For more than 125 years, the world famous Fairmont Banff Springs hotel has charmed guests with its legendary year-round hospitality and location in the heart of Banff National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Set in the picturesque alpine town of Banff, Alberta, The Fairmont Banff Springs truly lives up to its title of Canada's "Castle in the Rockies.”

The Affluent Traveler recently sat down with Don Mooney, Guest Relations Manager and VIP Concierge at The Fairmont Banff Springs to learn more about its countless offerings. As a member of the elite fraternity of concierges called Les Clefs d’Or (Gold Keys) and Vice President of Les Clefs d’Or Canada, Don certainly knows a thing or two about Banff National Park and its natural wonders. 

Q: Tell us how your career as a concierge began.

I guess it is fair to say that some of the best decisions in life are not always what we intend when we start on that course. I had actually applied to work at a hotel as a server, however my food & beverage days were not to be. When I received a call back from the hotel they asked if I would like to interview for the role of Concierge Supervisor instead. Of course, I agreed; I was a starving student. Once off of the phone I nervously asked my wise and well-travelled father, “What is a Concierge?!” I know for a fact that I did not pronounce Concierge correctly and I am sure at one point I said the word connoisseur by mistake.

When I went for my interview at the three-and-a-half star property I remember they surprised me with a panel interview. The human resources director said, “We hope you don’t mind, we thought we would kill three birds with one stone.” I responded with, “As long as I’m not that bird!” I never could have imagined then what doors that initial interview would open for me. Not only did I get the job, and learn how to say Concierge correctly, but now many years later I am working at the “Castle in the Rockies” and Vice President for Les Clefs d’Or Canada.

Q: What makes The Fairmont Banff Springs stand out from all other resorts and hotels?

When it comes to hotels, the “Castle in the Rockies” is iconic for so many reasons. We can start with its vast history which goes back to the very fabric of Canada becoming a united country through the building of the railway. For the present I would say it is hard to find a resort with all of the amenities that you can find here, from the world-class Willow Stream Spa, Stanley Thompson Golf Course, Exclusive Fairmont Gold floors, and exceptional dining located throughout the resort. We had a Hotel Manager once say, “We are not managers of this hotel, but rather we are stewards taking care of our part of its history.”

Q: What are some truly unique experiences that The Fairmont Banff Springs offers its clientele?

The facilities are second to none and world-class in so many ways. I always tell guests that we can do anything: “We even have a chocolate shop and a butcher shop in our kitchens.” There is nothing we can’t do! Whatever guests can imagine, we can make reality.

It is important that I give special kudos to our Chefs. I recently had a guest that, in a passing conversation, mentioned a favorite family food dish that they had every Christmas. They were booked for our Christmas dinner buffet which has everything you can imagine. Their unique family tradition wasn’t on the menu, however, with a quick conversation to one of our pastry Chefs, I was able to have their special item delivered right to their table to enjoy on Christmas night. On a day where literally thousands of meals were being prepared and served we were able to deliver a special dish for two guests who were celebrating their first Christmas as a married couple!

Q: What do you consider the most distinctive feature of the region surrounding The Fairmont Banff Springs?

It all starts with the majesty of the Canadian Rockies. Your artistic nature can be awakened through the lens of the camera or the avid sportsmen can enjoy a morning of skiing and then golf in the afternoon. The poet in all of us is released as we write post cards home in the faint attempt of duly describing the natural wonderment. The activities in the area allow guests to connect to nature in a way that cannot be duplicated. A simple walk into town center can become a wildlife discovery tour. You can take a helicopter ride into the backcountry being surrounded by numberless peaks, and after landing in a meadow be mesmerized by wild flowers growing at 8,000 feet.

Q: Outside of the property, where you do recommend your guests go for an afternoon of sight-seeing, and then for an evening out?

There is so much to offer being in Banff National Park, though if you only had an afternoon I would look at going to the newly renovated Banff Gondola. This past year the Banff Gondola spent $27 million dollars on recreating the whole experience. From the top of Sulphur Mountain you will have the ultimate in sightseeing views as you enjoy the full 360-degree panoramic vista from 7,500 feet. You can also go for a short hike along the ridge boardwalk towards historic Sanson’s Peak where an old weather station is located. This renovated facility is outstanding as it has a new interpretive center with many interactive displays for all ages to enjoy. Don’t miss the multi-sensory Above Banff Theatre, a short movie which shows you the Canadian Rockies from the perspective of a bald eagle.

Q: What would you consider to be some of the top restaurants outside of The Fairmont Banff Springs?

The town of Banff has many exceptional dining choices. To help narrow it down, I would look at one of the last two winners of the Les Clefs d’Or Concierge Silver Service Award. The Bison – 2015’s award recipient – offers tasty dishes laced with seasonal regional influences, like braised bison short ribs surrounded by Alberta root vegetables and served in a cast iron pan; and Pacific Ling Cod flown in fresh from the West Coast. The restaurant’s rustic elegance is highlighted by an open kitchen and beautiful views of Banff and the surrounding mountains.

In 2016 the Balkan was chosen as the newest winner and were recognized not only for their great food, but also their impeccable service. The Balkan has been offering authentic Greek food inspired by the Canadian Rockies in Banff for over 30 years and is now on its 2^nd generation of the Karlos family. The great Greek dishes are worth the visit alone, however if you like having a little entertainment with a dinner and a show, join them on a Tuesday or Thursday night for Greek night. I recommend making a reservation around 7:30 .m., so you will have already started your main courses close to when all of the action starts.

Q: For an extravagant experience that is unique to the region, what would you recommend?

There are so many different choices to choose from, however being a guest of The Fairmont Banff Springs we only want the best for you. In the summer time you can take a helicopter ride through the mountains and land high up in a beautiful mountain pass in the back country where the only neighbors you will have will be wild flowers and some mountain sheep. Once landing, you can enjoy a private guided hike or take a short stroll and have a picnic created by our culinary team.

In winter, I suggest starting with a helicopter tour to take in the stunning mountain views, with the highlight being Mt. Assinboine and the glacier perched on its peak. At the end of the tour we will have the helicopter take you to a back country helipad and drop you off like a movie star. Here you will meet your dog sledding team and go on a two hour dog sledding adventure in the back country where the movie The Revenant was filmed. You will quickly understand why one of the three Oscars this film won was for “Best Cinematography.”

Q: For the ultimate in pampering at the Fairmont Banff Springs, what do you suggest?

Having a day full of pampering will mean something different to many people, so to define it I like the definition “indulge with every attention, comfort, and kindness.”

To be truly pampered I suggest staying on Fairmont Gold, where a personalized wakeup call includes the delivery of freshly squeezed orange juice, or your favorite morning beverage. After breakfast in the Fairmont Gold lounge, I would take the hotel vehicle to the Stanley Thompson Golf Course for an early morning round of golf and then a light lunch in the clubhouse at Stanley’s Smokehouse. Next I would head to the hotel’s Willow Stream Spa. There are three pools with waterfalls ranging in temperature from hot, medium, and cold, and yes, you have to do it in that order. Once you have finished the cold pool, step over into the mineral pool which will feel like a warm blanket. Of course as this is the ultimate in pampering you have to have a 90 minute massage. To finish off the ultimate pampering day, you have to refuel your body with a perfect meal at 1888 Chop House that includes the very best AAA Alberta beef.

Q: Fill us in on some of the best kept secrets of Fairmont Banff Springs and the region.

Working at a hotel that is a National Historic Site and has almost 130 years in history there are so many to choose from. Guests can start off learning about our secrets by taking a tour of the historic hotel. In the summer I would go to the Clubhouse for a meal; most guests don’t think of it unless they are golfers. There you will be surrounded by outstanding views. Our best kept secret just might be our “Artist in Residence” program. Throughout the year Mountain Galleries has one of their artists come work in the hotel for about seven to ten days. If you see an artist painting in the hotel go up to them and talk to them, they are here to discuss their work and life as an artist.

Outdoors, I would say the summer is one of the best times to enjoy Sunshine Meadows. They are located above Sunshine Village ski resort and a lot of people don’t realize you can go up there during that time of year to enjoy the beautiful meadows. In winter I would suggest doing an evening walk in Johnston Canyon to see the ice formations. See the Concierge for full tips on what to wear and don’t forget to take a head lamp or a flashlight.

Q: What do you most enjoy about your position as a concierge?

Every day is an adventure, for both my guests and myself. I love the idea that every day there will be something new for me to do and to transform moments into memories. Our guests are from all over the world and each of them has different expectations, travel experiences, and cultural backgrounds. I thrive on the opportunity to be able to adjust what I am able to offer them and create for them. I never want my guests to feel that there is only one way to experience Banff; rather I want them to a have a Banff experience that is meaningful to them. 

Q: Final question – What are some things you most want travelers to know and remember Banff National Park and The Fairmont Banff Springs?

Banff National Park is one of the most beautiful awe inspiring natural wonders that has to be experienced in person. Artists have been trying for over a hundred years to paint and photograph the scenery to convey the majesty and wonderment of the Rockies. Banff is what bucket lists were created for. I truly believe that what makes this hotel special is the people that work here. The Canadian Rockies are why people travel to Banff, however it is our staff that make people yearn to come back.