Hotel Macdonald
The Fairmont Hotel Macdonald, historically known as the Hotel Macdonald or simply "The Mac," is a prominent luxury hotel located at 10065 100 Street NW in downtown Edmonton, Alberta. Situated at the eastern end of the city center, the eleven-story structure stands atop an escarpment overlooking the North Saskatchewan River valley. Opened on July 5, 1915, by the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway Company, the building was designed by the architectural firm Ross and MacFarlane in the distinctive Châteauesque style. Named after Sir John A. Macdonald, Canada's first prime minister, it was constructed at a cost of $2.25 million and serves as one of Canada's celebrated grand railway hotels.
The property possesses a rich and complex history marked by corporate shifts and physical transformations. Following the railway company's bankruptcy in 1919, management passed to Canadian National Hotels, which later added an expansion wing in 1953. However, this wing was demolished in 1983 when operations ceased. The hotel was subsequently sold to Canadian Pacific Hotels in 1988, undergoing extensive restoration before reopening to the public in May 1991. Recognized for its heritage value, the site was designated a provincial historic resource by Alberta in November 1984. Today, the hotel operates under Fairmont Hotels and Resorts, featuring 198 guest rooms and maintaining its status as a historic landmark within the city.
Details
- Year Built
- 1915
- Castle Type
- Hotel
- Location Text
- Alberta
- Architectural Style
- Châteauesque