Castles in the Rockies

The town of Banff is one of Canada's major hotspots for winter sports and outdoor summer activities. Sitting just an hour and a bit west of Calgary, it's a small but bustling place whose proximity to numerous ski resorts makes it a favourite for snow-seekers, particularly those travelling from the UK.

The biggest, most stylish and most impressive place to stay in town is the Fairmont Banff Springs. Despite its massive size, this 1928-built hotel is nestled behind trees in such a way that you can't actually see it until you're almost on the doorstep. When you first drive up, you'll round a corner and gasp as this eye-catching building looms into view.

With almost 800 spacious rooms, it's a big place - and the architectural style gives it a look that is somewhere between a Scottish Baronial mansion, European alpine castle and the school where Harry Potter learned his trade. It's an exterior you'll want to spend plenty of time gawping at and, thanks to its valley setting and miles of hiking trails, you'll keep discovering new vantage points around town from which to photograph this iconic landmark.

Feeling hot

The hotel and National Park both owe their initial existence to the natural springs that bubble up from the ground nearby. Head up the road to the aptly-named Sulphur Mountain and you'll see the streams and cave where hot water used to draw huge crowds, seeking to bathe in its revitalising powers or get some respite from the often-chilly climate.

Part of this thermal attraction is still in operation; visitors can soothe limbs in the waters at the Upper Hot Springs pool. The original pool and stream are out of bounds now, deemed far too smelly for 21st-century noses, for the egg-tastic sulphuric aroma isn't massively appealing.

For a more modern revitalising experience, the hotel's Willow Stream Spa is a good bet. It's one of North America's most highly-regarded spa facilities and has the added bonus of panoramic views of the valley, so, after you've enjoyed a treatment - or just kicked back in the mineral pool area for a bit - you can lounge about in one of the relaxation areas or outdoor decks and gaze at the greenery and mountains of the Bow Valley below.

Treatments focus on the particular sorts of revitalisation that guests might seek; tired travellers can go for the Jet Lag Recovery or new arrivals might want have their skin refreshed with a Rockies Rehydration, to replace the moisture that is sapped by the dry mountain air.

A swim to remember

Alongside the spa is a heated outdoor swimming pool, which can be enjoyed year-round and is incredibly atmospheric at colder times. Make the effort to go for a dip just as dawn is breaking, and you'll get to enjoy the silent majesty of the tall trees and mountains all around you, as steam rises from the warm water and you stay toasty warm, regardless of how cold the air is.

Activity-wise, there's plenty to enjoy, whether you're looking for a full-on adrenaline rush or something more laid-back. At the leisurely end of the spectrum, the Banff Springs's 27-hole golf course starts right behind the hotel. Every hole has been carefully designed with the scenery in mind, so that players' eyelines meet a river, mountain or valley at each tee, for the most aesthetically-pleasing round of golf they've ever had. The wilderness starts right where the fairways end; golfers here shouldn't be surprised to find an elk or even a grizzly bear wandering out of the adjacent forests and delaying play.

Raft rides and horse-riding excursions also kick off just moments from the hotel grounds, and numerous forest trails nearby are suitable for hiking and biking. If you need to rent a cycle, you can hire one on site. Just along the road toward town, kayaking is a fun option on the tranquil and very lovely Bow River, where Blue Canoe offer boat rentals.

More adventurous types could tackle rugged mountain bike trails and epic white-water rafting trips - and then, of course, there's the skiing. Several resorts are easily accessible via regular shuttle buses from the hotel. Mount Norquay is closest, and the larger Sunshine Village is just a little further away.

Gourmet delights

After a day of outdoor excitement, you'll have a healthy appetite - and the hotel's array of eateries are perfect for refuelling. Options include fine dining to enjoy at the swish Banffshire Club, simpler snacks at the deli-style Castle Pantry and a feast of fondue, giant weiners (sausages, that is) and hearty deserts at the fun Waldhaus, an old Swiss-themed restaurant and pub overlooking the golf course.