The Rimrock Resort in Banff, Alberta Canada

This past summer, we enjoyed a magical week in Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada, including a stay at the Rimrock Resort in the heart of the town of Banff.

I have been reading about Banff for years and it was truly a bucket list spot for us. Banff National Park, Canada’s first National Park, covers over 2500 miles and runs from Lake Louise in the northern part of the park to the town of Banff in the southern part of the park. The town of Banff, with a permanent population of 8,000 people, is the first incorporated municipality within a National Park; the area welcomes over four million visitors each year. There’s tons to see and do- see our complete City Guide here–  and wonderful resorts the whole family will enjoy.

The Rimrock Resort, part of the Accor brand of world class properties, is a beautiful resort located just outside the hustle and bustle of downtown Banff. The resort has well appointed rooms, delicious options for in house dining, and tons of friendly staff and daily activities that take advantage of all that Banff has to offer. The Rimrock is very family friendly and includes amenities kids will love like an indoor pool, children’s menus at several restaurants, and daily kid friendly activities. 

Seven Reasons to Love The Rimrock Resort:

1. Location: The Rimrock Resort is located just a five minute drive (or a two mile walk on a marked path) down the mountain to the center of town, and directly across the street from the Banff Upper Hot Springs. The Banff Gondola is a quarter mile drive from the resort, but you’re better off walking, or taking the ROAM bus from the stop at The Rimrock, during peak summer months.There is also a two mile hiking, and horse, trail from the Rimrock to the Fairmont Banff Springs hotel property.  Note: There is a nightly parking fee (both self parking and valet, and indoor garage, electric vehicle plugins, and  outdoor parking options available) charged to guests’ accounts. 

2. Accommodations: The Rimrock has over 300 guest rooms and suites spread out across eight floors, ranging in size from traditional rooms with queen or king size beds to one bedroom, 600 square foot suites, all of which overlook either Sulphur Mountain or Mount Rundle and Tunnel Mountain. Rooms are handicap accessible and some room types even allow pets. We stayed in a spacious, traditional room overlooking Sulphur Mountain and loved the decor and high end finishes in the room and bathroom. The resort also offers cribs and strollers, as well as hiking equipment and E-bikes to loan to guests. Note: The Rimrock does offer a AAA/CAA discount for many dates and room types- ask when you book!

3. Dining: The Rimrock is home to several dining options, available throughout the day, which include kid friendly options:
   1. Primrose is the main restaurant of the Rimrock, located on the 6th floor with views of Tunnel Mountain and Mount Rundle, offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus, and a special Wine and Pasta Night on Wednesdays. 
   2. Larkspur is located in the main lobby of the Rimrock, offering beautiful views of Mount Rundle, both lunch and dinner menus, a daily Happy Hour (3pm-5pm), and plenty of options for children. There are indoor, fireside, and outdoor, balcony seating options.
   3. Rimrock Café is the spot for grab and go sandwiches, pastries, drinks, snacks, and sweet treats. The cafe opens early at 6:30am every day. 
   4. Eden is the most upscale option at the Rimrock, offering both a four course and seven course dinner with wine pairing Thursday through Sunday. Not the best option for children.
   5. In room dining is also an option- more info here.

4. Complimentary Shuttle and ROAM stop: The Rimrock provides a complimentary shuttle for resort guests with stops at the Fairmont Banff Springs and the Buffalo Nations Luxton Museum, adjacent to the Nancy Pauw Bridge and the heart of the town. During the peak summer season, the shuttle runs on a continuous loop, stopping approximately every 20 minutes at each stop throughout the day. Check with the concierge for seasonal schedules and times. The ROAM Public Transit System also has a stop directly across from the main entrance to The Rimrock on Route 1- check here for up to date information on schedules, fares, and timing. 

5. Fitness and Wellness facilities: While we didn’t personally explore the Rimrock Spa, we did peek inside and it looked so calm and tranquil. There is a full Fitness Center with cardio machines, a weight room, and a squash court. There is a wonderful indoor pool and hot tub open year round from 7am-10pm for families, with plenty of space to lounge and showers and changing facilities adjacent to the pool.

6. Daily activities: One of the things that most impressed us about The Rimrock Resort was the Concierge team. The staff was incredibly knowledgeable about the area, offered great advice, and provided a wide range of activities for each season. When we visited in the summer, the resort was offering tickets to cruises on local lakes, white water rafting, and even helicopter tours. In the winter the resort opens an on site ice skating rink and snow tubing hill. There are also seasonal hiking tours, wildlife tours, and plenty of seasonal sporting options. The Concierge team is very knowledgeable about hiking and biking in the area- we received great advice on some of our planned hikes and additional look out spots to enjoy the views of the mountain ranges. Check here for seasonal guides. 

7. Discounted tickets and partnerships with nearby attractions: The Rimrock has cultivated strong relationships with many businesses and attractions throughout the town of Banff and the park. Each season, the resort offers discounted tickets to attractions like the Banff Upper Hot Springs, free admission to museums like the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies, or time at the driving range of the nearby Fairmont Banff Spring. Discounts and offer change seasonally so check with the Concierge team to see what is offered during a stay. 

Looking for other adventures in Banff? Read our Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise feature here and our Banff City Guide here. And follow along on our adventures on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and X.