Through the front doors of Rimrock Banff, Emblems Collection, a revitalized space greets guests with a rebrand of the well-known property. Inside, floor-to-ceiling windows make the mountain views visible from the moment you enter the hotel. This comes as a change from the previous entry, which was more compartmentalized, obstructing views from certain areas.
“The most impactful piece is how we’ve opened up the entire lobby space and everything you’re greeted with when you walk through the door,” says Kymberley Hill, director of marketing, communications and partnerships for the Rimrock.
The $115-million luxury renovation was completed this past summer after Emblems Collection, Accor’s new ultra-luxury brand, acquired the hotel. It is the first Emblems Collection property in North America, spurring a top-to-bottom revamp.
“The intent is that there’s a unique collection of curated addresses around the world that have similar standards,” explains general manager David Garcelon about the Emblems brand.
Connected to place
Every Emblems Collection address is intentionally selected. With Banff National Park’s world-renowned beauty, Rimrock Banff is an ideal fit. “The soul of Banff is the park itself,” says Garcelon. “So we connect you with [it].”
Rimrock does that through its elevated adventure concierge service. It offers hundreds of expeditions, from guided hiking to ice walks to Indigenous-led experiences — all fully curated and deeply rooted in place.
Within the hotel, intentional details connect guests to the destination, too. Rimrock’s culinary offerings showcase local partnerships. Rimrock’s very own beer, The Goat, was created with Canmore landmark The Grizzly Paw Brewing Company. Rimrock also has a private-label whisky from Canmore’s Wild Life Distillery, and an exclusive coffee blend made by Calgary-based Chronicle Coffee.
Every Emblems hotel also has a symbolic ingredient, telling each destination’s story through taste. At Rimrock Banff, it’s alpine honey, an ingredient woven through various culinary touch points, such as Emblems’ signature travel cake concept. Developed by pastry chef Yun Eunyoung, Rimrock Banff’s custom travel cake features a deep chocolate flavour, balanced notes of honey and a touch of pine. It’s designed to stay fresh for a week, making taste of place something that you can bring home to enjoy.
New heights of luxury
The concept at Rimrock Banff is simple — guests move at their own pace. The Market offers a casual place for morning java and is a lively taphouse-style spot later in the day, while Social, the main area when you enter the hotel, invites visitors to linger at the bar, cocktail in hand. The 36-seat Listening Lounge welcomes those seeking an upbeat yet intimate atmosphere, with DJ entertainment and table-side cocktail service.
All 320 renovated rooms evoke comfort and quiet luxury, encouraging guests to stay in if they wish. “In a resort, [in-room dining] is an experience, and in rooms like ours, dinner for two or breakfast for two should be elevated,” says Garcelon.
Rimrock calls the experience “in-robe” dining. Guests can have four-course tasting in their rooms, coupled with wine pairings. For those who prefer to dine out, the signature restaurant, Parker’s Table, offers chef-crafted dishes rooted in Canadian cuisine.
Guests can use the Bathhouse — which includes hydrothermal circuits with vitality pools, a steam room and saunas, and an outdoor infinity pool — anytime during open hours, no reservations required. Movement, the hotel’s fitness facility (including a 20-foot climbing wall), is open 24 hours, with daily workout classes and personal trainers to create custom fitness plans.
Whether your idea of luxury is sleeping in high thread-count bedding surrounded by mountain views, having wellness facilities at your disposal, indulging in high-end cuisine or partaking in outdoor adventure, Rimrock Banff answers the call.
More Mountain Luxury Dining Experiences
Sky Bistro
Located at the summit of Sulphur Mountain, Sky Bistro underwent a makeover this past spring, welcoming guests to rediscover a breathtaking mountaintop dining experience. After riding the Banff Gondola 7,486 feet above sea level, settle into the incredible views in the redesigned dining room with more seating. Enjoy the new modern alpine menu featuring Western Canadian ingredients, such as bison, haskap berry and spruce tips, in fresh elevated mains and shareable small plates. “The dishes reflect this incredible place we’re in and its flavours and seasons,” says executive chef Matthew Smith. Nosh on full entrées like the Alberta beef short rib, or try some lighter fare like salmon caviar and chips or melt-in-your-mouth bison carpaccio, paired with an extensive list of cocktails, beer and wine. —Colleen Seto
1888 Chop House
Inside Fairmont Banff Springs, 1888 Chop House’s evolution brings a new menu, leaning deeper into its coast-to-coast philosophy. Taste Canada’s best flavours through the butcher’s block program with steaks from three different regions. Plus, enjoy the Champagne cart, offering unique bottles you can try by the glass. —O.P.
The Emerald Sky Dome
On the edge of Yoho National Park’s Emerald Lake, the Emerald Sky Dome envelops guests in dining comfort. The clear-walled dome, set to welcome guests in winter 2027, is designed to create an intimate experience for up to six to indulge in a six-course tasting menu under the night sky. —O.P.
Avenue’s writers and editors are occasionally invited to partake in activities as guests, including some in this story. Neither complimentary hosting nor advertising are required for coverage. Neither companies that advertise nor those that provide incentives are promised editorial coverage, nor do they review or approve stories before publication.
