An Edmonton hotel ‘steeped in history’ turns 110

Archival video from CFRN News of renovations at Edmonton's Hotel Macdonald in 1991.

Edmonton’s “chateau on the river” is celebrating its 110th anniversary.

Fairmont Hotel Macdonald, the luxury hotel overlooking the North Saskatchewan River, is almost as old as the city itself.

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General manager Cole Millen said it’s “pretty special” to be a part of something that’s been around for so long.

“Everyone’s so proud of the hotel. They were here for a wedding. They were here for their first drink when they turned 18. They celebrated a graduation here,” Millen said.

“Everyone’s got a story to tell about the hotel, and everyone seems to have a sense of pride about it.”

Despite changing with the times, Millen said people can still tell that the location is “steeped in history.”

“I think when you step through the doors, you can still recognize and appreciate that you’re in a building that has some character and some heritage to it,” he said.

In 2024, the hotel went through a renovation of 165 of its guest rooms and meeting space.

“So everything looks pristine and new the way that guests expect, but still has that heritage,” Millen said. “I think more and more people are looking for that.”

“The historic properties have a unique charm about them that you just can’t recreate these days.”

The hotel was Edmonton’s first-ever designated heritage spot, after former Mayor Terry Cavanagh petitioned for it in the eighties.

Its status means the facade of the building is protected and many of the core elements – the Wedgwood ceiling, the Confederation lounge, the staircase and banister – will remain the same for generations.

Millen said despite its reputation for luxury, he’s happy that Fairmont Hotel Macdonald has become more accessible to everyone visiting. He reflected that the very definition of what luxury is has evolved with the hotel over time.

“Now you can come in, and you’ll certainly still see people who are dressed up, but people are much more comfortable …. And feeling very much at home,” he said.

“And we want people to feel like it’s their home.”

With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Dave Mitchell