Fairmont Hotel Vancouver

Just as industrialization and the development of rail travel shaped the 19th and 20th century, hospitality was also adapting to the surge in travel. The Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) and its president, William Van Horne, were leading the charge in 1888 when they opened Hotel Vancouver. It was part of CPR's grand project of building a national network of luxurious lodgings designed to attract travelers, both domestic and from abroad. Although the original building was expanded, it was replaced with a much larger Hotel Vancouver in 1916, boasting 15 stories, massive ballrooms, and rooftop gardens. But the company's appetite for expansion was insatiable, and in 1928, plans for a newer, greater hotel were drawn up. Construction on this third incarnation began in 1928 but was delayed by the Great Depression. It finally resumed in 1937, when the Canadian Pacific Railway and Canadian National Railway partnered to complete the project.

This third Hotel Vancouver is the one we know today, which formally opened its doors on May 25, 1939. The second Hotel Vancouver, from 1916, ceased operations the same day and was later demolished in 1949. Days later, the hotel was officially inaugurated by King George VI and Queen Elizabeth during their Royal Tour of Canada, with a suite especially prepared for their stay. Over the ensuing decades, the hotel not only evolved with technological developments, it also kept up with trends in design. A major renovation in 1965, for example, altered much of its original interior, yet adapted the hotel for accommodating large-scale live musical performances and social gatherings. Various important personalities also stayed at the hotel, ranging from celebrities to politicians.

When Fairmont Hotel Vancouver opened in May 1939, it became the tallest structure in Vancouver at 365 feet (111 meters). Its overall design reflected a blend of contemporary and classical influences that were fashionable at the time. The main public spaces, the lobby, restaurants, and the suites, all featured a sleek Art Moderne aesthetic emphasizing streamlined forms and figures. Coupled with rich materials and splendid finishes, it created a ritzy atmosphere that rivaled the world's finest modern hotels. On the other hand, the conference and ballroom floors were done in the signature neoclassical style of the Adam brothers, complete with elaborate plaster embellishments. Complementing this neoclassical opulence are marble walls and terrazzo floors, decorated with original art by local artists. The special Fourteenth Floor suite was purpose-built for the state visit of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, featuring extensive work such as wood paneling, bronze artisanry, and individually styled bedrooms.

After Hilton Hotels took over operations in 1964, extensive modernizations stripped away much of the original 1939 decorative work in favor of 20th-century modern aesthetics. Spaces were widened while ceilings were lowered to suit the tastes and comforts of guests during the 1960s and 1970s. Many neoclassical elements, such as the marble columns and bespoke artworks, were replaced by bright-patterned mod. Fortunately, many of these classic designs were brought back during the hotel's 2018–2019 restorations, and efforts were put in place to preserve and highlight historic elements. Newer designs were still applied, though in a tasteful fashion that integrated contemporary palettes and textures with the repaired or replicated plaster moldings and woodwork.

Dining at Fairmont Hotel Vancouver is centered around Notch8, the hotel's signature restaurant & bar. Culinary direction is led by Executive Chef Mike Reid and Chef de Cuisine Tyler Uguccioni. Together they focus on regional ingredients, seasonal options, and modern reimaginings of classic recipes. The menu features a range of course options, made up of starters like French onion soup or seared BC albacore, mains including sablefish or striploin, and a wide variety of sinful desserts. These are perfectly complemented with a beverage list lined with signature cocktails, wines, and spirits.

Aside from the main meal times, Notch8 also provides a refined yet relaxing and lavish Afternoon Tea experience. These are seasonally themed and carefully curated to represent the diverse flavors of tea traditions all over the world. Spring 2026, for example, offers the lovely Sakura Afternoon Tea, which runs from February until May 2026. Guests will enjoy a range of savory bites like katsu sando, albacore tataki, miso caramel tarts, and sakura matcha mousse cakes, all formulated to accompany the luscious Oriental teas like genemaicha.

Opening hours:
Breakfast: 6:30 am-10:30 am
Lunch: Monday to Saturday: 11 am - 5 pm
Sunday Brunch: 11:15 am - 1:30 pm
Dinner: 5:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Lounge:
Sunday to Thursday: 11 am - 12 am
Friday & Saturday: 11 am - 1 am
Happy Hour:
Sunday to Thursday: 3 pm - 5:30 pm
(excluding holidays and special events)
Live Music:
Thurday to Saturday: 4 pm - 11 pm

Afternoon Tea:
Thursdays: seatings at 11 am and 1 pm
Friday to Sunday: seatings at 11 am, 1 pm, 3 pm

Since it opened in 1939, Fairmont Hotel Vancouver has hosted numerous weddings and private celebrations, turning its magnificent spaces into dream venues for loving couples from all over. An experienced events team will support guests looking to celebrate their union here. Coordinate with chefs to create tailored menus for the receptions and dinners. Wedding packages are offered in several tiers, namely Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond, with higher tiers including more benefits such as menu tastings, access to a changing room on the conference floor, and complimentary stays in specialty suites.

Here are some of the venues available:

Pacific Ballroom – A massive ballroom shining with crystal chandeliers and equipped with an oak dance floor and stage.
Capacity: 400 banquet guests

The Roof – Moderately sized venue on the 15th floor, featuring a herringbone wood dance floor and city skyline views.
Capacity: 200 banquet guests

Vancouver Island Room – A spacious hall filled with period decorative elements from 1939, such as carved ceilings, chandeliers, and fireplaces.
Capacity: 150 banquet guests

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

Since Fairmont Hotel Vancouver is located in downtown Vancouver, you'll have numerous local attractions within walking distance. Just across the road is the Vancouver Art Gallery, home to many exhibitions and public programs that highlight Canadian and international art. Also nearby is Gastown, the city’s oldest neighborhood, known for its classic cobblestone streets and Victorian buildings.

For some excellent food and shopping opportunities, Vancouver Chinatown is home to many traditional shops and cultural spaces dating back to the late 1800s. Visitors interested in maritime heritage can also reach the Vancouver Maritime Museum, founded in 1959, which preserves artifacts and exhibits related to the region’s seafaring history and Arctic exploration.

Fairmont Hotel Vancouver provides plenty of options for conferences, meetings, and private events. These functions are then supported by experienced in-house event planners and catering services, ensuring you can customize the venues with a wide array of options for layouts, decor, and themes. You will have 22 different venues to choose from, capable of hosting events ranging from small executive meetings to conferences and receptions with up to 1,000–1,500 attendees. Spaces vary from grand historic ballrooms to smaller boardrooms, and many include unique aspects such as period architecture or sweeping views of downtown Vancouver.

Here are a few of the venues available:

British Columbia Ballroom – Largest venue of the hotel, featuring an impressive gold and blue finish, and airwalls for adjustable layouts.
Capacity: 1,500 guests

Saltspring Island Room – Cozy, moderately sized venue that can be divided into several configurations and includes windows overlooking the Vancouver Art Gallery.
Capacity: 170 guests

Lions - A banquet room perfect for small, intimate gatherings.
Capacity: 20 guests