Edmonton is a large city with numerous hotels catering to every taste. This was also true in the 20th century. Some of the city’s hotels gained recognition for their exceptional architecture, hospitality, and style, attracting prominent guests from around the world. One such establishment was the Fairmont Macdonald, which we will explore in this article on edmonton-future.
The History of Its Construction
The Fairmont Macdonald, locally known as “The Mac,” has been a landmark since its grand opening in July 1915. This iconic hotel set a high standard for hospitality in Alberta.
The idea for the hotel was conceived by the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway, which aimed to capitalize on the growing travel industry in Edmonton at the beginning of the 20th century. At the time, a series of railway hotels were being constructed across Canada, each becoming an important architectural landmark. To bring their vision to life, the company enlisted the renowned architectural firm Ross and MacFarlane, which oversaw the project from start to finish.
The seven-story hotel was designed in the Châteauesque style, built using local limestone and copper roofing. The construction took four years and cost $2.25 million CAD. Today, the building is valued at approximately $35 million CAD.
The hotel was named in honor of Sir John A. Macdonald, Canada’s first Prime Minister. Upon opening, it quickly became Edmonton’s premier hotel, attracting guests from around the world. Its immense popularity led to an expansion in 1953, when a 16-story annex with 292 rooms was added. However, since the annex’s design did not complement the original building, it was eventually demolished.
More About the Hotel’s Architecture
In 1911, Grand Trunk Pacific Railway announced plans to build the hotel. As mentioned earlier, they hired Ross and MacFarlane, a top architectural firm. Initially, architects George Ross and David MacFarlane led the project, but five years later, Robert Macdonald took over MacFarlane’s role. The Ross and Macdonald duo was responsible for designing many of Canada’s most beautiful railway hotels.
The architectural vision for the Fairmont Macdonald was to embody the grandeur of French Renaissance châteaux, featuring diagonal entrances, turrets, and majestic arches. The L-shaped foundation is adorned with balustrades, balconies, brackets, and cornices. The main portico includes two pilasters, five arches, and four columns. Additionally, the facade displays the crests of four Western Canadian provinces. While the architecture is impressive, the hotel’s most striking feature is its copper roof, which captures everyone’s attention.
Inside, the hotel boasts several stunning elements. The Imperial Ballroom, a grand space available for events, features magnificent bas-reliefs. These artworks had been hidden beneath a suspended ceiling and were rediscovered during renovations in the 1980s. The ceiling of the Imperial Ballroom stands approximately 6.4 meters (21 feet) high.
Guests of the Fairmont Macdonald
In 1939, Edmonton witnessed its first major traffic jam as 200,000 residents gathered to catch a glimpse of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, who were visiting the city. The royal couple stayed at the Fairmont Macdonald. In honor of the Queen Mother, the hotel named its most luxurious suite after her. The Queen Elizabeth Suite includes a foyer, dining room, pantry, two bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms, and a spacious living room. The suite is accessible only via a private elevator.
Other distinguished guests include Queen Elizabeth II, 42nd U.S. President Bill Clinton, and many more prominent figures.
Closure and Reopening of the Hotel
Unfortunately, in 1983, the hotel was forced to close due to neglect. However, in 1985, the City of Edmonton intervened to save it from demolition, designating the Fairmont Macdonald as a municipal heritage site. This marked the first time a building in the city received such recognition.
In 1988, the hotel was acquired by Canadian Pacific Hotels, which invested millions in its restoration and revival. The Fairmont Macdonald reopened in 1991, featuring a blend of modern amenities and historic elegance.
The restoration transformed former attic spaces into luxury suites, offering breathtaking views of the river valley and Edmonton skyline. Today, the hotel boasts 198 rooms spread throughout the building. In addition to the Queen Elizabeth Suite and the George VI Suite, the hotel also features a Winston Churchill Suite.
Guests can enjoy various amenities, including squash courts, aerobics studios, an advanced security system, and the renowned restaurant “The Harvest Room”.
Since 2017, the Fairmont Macdonald has been a proud member of Historic Hotels Worldwide.The Fairmont Macdonald is a grand historic hotel in the heart of Edmonton and is regarded as one of Canada’s finest railway hotels. Its stunning architecture, luxurious interiors, and rich history allow visitors to experience the grandeur of the French Renaissance right in Alberta.