Here's a closer look at West Canada's newest eateries, drinking spots, hotels, conference areas, private rooms, and other spaces available for events this summer. The new and renovated West Canada venues are available for corporate parties, weddings, fundraisers, outdoor functions, business dinners, team-building activities, conferences, meetings, and more.
Fairmont Banff Springs
The iconic Fairmont Banff Springs unveiled a two-year, $35 million renovation of its suites and guest rooms this February. The new Fairmont Signature Suites and Gold rooms were designed by Jeffrey Beers International. Complete with panoramic views of the Canadian Rockies, the 1,500-square-foot Crown Suite now has a second bedroom and an upgraded primary bedroom. This most-coveted suite also comes with a spacious entertaining area, a living room, a dry bar, and two modern bathrooms. The resort’s Terrace Suites and select one- and two-bedroom suites also underwent extensive makeovers. The Fairmont Gold renovations consist of 110 guest rooms and a new private arrival area (pictured) with a mountain view. Besides its suites and guest rooms, the resort has more than 76,000 square feet of meeting, event, and exhibit space, as well as a spa and championship golf course.
Photo: Courtesy of Fairmont Banff Springs
MTN House by Basecamp
Opened in June, MTN House is a new luxury 99-room hotel that sits on more than 3.5 acres of land in Canmore. The property is the latest opening under Basecamp Resorts, a hospitality brand founded by Canadian entrepreneur Sky McLean that owns hotels and resorts across Western Canada’s mountain ranges. MTN House, designed by MTA Urban Design, features a refined rustic aesthetic inspired by the surrounding nature and culture. The hotel includes a lobby lounge with a two-sided wood-burning fireplace, a communal outdoor hot tub with scenic mountain views, and concierge e-bike rentals. In a few months, the on-site restaurant Rhythm and Howl will open and be able to seat 91 guests. MTN House will also be opening a premium indoor spa and Nordic spa experience in 2024.
Photo: Courtesy of MTN House by Basecamp
Little Karp
Opened in April, Little Karp is a new fine dining restaurant in Richmond. Its West Coast- and Asian-inspired menu features dishes such as its signature seafood tower, venison tartare, and live lobster risotto. The restaurant also boasts a unique selection of desserts and cocktails. Guests can order a la carte or opt for the restaurant’s seasonal tasting menu. At 1,900 square feet, Little Karp can seat 40 guests and is available for full buyouts at $8,000. It also offers a private dining room for smaller, more intimate events. The restaurant’s interior is designed with a mixture of wooden surfaces and more contemporary details and textures, with the spotlight being the nine carp lanterns hanging over the main dining room.
Photo: Peter Gao
Louiza
Louiza is a new Mediterranean-inspired restaurant that opened in November. Located in the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, the dining venue is surrounded by Banff National Park’s majestic mountains and the emerald Lake Louise. The restaurant is elegantly designed with a soothing color palette reminiscent of its surroundings. Its evolving menu features local ingredients from the land and sea that change with the seasons. At 3,400 square feet, the venue can seat 220 guests and is available for full buyouts only during dinner hours. The space serves as a sophisticated dining area for company retreats, wedding rehearsals, and corporate events.
Photo: Courtesy of Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
Mahony’s Tavern
After temporarily closing for renovations, Mahony’s Tavern at Vancouver’s Convention Centre reopened in March with some new furnishings and a more elevated look. The restaurant bar serves a list of burgers, sandwiches, salads, and bowls, as well as several vegan options. As for drinks, the tavern features a rotating seasonal selection of BC craft and local tap beers. Located right on the Vancouver Harbour, Mahony’s Tavern at the Convention Centre overlooks the North Shore Mountains and Stanley Park. The 7,100-square-foot space can seat 400 people and accommodate 500 standing. It includes a semiprivate space that can accommodate 80 guests. The venue is also equipped with a patio, a full bar, TVs, a sound system, and specialized group menus. Available for full buyouts, the newly renovated restaurant bar is a suitable venue for birthdays, anniversaries, corporate events, wedding receptions, and more.
Photo: Courtesy of Mahony’s Tavern
Basecamp Suites Banff
Basecamp Suites Banff is a 21-suite boutique hotel that opened in December in the Cascade Shops Plaza in the heart of downtown Banff. Guests have easy access to restaurants and shopping as well as world-class skiing, snowboarding, skating, and hiking. Each of the hotel’s apartment-style suites is designed with a modern mountain aesthetic and comes with a fully equipped kitchen, one to three bedrooms, and dining and living spaces. The hotel also features two large rooftop hot tubs where guests can relax and enjoy the surrounding mountain view. Suitable for families, groups, outdoor enthusiasts, and business travelers alike, Basecamp Suites Banff offers guests spacious accommodations with the amenities and conveniences of a hotel.
Photo: Courtesy of Basecamp Suites Banff
The Banquet Bar Mahogany
The Banquet Bar opened its fourth location—its second in Calgary—in March. Located in the city’s Mahogany neighborhood, the new venue features a bowling alley, rooftop patio, Skee-Ball, pool tables, and a variety of games. The premium dive bar also serves pub fare, signature cocktails, and over 30 beers on tap. Across its three floors, the 7,700-square-foot Banquet Bar Mahogany has a total capacity of 620 and is available for full buyouts. It also offers bookings for individual tables and bowling alleys. The venue welcomes birthday parties, corporate events, fundraisers, and more. It hosts its own events as well, including live music, promotions, and contests throughout the week.
Photo: Courtesy of The Banquet Bar
