Green, snow-covered peaks as far as the eye can see follow the steep inclines and gentle slopes leading down into Banff’s Spray Valley, where another sort of green peak haughtily protrudes the tree line. These snow-covered green arches are the aged and weathered tin roof chapeaux on Alberta’s Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. The Rundle stone exterior—unique in the way that it changes from blue to brown over the decades—distinguishes the original 1888 building from the later additions and renos.

Inside, 20-foot windows brighten the main lobby as wrought iron chandeliers cast a yellow hue for a warm welcome to arriving guests. The Latin mottos of the founding CPR Presidents—Semper Eadem meaning “Always the Same,” and Nil Desperandum meaning “Never Despairing”— are strewn across the floor on lavish carpets.

Every spacious guest room is decorated with historical artwork, antique European furniture, granite bathroom counter tops, crisp linens and detailed tapestries, not to mention the refreshing view from each and every window. Despite the lure of the rooms, visitors—skiers and snowboarders in the winter, golfers and hikers in the summer, and celebrities and dignitaries pretty much year-round—spend hours following the many hallways and regal staircases from parlour to parlour, admiring each elaborate design. Soft music floats note by note out of the grand piano in Rundle Hall.

Appropriately known as the hotel “living room,” guests cannot help but gather here on the comfy antique furnishings while enjoying lounge and tea service in Old World elegance. Chairs fit for kings and queens line the halls in between armour statues and stained glass windows in Mount Stephen Hall as tourists from around the world communicate in “oohs” and “aahs”.

Room start at $259.