Banffchella is at the Fairmont Banff Springs Pool!

Banffchella is back for another summer, boasting the most colourful pool party in the Canadian Rockies. Learn how to attend while staying at the iconic Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel.

Banffchella

You may remember that I attended a fun and vibrant pool party at the Fairmont Banff Springs last summer. When I heard the news that it would be back again this year, I couldn’t wait to attend. I’ve called Calgary my home for over 15 years and this hotel holds so many precious memories for my family and I. We’ve been staying at this iconic Banff hotel, affectionately nicknamed “The Castle” since my oldest son was just three months old. It’s a place we return to every year, with each season hosting a genuinely different experience. There’s something so familiar and cozy about this historic hotel that first opened in 1888.

Banffchella transforms the indoor and outdoor pool area located 1,414 metres (4,639 ft) above sea level into a vibrant, colourful vibe. Perfect for photography, Tiktok and Instagram enthusiasts! There are bold art installations including the new “Beautiful Banff” sign, in the perfect shade of Barbie pink! You’ll even find backyard lawn games like a giant Jenga. If you’re visiting Banff, you have to be a guest of the hotel, with a key card, to access these locations.

Fairmont Banff Springs Pool

There is nothing quite like the Fairmont Banff Springs pool. When you enter the indoor pool area, you are instantly taken in by the beautiful archways and the hanging fern plants. Last year, local artists gave the pool arches a decorative facelift with stripes and colour blocking. Inside there is an indoor pool with lane swimming, a small wading pool for toddlers, and a grotto hot tub. There is also a pool bar with a great selection of non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages. Outside, you’ll find another full-sized heated pool with breathtaking views of Mount Rundle. Pools are family-friendly, with large styrofoam floaties available for kids to enjoy.

If you are looking to experience Banffchella, grab yourself a cocktail and a poolside lounge chair. The live DJ will be spinning tropical beats every Friday and Saturday afternoon. Don’t leave your kids at home! This event is a great experience for the whole family.

Where: Fairmont Banff Springs pool

What: “Banffchella” pool party with live DJ, outdoor backyard games and Instagram-worthy art installations

When: Summer 2023, Fridays and Saturdays from 2:00 pm-5:00 pm

Who: Only registered guests of the hotel can attend

13 Below Bar

A new addition to the Fairmont Banff Springs outdoor space this year is 13 Below. Located on the upper terrace, 13 Below is a pop-up bar serving locally-sourced ice cream and signature cocktails. The newest cocktail to the lineup is a canned Wildlife Rundle Gin and Tonic created with Fairmont Rundle Bar’s famous blue sapphire gin. Take in the breathtaking mountain views from this location while relaxing on one of the colourful seating blocks. My kids loved this addition to the terrace and couldn’t get enough of the delicious ice cream flavours! Don’t miss out as Banffchella is only here until the end of August.