If you are researching the Rimrock Resort Banff pool – whether it is open, how it compares to the Fairmont Banff Springs, and what swimming options exist in Banff National Park – you have come to the right place. Drawing on verified guest reviews, official listings, and editorial reports, this guide lays out the current pool status, key amenities, and the trade‑offs between Banff’s two landmark hotels. The Rimrock’s outdoor infinity pool, part of a multi‑year renovation, had not yet reopened to guests as of late 2026 (TripAdvisor).
Last checked: 2026-09-20
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Hotel name: Rimrock Banff, Emblems Collection · Location: Banff National Park, Alberta · Pool type: Outdoor infinity pool · Pool status: Not yet accessible (under finalization)
How we researched this
Last checked 2026-09-20.
Sources reviewed: official property website, Expedia listing, Hotels.com listing, TripAdvisor reviews, Booking.com page, Oyster review, Five Star Alliance profile, Trip.com guest reviews, Reddit discussions, and The Hotel Guru.
No on‑site visit, no staff interview, and no independent price verification were performed.
Rimrock Banff at a glance
- 300 Mountain Avenue, Banff, Alberta T1L 1J2, Canada (Expedia)
- Yes – indoor pool on site (Hotels.com)
- Outdoor pool deck open in warmer months (Five Star Alliance)
- Pool and spa under renovation; pool and fitness center closed due to construction (online reviews)
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Hotel name | Rimrock Banff, Emblems Collection |
| Location | Banff National Park, Alberta |
| Pool type | Outdoor infinity pool |
| Pool status | Not yet accessible (under finalization) |
| Indoor pool present | Yes – indoor pool on site (Hotels.com) |
| Pool hours (normal operation) | 08:00–22:00 (Expedia) |
| Spa facilities | Indoor pool, hot tub, steam room, sauna, full‑service spa (Oyster.com) |
| Salt‑water pools | Two salt‑water pools (Five Star Alliance) |
| TripAdvisor rank | #10 of 34 hotels in Banff |
| Sample price (one night, two adults) | ≈ CAD 558 including taxes/fees (Expedia, Oct 2026) |
| First Emblems Collection hotel in North America | Yes |
| Nearby attraction | Banff Upper Hot Springs (∼5‑minute walk) (TripAdvisor) |
Which is better, Rimrock Resort or Fairmont Banff Springs?
Both properties sit in Banff National Park and target luxury travellers, but their pool and spa offerings differ noticeably. The Fairmont Banff Springs operates multiple indoor and outdoor pools, including a large spa with thermal experiences, while the Rimrock’s pool area is more conventional (one indoor lap pool, one outdoor salt‑water pool) and, as of late 2026, fully closed for renovation. Reddit users often note that Fairmont’s varied pool temperatures and larger spa complex appeal to guests prioritising relaxation, where Rimrock’s quieter setting and mountain views are valued by those wanting a less bustling atmosphere.
Pool comparison
When both hotels are fully operational, the Rimrock offers an indoor salt‑water pool (suitable for laps, per Oyster.com) and an outdoor salt‑water pool deck with sauna and lounge chairs. The Fairmont Banff Springs has an indoor pool, an outdoor heated pool, and the Willow Stream Spa with mineral pools, steam rooms, and hot tubs. During the Rimrock’s ongoing renovation, Fairmont’s pools remain fully open, giving it an obvious edge for pool‑focused guests.
Price comparison
A sample one‑night stay for two adults at the Rimrock in October 2026 came to about CAD 558 including fees (Expedia). Fairmont Banff Springs rates typically start higher, often above CAD 600 for a standard room in peak season, though both fluctuate with demand.
Overall guest experience
Rimrock holds a TripAdvisor score of around 4.0–4.5 based on 7,100+ reviews, placing it #10 of 34 Banff hotels. Fairmont Banff Springs generally ranks higher on volume but also garners complaints about crowds and dated rooms. For travellers who value a quiet, renovated property with a dedicated pool and spa (when open), Rimrock is a strong contender. The trade‑off is that the pool and spa are currently unavailable, while Fairmont’s facilities are operational year‑round.
The bottom line: If an operational pool is a deal‑breaker, Fairmont Banff Springs is the safer choice right now. For those willing to wait for the Rimrock’s renovated infinity pool and enjoy a more intimate setting, the Rimrock offers compelling value once construction finishes.
| Feature | Rimrock Resort Banff | Fairmont Banff Springs |
|---|---|---|
| Pool status | Under renovation (closed as of late 2026) | Open (multiple pools) |
| Hotel category | Luxury, Emblems Collection | Luxury, Fairmont chain |
| Location setting | Above Banff town, mountain views | Near Banff town, historic castle |
| Renovation status | Full refurbishment nearing completion | Ongoing updates, no major closures reported |
| Number of pools | 2 (indoor + outdoor salt‑water) | 3+ (indoor, outdoor, spa pools) |
| Spa facilities | Full‑service spa, sauna, steam room | Willow Stream Spa with thermal circuit |
| Typical price (per night, sample) | ≈ CAD 558 | ≈ CAD 600–900 |
Rimrock Resort – Pros
- Quieter, less crowded atmosphere
- Panoramic mountain views from the property
- Renovated rooms and newly built infinity pool (coming soon)
- Higher amenities rating (4.2/5 on Trip.com) when facilities are open
Rimrock Resort – Cons
- Pool and spa currently closed for renovation
- Guests offered alternative sister‑hotel access via 15‑minute shuttle (online reviews)
- Advance booking for pool time required when operational (online reviews)
- Outdoor pool only open in warmer months
Fairmont Banff Springs – Pros
- Multiple pools open year‑round
- Comprehensive spa with thermal experiences
- Historic architecture and larger room variety
Fairmont Banff Springs – Cons
- Higher price point on average
- Can feel crowded, especially in summer
- Some dated guest rooms
Is the Rimrock hotel in Banff closed?
No – the hotel itself remains open for guest stays. Rooms, dining, and most public areas are operational throughout the renovation. However, major facilities including the pool, hot tub, and fitness centre are not accessible due to construction, as confirmed by multiple guest reviews on Hotels.com and other platforms. An August 2026 Hotels.com guest review stated that the hotel was “nearing the end of a full refurbishment” and that the pool and hot tub were not available; the hotel offered guests access to a sister property’s facilities via a roughly 15‑minute shuttle ride.
Are the rooms available?
Yes – all guest rooms and suites are open for booking. The renovation primarily affects the wellness wing.
Is the pool open?
No. The indoor pool, outdoor infinity pool, hot tub, and fitness centre are closed. The hotel’s listing on Booking.com advises guests to contact the property for the latest facility updates.
What is the reopening date?
No official reopening date has been announced. Based on the “nearing the end of a full refurbishment” comment from August 2026, it appears possible that the pool area could open in late 2026 or early 2027, though this remains unconfirmed.
The pattern: The hotel is very much alive for lodging, but the pool and spa remain a work in progress. Guests planning a pool‑centric stay should check directly with the property before booking.
What amenities does Rimrock Resort offer?
Beyond the pool (currently closed), the Rimrock provides a full‑service spa, steam room, sauna, three restaurants, a café, indoor parking, and a large lobby bar with panoramic views. The hotel also features an 18‑hole golf course (fair‑weather access) and is located within a five‑minute walk of the Banff Upper Hot Springs (TripAdvisor FAQ).
Wellness facilities
When fully operational, the wellness area includes an indoor lap pool (salt‑water), a hot tub, steam room, sauna, and a spa offering massages and treatments. The outdoor pool deck, described by Five Star Alliance, has lounge chairs, tables, and a sauna. The indoor pool hours are normally 08:00–22:00 (Expedia).
Dining options
The property houses three on‑site restaurants (including the fine‑dining Primrose), a café, and a lobby bar. Menus emphasize Canadian Rocky Mountain cuisine.
Recreation activities
In addition to the golf course and nearby hot springs, the Rimrock offers concierge‑arranged hiking, skiing, and wildlife tours. The fitness centre, though currently closed, normally includes cardio and weight equipment.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 300 Mountain Avenue, Banff, Alberta T1L 1J2, Canada |
| Number of pools | 2 (1 indoor, 1 outdoor) – both salt‑water |
| Pool hours (normal) | 08:00–22:00 |
| Spa type | Full‑service with steam, sauna, treatment rooms |
| Restaurants | 3 on‑site |
| Golf | 18‑hole course |
| Parking | Indoor parking |
| Designation | Emblems Collection (first in North America) |
| Nearby attraction | Banff Upper Hot Springs (5‑minute walk) |
| TripAdvisor rank | #10 of 34 Banff hotels |
Where is the best place to swim in Banff?
If the Rimrock pool is unavailable, Banff offers several alternatives for swimming. The Banff Recreation Centre has a public indoor pool with lanes and a leisure area – a reliable option for a swim without staying at a hotel. For a natural setting, Lake Louise and Johnson Lake offer scenic (but cold) lake swimming during summer. The Banff Upper Hot Springs, located just a five‑minute walk from the Rimrock, provides a warm soak with mountain views, though it is not a swimming pool per se (TripAdvisor FAQ).
Public pools in Banff
The Banff Recreation Centre (located at 1 Norquay Road) operates an indoor pool with lap lanes and a hot tub. Drop‑in rates are modest, and it is open year‑round.
Lake swimming
Lake Louise offers spectacular scenery but water temperatures rarely exceed 15°C in summer. Johnson Lake near the Banff Springs Golf Course is slightly warmer and less crowded. Both are unsupervised.
Hotel pools
The Fairmont Banff Springs, as noted, has multiple indoor and outdoor pools. Other Banff hotels such as the Banff Park Lodge and the Ptarmigan Inn also have indoor pools. For Rimrock guests, the sister‑hotel shuttle provides access to another property’s pool; it is advisable to confirm this arrangement at check‑in.
The trade‑off: For a guaranteed warm, comfortable swim, the Banff Recreation Centre or the Fairmont Banff Springs are the most dependable choices during Rimrock’s renovation.
Price range for Rimrock Resort Banff
Sample pricing from Expedia (mid‑September 2026) shows a one‑night stay for two adults at approximately CAD 558 including fees. Off‑peak rates can fall to the CAD 300–400 range, while peak winter or summer periods may exceed CAD 700. The hotel positions itself in the upper‑mid‑luxury band of Banff accommodation, comparable to the Banff Park Lodge but below the Fairmont Banff Springs in average nightly rate.
Location and how to reach Rimrock Banff
The Rimrock sits at 300 Mountain Avenue, on a hillside above the town of Banff, about a 5‑minute drive from the Banff town centre. From Calgary International Airport (YYC), the drive takes approximately 1 hour 45 minutes via the Trans‑Canada Highway. The hotel offers indoor parking for guests. Public transit (Roam Transit Route 2) stops near the property, and the Banff Upper Hot Springs are within a short walk.
Alternatives to Rimrock Banff for pool‑focused stays
If the pool is your priority, consider these Banff hotels with operational swimming facilities:
- Fairmont Banff Springs – Multiple pools, full spa, year‑round access.
- Banff Park Lodge – Indoor pool and hot tub, mid‑range price.
- Ptarmigan Inn – Indoor pool, convenient downtown location.
- Banff Recreation Centre (public) – Lap pool, not a hotel but a reliable alternative for day‑trip swimmers.
Our pick for pool‑focused guests
For travellers who want a guaranteed pool experience during their Banff stay, the Fairmont Banff Springs is the most dependable choice right now. Its multiple pools and spa are open year‑round, and the difference in nightly rate is often justified by the full amenity access. However, if you prefer a quieter, newly renovated property and can plan around the construction timeline, the Rimrock’s infinity pool – once completed – will likely be one of the most scenic spots in Banff. Check the hotel’s official site for the latest reopening updates before booking.
Related reading: Hotel in Cochrane, Alberta: Best Picks for Banff & Calgary · G7 Summit 2025 Hotel Kananaskis: Venue & Safety
tripadvisor.com, tripadvisor.in, yelp.ca
Frequently asked questions
Does Rimrock Banff have a spa?
Yes – the hotel operates a full‑service spa with treatment rooms, along with a steam room and sauna. However, these facilities are currently closed for renovation along with the pool and fitness centre.
Can non‑guests use the Rimrock pool?
When the pool is operational, access is restricted to registered guests. Day passes are not offered based on available sources.
How does Rimrock compare to other Banff hotels with pools?
During its renovation, Rimrock’s pool is closed, whereas the Fairmont Banff Springs offers multiple open pools. Other hotels like Banff Park Lodge have year‑round indoor pools. Rimrock’s infinity pool will be a unique draw once completed.
What is the best time to visit Banff for swimming?
Summer (June‑August) offers the best weather for lake swimming and outdoor pools. The Banff Recreation Centre provides year‑round indoor swimming. Ski season visitors should confirm hotel pool availability before booking.
Are there pet‑friendly rooms at Rimrock?
Yes – the hotel offers pet‑friendly rooms for an additional fee, according to multiple booking listings.
Does Rimrock offer airport shuttle service?
The Rimrock does not operate its own airport shuttle. Guests can arrange private transfers or use the regional Banff Airporter service from Calgary International Airport.