Starting in October 2025, The Rimrock Resort Hotel will shut its doors for a full-scale renovation. This isn't a surface-level upgrade. It's a complete transformation – $100 million worth – that will reshape the hotel from top to bottom. Backed by Oxford Properties and managed by Accor, the project is being called a “historic transformation,” and from everything we've heard so far, that's no exaggeration.
For decades, The Rimrock has offered something unique in Banff: elevated mountain hospitality in a quiet, dramatic setting. Perched above town on Sulphur Mountain, with head-on views of the Bow Valley, it's been the go-to for travellers who want to enjoy Banff with a bit more space and serenity.
The current hotel dates back to the late 1980s and early '90s, when the modest Rimrock Inn expanded into the 333-room resort we know today. But the land's connection to hospitality goes even further – to the late 1800s, when visitors came for the Upper Hot Springs mineral waters.
That deep history is part of what makes this upcoming closure such a big moment.
Why the Full Closure?
Initially, the plan was to keep the hotel partially open during renovations. That's now changed. The Rimrock will fully close in early October 2025 and is expected to reopen in spring 2026. Guests can still book stays through October 1.
A full closure signals how extensive this work is going to be. Think infrastructure, redesigned rooms, major public space upgrades – possibly even structural changes that wouldn't be possible with guests on-site.
If you've been meaning to return, or never got around to visiting, now's the time. This summer and early fall will be your last chance to experience the Rimrock in its current form.
What We Know About What's Coming
The new Rimrock will aim to be more luxurious, more sustainable, and more in tune with its surroundings.
Oxford and Accor have made it clear that sustainability will be a major focus. The resort already has a strong base – earning a 4 Green Keys rating and rolling out composting programs, reusable cup initiatives, and energy-saving systems. But the renovation is expected to bring all of that to the next level, using more efficient materials, systems, and smart design from the ground up.
There's also mention of a “state-of-the-art thermal wellness facility” in Accor's job postings, which suggests that the new Rimrock will lean further into wellness tourism. Considering the hotel's location near Banff's historic hot springs, that direction makes sense – and could be a real draw for travellers looking to unwind in the mountains without the crowds.
We're also expecting reimagined rooms and suites, revamped dining spaces, and potentially some new signature experiences. But as of now, there are no public design details or concept renderings. That reveal will come later – and it'll be one to watch.
Eden's Final Season
One of the biggest emotional shifts in this transition is the planned closure of Eden, the resort's fine dining restaurant. For 30 years, Eden held the AAA Five Diamond designation and was consistently ranked among Canada's top restaurants.
In the lead-up to the closure, Eden will host a special farewell season in 2025, including a tasting menu that highlights its most iconic dishes. It's a fitting send-off for a restaurant that has played a big part in the Rimrock's identity.
What replaces Eden remains to be seen. But with Accor overseeing the next chapter, we can expect a strong culinary direction – likely with a mix of new energy and deep respect for what came before.
What This Means for Banff
The closure is going to be felt – not just by guests, but by the broader Banff community. The Rimrock employs a lot of people. It also plays a key role in conferences, weddings, and high-end tourism in the Bow Valley.
Oxford and Accor have committed to supporting staff during the closure and to transparent communication as the renovation moves forward. Still, it will leave a temporary gap in Banff's hospitality landscape.
That said, it also opens the door for something big. If the new Rimrock delivers on its promises – luxury, sustainability, a closer tie to Banff's natural and cultural story – it could raise the bar for resort experiences in the Rockies. It could also help shift the focus of tourism in Banff toward more meaningful, lower-impact travel, which is badly needed.
A Pause, Then a New Chapter
The months ahead are a chance to say goodbye to a hotel that's been part of Banff's story for generations – and to make space for what's next.
If you've stayed at The Rimrock before, you probably have a favourite view, a quiet spot in the lounge, or a dinner memory at Eden. Maybe it's the walk to the Upper Hot Springs, or the light in the lobby at sunset. These are the small things that make a place stick.
You've got a few more months to enjoy those moments again before the doors close. And then, in spring 2026, a new version of The Rimrock will open – still rooted in the Rockies, but with a fresh perspective.
Until then, the mountains will wait.