990, pushing The Rimrock from a quaint hotel into a large-scale luxury resort. This renovation added another 250+ guest rooms and resulted in the architecturally unique building we see today.
The Next Generation
2023 - 2025
In 2023, Toronto-based Oxford Properties purchased The Rimrock Resort Hotel, adding it to their portfolio of renowned Canadian mountain hotels that includes the Fairmont Banff Springs, Chateau Lake Louise, Jasper Park Lodge and Chateau Whistler. The Rimrock’s acquisition by Oxford Properties also placed them under Accor Hotel’s management umbrella, beside some of the most iconic luxury hotels in the world.
New Heights & New Beginnings
2025 - Future
In 2025, The Rimrock Banff was announced as the first Emblems Collection property in North America; a curated portfolio of exceptional luxury hotels and resorts around the world. This milestone marks the beginning of a new chapter, as the resort embarks on a full transformation ahead of its grand reopening in summer 2026.
Today, The Rimrock Banff has begun its evolution.
For decades, we’ve welcomed travellers to the mountains a place where timeless views meet heartfelt hospitality. Now, we’re reimagining our spaces to create a refreshed expression of mountain luxury we can’t wait to share.
The future of The Rimrock will see the resort reach new heights in design, experience, and service. We invite you to be part of this exciting new chapter as we shape the next era of mountain hospitality.
Awards & Accolades
Our team prides themselves on delivering our service promise with passion every single day. We are incredibly proud of our colleagues, who through hard work and dedication have been recognized as global leaders in the hospitality industry and beyond.
AAA
4 Diamond Hotel Award
2023
Travel + Leisure
Best Resort in Canada
2019, 2018
World's Culinary Awards
Best Fine Dining Restaurant in N. America
2023, 2022
AAA
5 Diamond Restaurant Award
2023
La Liste
1000 Best Restaurants in the World
2023
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
We strive to foster an environment where colleagues from all walks of life feel included and valued. We are proud to be one of the original signatories of the Bow Valley’s Workplace Inclusion Charter and to have been recognized as a certified “Silver” member in 2024. Our ongoing goal is to continue to improve our efforts and policies to ensure every colleague feels welcome here.
Accor Hotels
Accor Hotels is a multinational hospitality company headquartered in France, and is one of the largest hotel groups in the world. Accor's brands cover various segments of the hospitality industry, from economy to luxury properties in over 110 countries in the world. We are proud to be a part of the Accor family working alongside 5000+ other Accor properties worldwide.
