INTRODUCTION

Some of Canada's most unique features are the majestic hotels that were built across the country from the late 1800s well into the 20th Century. The two main railways, the Canadian Pacific and the Canadian National (and its predecessors) built many of these. For their time they were miracles of construction and engineering, and attracted worldwide attention and admiration. They have become something that is associated with Canada and are a part of the national heritage and identity. Hotels of similar design were built in other places, and many of these are also among the world's 'Grand Hotels.' The fact that many of these Canadian hotels were built in very remote and undeveloped areas, and are surrounded by dramatic scenery or attractive urban settings, only adds to their grandiose and impressive appearance.

	Fairmont Chateau Frontenac Quebec City, Quebec

Although the hotels blend in so well with the natural environment, they also stand aloof, seem untouchable, and leave a strong impression of being almost surreal and supernatural. Indeed the years have had little effect on them - externally at least, and though many of them became second-rate establishments for generations, it is indeed fortunate that many of them have been restored to the prime first-class hotels they were built as. Such hotels are very expensive to renovate and maintain, but fortunately the travelling public is always looking for something different from the ubiquitous concrete high rise, where once in the guestrooms a visitor has no idea where they are from the decor of the room. The owners of today's railway hotels have realized this, and so there has been a definite renaissance and an upward turn in the fortunes of most of these wonderful Canadian hotels.

HISTORY

1880s

The history of the railway hotels begins with the introduction of the Canadian Pacific's transcontinental train service that was finally inaugurated in 1886. Initially very elaborate dining cars were used, with no expense spared in providing a truly luxurious culinary experience. However crossing the Rocky Mountain Passes was not so easy. In the rush to complete the railway there had been no time to build tunnels to eliminate the steep gradients over several mountain passes. Some of the gradients were so acute that when the train ascended or descended, the table settings and food flew in all directions. The weight of the cars added to the problem, as they were too much for the locomotives of the day, and the cars had to be left at the beginning of the railway's path up the mountain passes. Obviously passengers needed to be fed so a solution had to be found as soon as possible.

Van Horne the president of the Canadian Pacific Railway (C.P.R.) came up with an answer that marked the beginning of the C.P.R.'s entry into the hospitality industry. Very rapidly three dining stations were constructed, two in the Rockies - Mount Stephen House and Glacier House, and one at North Bend - Fraser Canyon House. These were built in a Swiss chalet style that was deliberately in line with Van Horne's vision of the Canadian Rockies becoming an alternative to the Swiss Alps for world tourists. Mount Stephen House in Field, British Columbia had the distinction of being the first property in what would become a huge hotel empire. After overcoming some initial problems with scheduling meals in line with the arrival and departure of the trains, the system worked well. As well as providing food the dining stations were in magnificent settings and very soon the railway was inundated with demands from passengers who wanted to break their journeys or even spend a vacation in these outposts, so the dining stations soon became rather elegant resort hotels. The three former dining stations became increasingly popular and reached their zenith at the turn of the 20th Century. By 1910 new tunnels had been built that solved the problem of the gradients, and larger more sophisticated resort hotels had been built, so the former dining stations slowly fell into decline.

Van Horne realized however that there was a need for hotels along the whole route of the C.P.R. The advent of the railway ensured massive growth in many communities along the track. Very soon he had plans to create purpose-built luxury hotels in the Rockies and in other Canadian cities and resort areas. This was a way of ensuring that the dollars of tourists and other travellers became dollars in the hands of the C.P.R.

Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel Banff, Alberta

The first actual purpose-built hotel constructed by the C.P.R. was the Hotel Vancouver in 1887 (the first of three.) Though comfortable and popular, this hotel was certainly not in the least noteworthy from an architectural perspective and was heavily criticized for its lack of style. Vancouver had bloomed overnight with the arrival of the railway, and the need for a decent hotel to be available quickly far outweighed time consuming aesthetic consideration. Van Horne's primary interest lay in the Rockies, as he knew that mountain destinations were the 'hottest' properties on the world tourism map in the late 19th Century. Not only were alpine destinations popular, the demand for luxury and comfort was also high on the lists of requirements, the more spartan adventure travel that is so popular today was not widespread in the late 1800s. While the typically very wealthy travellers of this era were fond of outdoor pursuits, they certainly expected to stay in luxury accommodations where their every whim would be indulged. It was this type of hotel that Van Horne dreamed of establishing, initially in the Rockies but his long-term goal was to have such establishments throughout the nation. The Banff Springs Hotel was the first of these properties and was located in the then very remote and unknown town of Banff, Alberta. One wonders if even Van Horne had envisaged that over a century later his brainchild would still be one of the most famous hotels in the world, and one that has always remained on the 'wish list' of many world travellers.

The Banff Springs Hotel was certainly a product of its time. Not only was alpine travel with deluxe accommodations a popular trend, but hot springs and spas were also in vogue. The newly discovered Banff Hot Springs added to the tremendous appeal of the area, and the dramatic landscape the hotel was to be set in was also totally in tune with the gothic and somewhat melodramatic tastes of the day. Van Horne hired Bruce Price of New York to create what became the beginning of a new architectural style that was also in keeping with these tastes. There are many theories on the sources of Price's design for the Banff Springs, but the new hotel certainly borrowed from the Swiss chalet style as with the first dining stations, and the influence of the French chateau and the German schloss is also obvious. Some also see an English Tudor influence - especially inside the building with its great hall, that is reminiscent of a medieval banquet room. The overall style soon came to be known as the 'chateau style' and this was to be the overall theme of most (but not all) large Canadian railway hotels built until World War II. Though definitely initiated by the C.P.R., the chateau style soon became a symbol of Canada as a whole and was utilized in the design of many government buildings. It was a style well suited for a new nation, providing a cultural anchor with a strong and impressive link to the past. Anything being constructed in this style obtained an instant historic and powerful aura. Opened in 1888 the Banff Springs Hotel was an instant hit and had few detractors.

	Fairmont Chateau Frontenac Quebec City, Quebec

1890s

In 1890 a small log cabin was built by the C.P.R. at the recently discovered Lake Louise. By 1893 a new Swiss style chalet was built to replace the cabin, and finally at the turn of the century a proper hotel was built, still very much in the Swiss chalet style incorporating a lot of wood. At this time it was still known as the Chalet Lake Louise. Several more hotels were built at Sicamous and Revelstoke, British Columbia and in Fort William (now Thunder Bay), Ontario. The first two were built in the same style as the original dining stations, and the latter was a smaller version of the first Hotel Vancouver. Sadly none of these stand today.

The next major hotel built by the Canadian Pacific was the illustrious Chateau Frontenac in Québec City. This was the first hotel to bear the name Chateau that soon became the signature title for many members of the C.P.R. hotel chain. The site for this hotel was simply phenomenal. Perched at the edge of Dufferin Terrace where the St. Louis fortress had once stood, and overlooking the St. Lawrence, the Chateau Frontenac immediately became the landmark of the provincial capital even before it opened in 1893. Price also designed this and much of his inspiration came from the Chateau Jaligny in France. For many immigrants to Canada, the view of the Frontenac as they sailed up the St. Lawrence became the first memory of their new land - further imprinting the chateau image on the soul of the young and impressionable country. This hotel was constantly extended and its distinct high tower was added in 1924. This hotel gained world renown during World War II when it was the site of several allied conferences when Roosevelt and Churchill stayed at the hotel. Today the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac is just as remarkable as it always has been, and just as popular.

Buoyed by the success of the Chateau Frontenac, Van Horne wanted to build a similar establishment in Montréal - then the chief financial and business centre of Canada. The Place Viger Hotel was part of a train station complex designed by Price, the first of its kind in North America, although already a popular concept in Europe. For the first decade of the 1900s the Place Viger Hotel was the centre of Montréal's society, but as the neighborhood it was set in became less fashionable the hotel declined, until it was closed in 1933 during the depression. The building still remains today but is not currently a hotel.

1900s

In the early 1900s, it was realized that a new way to promote C.P.R. in smaller centres was through the combination of railway station and hotel. In 1900, the village of McAdam, New Brunswick, located approximately 9.66 km (6 mi) from the Eastern Maine border, constructed the McAdam Station. Not only was it the main rail station in McAdam, it housed a hotel, dining room and several offices. Also at this time, it was becoming clear that hotels were no longer just a means to generate traffic for the railway, but rather an attraction in their own right. In 1902 a separate Department of Hotels was formed and the hotels started to be promoted separately. The beautiful Emerald Lake near Field, B.C. became the site of another C.P.R. lodge in 1902. In 1905 the C.P.R. purchased the Algonquin Hotel in St. Andrews, New Brunswick. This was of great advantage to the whole region as the railway began to promote tourism to the area by advertising its latest hotel. The Fairmont Algonquin is still a major attraction that to this day brings many visitors to New Brunswick. Its distinct style - a combination of Tudor and a hint of chateau, reflects both intimacy and sophistication and is very appealing for those seeking a relaxing oceanside vacation.

Also in 1906 the Royal Alexandra in Winnipeg also opened. At this time Winnipeg was booming and considered the gateway to the west, so this was an important property. Though not at all elegant from the outside, and the first of the major C.P.R. hotels not built in the chateau style, the inside was nevertheless considered to be a showcase for interior design of its day. Regrettably, and amid much controversy, this hotel was demolished in 1971.

Fairmont Empress Hotel Victoria, British Columbia

The architect Bruce Price who had done so much to create a unique and lasting image for the hotels passed away in 1903. Francis Rattenbury who had designed the noteworthy British Columbia Parliament Buildings in Victoria as well as the Chalet Lake Louise in 1899 succeeded him. Rattenbury's first major hotel for the C.P.R. was the eminent Empress Hotel - also in Victoria, and opened in 1908. The Fairmont Empress remains one of the most famous landmarks in Victoria, its ivy-covered exterior dominates the picturesque harbour front and its name seems particularly appropriate. The Empress's image, which is deliberately promoted to this day, is one of tongue in cheek. Victorian opulence, of empire and of being the self-appointed epitome of civilization - condescending, but of considerable appeal and uniqueness on a continent that tries hard to be the antithesis of such values. Afternoon Tea at the Empress has always been a 'must do' on any trip to Victoria since the hotel opened its doors.

	Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Lake Louise, Alberta

1910s

Meanwhile back in the Rockies the C.P.R.'s hotel properties were constantly in a state of expansion. Demand for rooms far exceeded supply. The Lake Louise Chalet was so busy that it was forced to accommodate guests in tents. A new wing to the chalet was added in 1913, and when a major fire struck, only this wing survived, and still remains today as part of the magnificent Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise which is now considered one of the best lake resort hotels anywhere.

Fairmont Chateau Laurier Ottawa, Ontario

The Grand Trunk Railroad decided that the time was right for them to also get into the hotel business. Their first project was a noteworthy one, and very high profile. The Nation's Capital Ottawa, lacked a stylish hotel. The president of the Grand Trunk insisted that the hotel be in the chateau style like the flagship hotels of its chief rival the C.P.R. The Chateau Laurier opened its doors for business in 1912. The Fairmont Chateau Laurier remains to this day the place to stay in Canada's capital. At the same time the Grand Trunk constructed the very handsome Hotel Fort Garry in Winnipeg (based largely on the Plaza Hotel in New York City) and the Hotel MacDonald in Edmonton - both in the chateau style. Today the Fort Garry remains a keystone of the Winnipeg scene and looks just as imposing as it did upon its opening just before World War I. The McDonald served for many years as Edmonton's best hotel. In the 60s and 70s new properties were constructed that surpassed it. For several years it was closed, but in the 1990s a lavish refurbishment took place and upon reopening the Fairmont Hotel McDonald immediately took back its rightful place as Edmonton's most eminent establishment.

The Palliser Hotel in Calgary opened in 1914. It was designed in the popular neo-classical style of similar luxury hotels being built in the U.S.A. during the first half of the twentieth century. The Fairmont Palliser remains Calgary's most prestigious place to stay and in this fast paced city of high rise towers and cowboy culture it is a refreshing change to walk into the understated and very refined charm of the Palliser.

The C.P.R. opened the second Hotel Vancouver in 1916 and it is said that this hotel had a style all of its own that defied any category. This quickly became the meeting place for Vancouver society, as the first Hotel Vancouver had been. However it was soon decided that something bigger and grander would be necessary.

	Fairmont Palliser Hotel Calgary, Alberta

1920s

In the 20s the railway hotels and resorts in the Alberta and B.C. Rockies flourished. The already world-renowned Banff Springs was forever being renovated and expanded. Finally in 1928 a new hotel was built, still in the Chateau style but with a very strong influence from the somber castles of the Scottish Highlands, this is appropriate as Banff was named after the Scottish county of Banffshire, birthplace of two directors of the C.P.R. The Fairmont Banff Springs is still the ultimate mountain resort and its legend is constantly enhanced. A new wing was constructed and major renovations undertaken in the 1980s and 90s, but the hotel has totally retained its appeal and charisma.

Nearby, Emerald Lake Lodge was also expanded in the 1920s, and became accessible by road at the same time. This quiet and peaceful hotel was purchased by Canadian Rocky Mountain Resorts and totally restored in the 1980s after being abandoned for years. Today it is a haven for those seeking temporary seclusion from the rat race and is ideal for a winter or summer getaway in the mountains.

An innovation expanded upon by the Grand Trunk was the lodge type property. The most well known of these is the Jasper Park Lodge near the town of Jasper, Alberta in the Rockies, was built in 1921 and is today still a definite jewel among resort hotels anywhere. Totally different than a large hotel such as the Banff Springs, this type of property consists of a group of chalets surrounding a central building. The location of the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge is unbeatable, and this property is the perfect example of how the former railway hotels provide sophisticated and luxury accommodations in the middle of unspoiled natural splendour. Another wonderful former Grand Trunk/C.N.R. lodge is the Minaki Lodge in Western Ontario, sadly today this property is abandoned and awaiting a buyer. Hopefully it will not be too long before this lovely resort hotel is deservedly restored to its former glory.

By the 1920s the chateau style became the preferred theme for all Canadian government and official buildings, and remained so until the eve of World War II. Interestingly enough even before the Grand Trunk got into the hotel business the C.P.R. had abandoned the chateau style in favour of a more practical and plainer design - neo classical. The Radisson Plaza Hotel Saskatchewan - like the earlier Palliser in Calgary - is constructed in the neo-classical style. A real gem in the prairie city of Regina, it opened in 1928. This is one of Canada's most attractive hotels and a night or two here makes a visit to the Queen City very worthwhile. The restorations at the Saskatchewan are simply outstanding, and as soon as a visitor walks through the door they are transported to another era.

In the late 1920s the Chateau Laurier hotel was expanded, and now belonged to Canadian National Railways (C.N.R.) which had been formed in 1922 out of the Grand Trunk and several other smaller railways. In 1928 the C.N.R. opened the beautiful Hotel Nova Scotian in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Today this hotel is still very well maintained and it is now the Westin Nova Scotian, and has retained a remarkable ambience. The Nova Scotian was built in a combination of neo-classical and colonial, and with a copper roof as a brief acknowledgement to the chateau style. Surprisingly the city of Toronto was just about the last major Canadian city to have a railway hotel built there. When the C.P.R. opened it in 1929 the Royal York Hotel was the largest hotel in the British Empire. The Royal York is basically neo-classical with the pointed roof and dormers being an acknowledgement to the traditional railway chateau design. The Fairmont Royal York is just as awe-inspiring now as it was when first constructed. The huge scale of this property - still one of the largest hotels anywhere - is part of what makes it so unique. Many of the public rooms are vast, and even the kitchen is one of the world's biggest.

Delta Bessborough Hotel Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

1930s

Prince Edward Island received its first railway hotel in 1931, when the C.N.R. built the Hotel Charlottetown in and named for the provincial capital of Charlottetown. This fine hotel was fully restored in 1999 and is now the Rodd Charlottetown. It has lost none of its classic appeal and yet it seems like a new hotel. Interestingly enough the Charlottetown was one of only two CN hotels built before World War II that were not built in the chateau style. Its attractive red brick structure is a combination of many influences not least of which is Georgian Colonial. By the 1930s the Canadian government had adopted the chateau style as its own, so it was only appropriate that the government owned C.N.R. followed suite in the design of its hotels, even at a time when the C.P.R. had to all intents and purposes abandoned it.

In 1932 the C.N.R. built the Bessborough Hotel in Saskatoon. This in contrast to the Charlottetown was the ultimate in chateau design, and the effect of the hotel overlooking the river in the centre of the city gave a very medieval effect. Today the Delta Bessborough is still referred to locally as 'the castle', and certainly is the focal point of Saskatoon just as much as the much more famous Chateau Frontenac is of Québec City. A lot of money has been spent to restore the Bessborough to its former glory. In the 1930s all the railway hotels were adversely effected by the great depression, and none of the huge new hotels really ever had the chance to operate at their full capacity - at least until the advent of World War II.

Fairmont Hotel Vancouver Vancouver, British Columbia

The final hotel to be built in the chateau style was the third and current Hotel Vancouver. This was a joint venture between both the C.P.R. and the C.N.R. The C.N.R. were responsible for selecting the architects so the chateau style was more obvious than it had been for the Royal York. Basically though the Hotel Vancouver is a neo-classical building with an elaborate chateau style roof and eaves which totally dominate the overall impression of the building. Once again a careful and expensive restoration has ensured that the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver remains at the forefront of Vancouver's best hotels. The Vancouver has played host to innumerable royals, celebrities and world leaders over the years.

1940s

After World War II there was to be no more construction of chateau style hotels for almost half a century. Restoration and expansion recommenced on some of the existing properties. Of note at this time was the addition of an extra wing to the Macdonald in Edmonton. The original accommodations could not cope with the demand of the city that boomed in the first post-war decade. A lot of work was also carried out on the Hotel Newfoundland in St. John's, the C.N.R. took this property over when Newfoundland joined Canada in 1949, and totally renovated it to conform to the high standards of their other hotels.

1950s

The first brand new post-war railway hotel project was the C.N.R.'s construction of the Queen Elizabeth Hotel in Montréal. This massive hotel - that opened its doors amid much celebration in 1958 - was adjoined to the Central Station complex and later connected to the Place Ville Marie underground shopping complex. It very quickly established an excellent reputation and was a meeting place for Montréal's and the world elite. Recently renovated today's Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth offers its guests comfort and luxury in a traditional yet highly functional setting and with an unbeatable location. In the 50s the Canadian Pacific also added a new tower to the Royal York as Toronto slowly became Canada's centre of commerce and the already huge hotel needed even more rooms.

1960s

The C.P.R. built two hotels in the 60s. The Chateau Lacombein Edmonton opened in 1966, and today is the Crowne Plaza Chateau Lacombe , and still one of Edmonton's better hotels. It is noted for its cylindrical formation, the rooms are wedge-shaped, which makes for added comfort and space. At the top of the hotel is a revolving restaurant. The Chateau Champlain in Montréal, which when it opened in 1967 in time for Expo 67, was the ultimate in good taste and luxury, and was a certain rival to the C.N.'s 'Queen E' - but much more intimate. Today this elegant hotel is the Marriott Chateau Champlain and still provides a very high standard of comfort and service. Despite their names neither of these properties possessed any vestiges of the chateau style and were totally contemporary in design, nonetheless they are still very attractive hotels.

1970s

In 1970 CP Hotels as it was known by then, bought the phenomenal Seigniory Club in Montebello, Québec. Renamed the Chateau Montebello, this location is particularly popular for international conferences, as its relatively remote location makes security easier. This lodge was originally built in 1930 and was constructed of red cedar logs. This was a very worthy addition to the CP Hotel family. Today the Fairmont Le Chateau Montebello remains one of the most attractive resorts in the Fairmont family of hotels. An added feature here is the Fairmont Kenauk at Le Chateau Montebello that is run as a separate operation from the Montebello. The Kenauk consists of ultra-luxurious cabins in a wilderness setting, on the former Seigniory estate. There is a lake and excellent fishing and hunting opportunities. However the facilities of the Chateau Montebello are close at hand, including the services of its chefs who will even cook for guests in their cabins.

In 1972 CN Hotels also opened the Hotel Beausejour in the important railway centre of Moncton, New Brunswick and the hotel was the main feature of downtown Moncton's revitalization. . The present day Delta Beausejour remains Moncton's finest hotel and is respected in the hotel industry for its outstanding service and attention to detail. A year later in 1973, the gracious Hotel Halifax was opened by CP Hotels in Halifax, Nova Scotia, this is now the stylish Delta Hotel Halifax.

Sadly though by the 1960s the large and extravagant style of the pre-war railway hotels became an economic liability. These hotels were built in an era when fuel and labour costs were not a real issue. Styles and fashions changed and in the 60s and 70s there was little nostalgia for the past. While properties such as the Chateau Lake Louise and Banff Springs were quintessentially popular, they badly needed renovation and upgrading of their accommodations. This was a very expensive proposition.

Fairmont Chateau Whistler Whistler, British Columbia

1980s

In 1982 CN Hotels opened up a brand new Hotel Newfoundland. This marked the end of an era as it was the last hotel built by the C.N.R. Today's Fairmont Newfoundland was built on the same site as the original, and is one of the most elegant properties in the Fairmont family. The demolition of the original Hotel Newfoundland hopefully marked the last time a classic railway hotel will be a victim of the wrecking ball. Fortunately the 1980s also brought a return to nostalgia for the past, and heritage hotels were once again a viable proposition. People were willing to pay top dollar to stay at a historic property, but they expected modern conveniences to be included. In the mid-80s Canadian Pacific Hotels bought all the properties that had been managed by the Canadian National Hotel Division. Another landmark year for CP Hotels was 1989 when the Chateau Whistler opened. This modern resort hotel has every conceivable facility and is located at Whistler, British Columbia - North America's premier ski destination. What is notable however is that the Fairmont Chateau Whistler is a modern version of a chateau style hotel. It is just as breathtaking as its predecessors, and combines state of the art innovation and functionality with the wonderful tradition of the railway hotels - in the Canadian West CP Hotels had come full circle with a new hotel that was just as impressive as the Banff Springs.

After the CP takeover of the CN Hotels an extensive program of renovations was begun, and all properties have benefited (and continue to benefit) from this. Of course this is an ongoing process. The former railway hotels that still exist are now very attractive and comfortable places to stay, and offer a real alternative to the clone-like structures that most hotel chains offer. Even in the more recent railway hotels, the tasteful appointments and solid quality design features, make visitors realize that they are in a hotel that is of a special style. This type of hotel is still synonymous with Canada, and today they are a very important part of what makes the country so attractive on the world tourism scene. Other existing railway hotels that are not part of the Canadian Pacific group are owned by other chains or are run by independent operators - all are lovingly maintained and their facilities are constantly being enhanced.

1990s

In the late 1990s there were two interesting developments. In 1997 the first chateau style hotel was built in the Laurentian Mountains of Québec. Like the Chateau Whistler before it the Chateau Mont Tremblant is a very contemporary facility but built in a modern chateau style. It is located at the famous ski area of Mont Tremblant and is a very attractive year-round resort that is now known as the Fairmont Tremblant. The following year was also marked by a significant event when Canadian Pacific Hotels purchased the Manoir Richelieu in the Charlevoix region of Québec. This very historic hotel commands a stunning view of the St. Lawrence. The original Manoir Richelieu was built in 1899 on the top of the cliff of Pointe-au-Pic. This soon became a very popular resort hotel, and was easily reached by the then popular river steamers that plied the St. Lawrence. In 1928 an end of season fire burned down the wooden hotel. The hotel was immediately rebuilt in the style of a Normandy chateau. It has now been extensively refurbished to the tune of $140 million, and it reopened for business in June 1999 - as the Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu, a perfect candidate for membership in the Canadian Pacific Hotels family. Also in 1998 Canadian Pacific Hotels purchased the reputable Canadian company Delta Hotels outright.

The 21st Century

In 2000 Canadian Pacific became majority owner of the Fairmont Hotel chain and the two companies merged. In line with promoting a worldwide image the name of all their properties is now preceded by the Fairmont title. The ties with the railway have been all but severed. However as former Canadian Pacific and Canadian National Hotels all the hotels mentioned - both old and new have earned the right to be called a 'railway hotel.'

The railway hotel has enjoyed a very impressive revival. Though many of them have long disappeared under the wrecking ball, nearly all of the finest examples remain, with the exception of the much lamented Royal Alexandra in Winnipeg. A large proportion of the demolished hotels that were built in the smaller rural locations became rapidly obsolete with the decline in the importance of the passenger train. Unlike the grand hotels still standing, such as the Chateau Frontenac, the Empress and the Chateau Lake Louise, the smaller properties that have disappeared were nearly all located in areas that are not particularly attractive to tourists.

In smaller locations not on the tourist map, the prestige of a hotel is not usually an issue for business travellers, whereas it is in larger centers. Nothing is as prestigious as a Canadian railway hotel. Certainly of the many former railway properties that remain, all are either located in tourist destinations such as Banff, or in major urban centres throughout Canada. These surviving hotels all have become institutions and attractions in their own right. For example so many people from throughout the world travel to Banff with the specific purpose of staying in, or at least visiting the Banff Springs. Properties such as the Hotel Vancouver or the Royal York in Toronto are desirable for both leisure and business travellers.

The future is indeed bright for these unique Canadian icons that have now become timeless examples of luxury and glamour. The key to their present day success is that they offer all their guests a break from the less-civilized world outside. They provide opulence and comfort, and their exquisite design is a reflection of another era when appearance and form took precedence over the convenience of the cookie cutter. In today's world of global uniformity and conformity, to stay in a hotel that is very pleasing to the eye as well as being sumptuous, is highly desirable. An ever increasing number of people are coming to Canada specifically to stay in such hotels. The former railway hotels are now a vital part of the Canadian landscape and their renovation has updated them without causing any of their grandeur to be lost. In a country that still struggles to find a true national identity, its citizens need look no further than to these fine hotels, to witness a unique and long lasting symbol of Canada.

LINKS TO AND LOCATION OF HOTELS FEATURED IN THIS ARTICLE