Canadian Train Vacation Articles
- Canadian Rockies Train Vacations
- Rocky Mountaineer Services
- Routes on the Rocky Mountaineer
- Via Rail Canada Service Classes
- A Brief History of the Canada Pacific Railway
- Travel in Style on the Royal Canadian Pacific Service
- Canadian Wilderness Tours by Train
- Canadian Canoeing Vacations by Train
- Canada Heli-Hiking Tours by Train
- Canada Train Vacations as Honeymoons
- Polar Bear Train Tours In Canada
- Visit The Polar Bear Capital Of The World On Canada Train Tours
- The Chateau Lake Louise
- Canada's Chateau Laurier
- Canada’s Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel
- Train Tours to Canada’s Hotel Vancouver
- Quebec City's Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac
- Jasper, Alberta Travel and History
- Vacations in Toronto by Train
- Travel by Train to Vancouver, British Columbia
- Halifax, Nova Scotia Train Vacations
- Banff, Alberta Train Travel Options
- Tofino, British Columbia Train Vacations
- Toronto's Fairmont Royal York Hotel
- Canadian Trains in Cinema and Literature
Toronto's Fairmont Royal York Hotel
Entrenched in rich history, The Fairmont Royal York, formerly known as the Royal York Hotel, is a large and historic hotel in downtown Toronto, Ontario, Canada at 100 Front Street West.
The Royal York, which opened on June 11, 1929, was built by the Canadian Pacific Railway across the street from Toronto’s Union Station. With 28 floors, the Château-style building was the tallest building in Toronto at that time it was erected. In addition, it was also a major architectural feat for its time.
Constructed with 10 elevators, a radio in each of its 1,048 rooms, a 66-foot telephone switchboard, a concert hall, and private showers or baths in each room—the Royal York was a modern marvel in architectural undertakings.
The Royal York was enlarged in 1959 with the addition of the east wing, which gave the hotel a total of 1,600 rooms. Today the Royal York is now owned by Canadian Pacific Hotels, which took the Fairmont Hotels and Resorts moniker and attempted to overthrow the Royal York name with the Fairmont moniker. The attempt evoked a civil protest from the citizens of Toronto, and the moniker was quickly switched back to include Royal York.
Aside from the Royal York’s world recognized, 5-star cuisine, the hotel is also known for its specialty in organic green tea from Japan, which can be found in every room in the hotel. Not to mention, in July 2008, the Royal York installed 3 beehives on its 13th-floor rooftop terrace to serve its in-house garden, which already provides its nine restaurants with fresh herbs, vegetables and flowers. The three queen bees and their 40,000 workers living in the hives produced 700 pounds of fresh honey for the chefs.
Known for its posh elegance, rich history, and word-class accommodations, the Royal York has been the residence of choice for Queen Elizabeth II and other members of the Royal Family when in Toronto. The Queen usually has an entire floor reserved for her and her party, occupying the Royal Suite herself.
If you’re looking for lavish accommodations and historic grand-hotel heritage in Toronto—the Fairmont Royal York is a must see! We offer a wide variety of Canada train vacation packages that range from quick, 5-day excursions on the VIA Rail to 12-day journeys on the world-class Rocky Mountaineer.
Let Canada Train Vacations help you book a business trip or family vacation today. Our knowledgeable staff knows how to prepare the ultimate Toronto experience, and can even help you create a customized, affordable tour of Canada.