Fairmont Palliser

Rising proudly in downtown Calgary, Fairmont Palliser has been a long-standing symbol of elegance and hospitality. The hotel was built in 1911 by the Canadian Pacific Railway as part of its vision to create a network of landmark hotels across Canada. When the hotel opened in 1914, the Palliser became one of Calgary's most prestigious addresses, welcoming famous personalities like Cary Grant, King George VI, and Queen Elizabeth II. For a time, Fairmont Palliser became home to R.B. Bennett, the former Canadian Prime Minister.

Over the decades, Fairmont Palliser underwent extensive renovations to preserve its historic character while modernizing its facilities. A significant restoration amounting to 28 million USD was completed in 2000, further enhancing its appeal while maintaining its heritage architecture. Today, Fairmont Palliser stands as a living piece of Calgary's story, welcoming travelers and dignitaries and continuing a legacy of Canadian hospitality.

Unlike many of the Canadian railway hotels that adopted a castle-like form inspired by French chateaux, Fairmont Palliser was designed in the Edwardian style with Chicago School influences. It was designed by Lawrence Gotch, Edward Maxwell, and William Sutherland Maxwell, with the Maxwell siblings known for designing most of Canada's buildings during the early twentieth century.

With its structure, key design elements include its steel and reinforced concrete frame, a symmetrical façade with large windows, and its stone and brick exterior. Inside, the hotel captures the elegance of Canada's grand railway hotels through its grand ballrooms, crystal chandeliers, decorative moldings, and staircases in lobby areas, which were dealt with great care during subsequent renovation periods.

Hawthorn Dining Room and Bar

Hawthorn Dining Room and Bar serves as Fairmont Palliser's main dining venue, combining the hotel's historic setting with modern culinary techniques. It's set in a bright and spacious venue, featuring large windows with upscale decor. Meanwhile, its cuisine focuses on North American fare, emphasizing regional prairie influences.

Aside from its regular service, Hawthorn Dining Room and Bar is known for its handcrafted cocktails, happy hours, and regular live music events, combining the hotel's atmosphere with a contemporary dining concept.

Opening Hours:
Breakfast: 7:00 am - 11:00 am
Lunch: 10:30 am - 3:30 pm (Monday to Friday)
Dinner: 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Weekend brunch: 10:30 am - 3:30 pm

Let Fairmont Palliser be the venue for your dream wedding. It operates as a fully equipped wedding venue, complete with multiple event spaces, planning services, and catering options for celebrations ranging from small gatherings to large receptions of several hundred guests. Choose from its 13 venues, ranging from grand ballrooms with hand-painted murals to smaller rooms that can host intimate weddings. A dedicated wedding planner will assist you in all aspects of the celebration: from floor plan creation and menu tastings to vendor recommendations, assuring that your special day will be unfortgettable and stress-free.

Some of the venue options include:

Alberta Ballroom & Lake Louise Room - Large ballroom with hand-painted murals, creating a regal atmosphere.
Capacity: 160 guests

Crystal Ballroom and Oval Room - The largest room, boasting thirteen crystal chandeliers and gilded ceilings.
Capacity: 450 guests

The Oak Room - Lobby-level venue with vintage modern decor, perfect for mid-sized, private weddings.
Capacity: 150 guests

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

Located in Downtown Calgary, Fairmont Palliser situates guests at the heart of the city's activity. Within the hotel, enjoy live music as you sip on a refreshing drink at Hawthorn Dining Room and Bar. For foodies, join a guided food tour around Calgary and sample different food and beverage pairings from venues at the heart of the city.

Outside the hotel, plenty of opportunities for fun and adventure await. Head to the top of Calgary Tower and catch panoramic views of the city, or check out the World's Tallest Mural, located only a few minutes away on foot. Nearby, Studio Bell houses the National Music Centre, where visitors can learn more about Canada's music history and see rare artifacts, including one of Elton John's pianos. Aside from museums, Calgary is also home to several parks and green spaces, including Prince's Island Park and Pearce Estate Park, providing a verdant escape from the bustling city.

Aside from grand and intimate wedding ceremonies, Fairmont Palliser has been hosting social gatherings and personal celebrations. The hotel's team of Catering and Conference experts ensures that your event—whether a corporate meeting or an anniversary—goes without a hitch. Choose from a variety of rooms and halls, ranging from opulent ballrooms to smaller boardrooms, depending on your event.

Guests benefit from a dedicated event specialist to help liaise details, choose the right setup, help with catering, and tech coordination. In addition, the expert culinary team adds a personalized touch to the celebration, offering buffet, multi-course, and themed menus to suit any kind of celebration.