“Eat the Castle” at the Fairmont Banff Springs

Duration: 3-5:30pm Thurs-Fri

Location: The iconic Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel


$175

Group max: 12. Price: $175 plus EZTix fee and 5% GST. Includes food and non-alcohol beverage pairings plus tips to our vendor team. Gratuities to our guides are appreciated, at your discretion. Tour is inside therefore not affected by weather.

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Designated a Canadian Signature Experience, enjoy luxurious food and beverage pairings at a relaxing pace at this iconic setting.

  • Enjoy special access to four onsite venues with our small group tour. Never more than 12 guests.
  • Look at the castle in a new light once you discover its fascinating history, art and architecture.
  • Savour sumptuous food and non-alcohol beverages pairings in a setting that's sublime.
  • Enjoy the fun of a hands-on experience with one of the castle's culinary masters.
  • Relax - Tips for the Banff Springs team are all included in the cost.
  • Stay warm - No matter what weather the Rocky Mountains throw at us, we are warm and cozy inside the castle for our tour.

Bring your camera. Capture this experience and this magnificent setting.

Weather is not a factor as we are snug and warm inside the castle.

An Aerial view of the Fairmont Banff Springs in Summer

 

 

 

 

This tour is designated a Canadian Signature Experience by Tourism Canada.

Greet your storytelling guide at STOCK Food and Drink inside the main lobby of the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel for robust refreshments to welcome you. Progress into the heart of the hotel for fine French Brasserie fare at the newly refurbished Vermillion Room.  Retreat into the cellar room of Grapes and savour its offerings of house-made charcuterie. Nestle into the hotel’s signature restaurant, the 1888 Chop House for a signature dish to top off the tour.

Along the way, engage with the culinary team and enjoy stories of the history, art and architecture brought to life by our guide. Soak up the luxury of our small group private access to one of the world’s most iconic hotels. Leave having experienced the royal treatment at the castle that is the majestic Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel – a National Historic Site in a world UNESCO setting.

 

Access the ultimate in a luxurious lifestyle with our exclusive 2.5 hour food and beverage pairing tour.

STOCK food and drink

Mile zero micro greens, house made sourdough and house smoked meats make for a great introduction to the secrets of the castle's larder.

The Vermillion Room

Completely refurbished and inspired by French Brasserie cuisine, we'll nosh a classic dish and beverage pairing here.

Grapes Wine Bar

Famous for house-cured meats, pickles and boasting a cellar full of perfect pairings we'll nestle into our own cave here.

The 1888 Chop House

Signature restaurant. Signature dish. Signature Alberta foods. What a great finish.

Have questions? Here's the most frequently asked.

Is alcohol included in the tour price?

All of our food tastings are paired with hand-crafted non–alcohol beverages and spirit-free cocktails. Due to provincial regulations, we are currently unable to include alcohol in our price.
The Alberta Liquor and Gaming Commission sees that as “reselling.” Only a business with a physical venue and license can sell liquor under their own license. This legislation dates back to prohibition. We were always very responsible “pro-serve” smart hosts when we did include small tastings of alcohol. We’ve submitted a case to the Alberta Red Tape Commission in hopes of seeing a change in regulation that is progressive and reflective and supportive of today’s burgeoning craft alcohol and hospitality entrepreneurs in Alberta.
Important caveats to our not serving alcohol on tours are as follows:
1 – On some of our tours, key partners will offer a specific alcohol pairing at an exclusive price that we’ve negotiated for our guests. This is payable by the guest directly to that vendor.
2 – We are allowed to include alcohol samples at vendors licensed to provide them – like liquor stores and farmers’ market kiosks.
3 – We can also include alcohol on private tours by facilitating payment directly to the vendors from the client ahead of time. We strive to have your experience as seamless as possible.
In summary, our partners have raised the bar for the hand-crafted non-alcohol beverages and spirit-free cocktails they provide. We are a food tour company and the beverages we provide are great examples of culinary creativity. We continue to pay all of our partners the same amount we always did so our prices have not changed. Our partners rose to meet the challenge and we are proud of the food and beverage pairings on our tours.

Is there parking available?

Parking is available at each tour’s starting location. After your purchase tickets, you’ll receive emails with parking suggestions.

Do I need to tip?

Gratuities for all our partner’s staff are included in our prices. Gratuities for our guides are not included but are greatly appreciated and completely at your discretion. The standard gratuity in the service industry is 15- 20%.

Do I need to purchase tickets in advance?

Yes, advance ticket purchase is required. Events typically sell out quickly. To maximize your chances of getting the date, time, and number of tickets you prefer, please book well in advance.

Are children allowed?

Our tours are recommended for ages 14 and older.

Still have questions?   Visit our FAQ page to submit your own

"With 13 dining venues and 150 chefs it could take a long time to get to know all we do. 'Eat the Castle' with Alberta Food Tours allows the culinary curious behind the scenes access to understand our commitment to made-from-scratch local flavours, ocean-wise seafood and sustainability all round."

Robert Ash, Executive chef, Fairmont Banff Springs
Chef Robert Ash of the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel

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