The Palliser Hotel in Calgary
Photo: trans-americas.comThe Palliser Hotel has a slightly different look from the Chateau-style CPR hotels. Built by the CPR and named after explorer John Palliser, this Edwardian building was designed by Montreal architects in the Chicago style.
The Palliser Hotel opened its doors in 1914. It was twelve storeys tall. Another three storeys were added in 1929, just before the stock market crashed, ushering in the "Dirty Thirties." The Palliser remained Calgary's tallest building for almost thirty years. Expansion and improvement of the venerable hotel continues; in 2000, it was renovated to the tune of $28 million.
The Fairmont Palliser is now owned and operated by the eponymous chain. Fairmont now owns many of the historic railway-era luxury hotels, including the Chateau Lake Louise, the Macdonald in Edmonton, the Chateau Frontenac in Quebec City, the Royal York in Toronto, and the Empress in Victoria.