Mini Banff Springs Hotel and Parks Canada art exhibit

Mini Banff Springs Hotel

In 1974, Calgarian Frank Kaufman began working on a replica of the legendary Banff Springs Hotel. He painstakingly recreated the mountain castle for three years, but for four decades it sat in his garage.

Earlier this year he told Global News, it was time for it to find a new home. The media coverage got Kaufman and YYC connected and the replica is on display after the airport purchased the (tiny) hotel.

“We love Mr. Kaufman’s passion for displaying the best of our province, and we think this miniature version of the Banff Springs Hotel will allow our guests to enjoy the region’s legendary attractions without leaving the terminal,” says Michael Hayward, Vice President, Marketing & Guest Experience.

The model will be displayed on the arrivals level near across from Door 4, where many arriving guests arrange for transportation to the mountains.

Here's a link to the updated article from Global.

Art in the Park

From July 8 to July 28, we will also feature ‘Art in the Park’ an exhibit on loan from Parks Canada, depicting the natural and cultural heritage of Glacier National Park and its value to Canadians. With this art exhibit, Parks Canada hopes to expand the way the park is seen by local residents, staff, visitors and audiences beyond park boundaries.

“Our goal is to bring our amazing city and beautiful mountains to our airport and create a ‘sense of place’ for our guests,” says Debbie Stahl, Director, Customer Care. “The Parks Canada exhibit combined with the mini Banff Springs Hotel will definitely give our guests a taste of our province.”

Since 2008, the Art in the Park Program has connected people to Glacier National Park through art. Each year, a group of 11 artists spend four nights in a rustic cabin setting in Glacier National Park, exploring, photographing, sketching, and, depending on their medium, producing works of art.

Watch the three minute video below that shows the inspiration behind the art (this will be playing on a digital screen in the area).