Fairmont Banff Springs
405 Spray Avenue, Banff, Alberta T1L 1J4, Canada
The Story
The cast and crew's hotel of choice
During the 1953 filming of Otto Preminger's first Western, River of No Return, the Banff Springs Hotel was the cast and crew's accommodation of choice — a historic, castle-like railway hotel set in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, and still going strong today. The province's drinking laws at the time meant that the hotel was the only place for miles that had any booze, so Robert Mitchum could be found propping up the hotel bar most nights. Marilyn Monroe also spent time here with Joe DiMaggio while she recovered from a leg injury she sustained during filming.
" The bar where Mitchum drank during River of No Return. Mountain views unchanged since the 1950s.
Experience it in person
The Fairmont Banff Springs is one of the most iconic hotels in North America, a castle-like railway hotel set in the heart of Banff National Park. It looks virtually unchanged from Monroe and Mitchum's day, though the amenities have improved somewhat — there are now multiple restaurants, a world-class spa, a bowling alley, and a golf course consistently ranked among the top ten in Canada. The Bow River, Lake Louise, and the surrounding mountain scenery that feature in the film are all within easy reach and remain some of the most spectacular landscapes in the world.
Signature Experiences
The hotel bar
The bar where Robert Mitchum drank most nights during the filming of River of No Return — at the time, thanks to the province's drinking laws, the only place for miles with any alcohol.
The spa, golf and more
The amenities now include multiple restaurants, a world-class spa, a bowling alley, and a golf course consistently ranked among the top ten in Canada.
Famous Connections
Who Came Here
As Seen In
Plan Your Visit
Good to Know
- How to Book: Book direct at fairmont.com/banff-springs or by phone. Rooms from around CAD $400 per night, plus a CAD $65 resort experience fee.
- Best Time: Year-round; the hotel is open in all seasons
- Accessibility: Contact the hotel directly to confirm access requirements.
- Tip: The hotel looks virtually unchanged from the 1950s, when Monroe and Mitchum stayed here. The Bow River, Lake Louise, and the surrounding mountain scenery that feature in River of No Return are all within easy reach and remain some of the most spectacular landscapes in the world.