Iconic Fairmont Banff and Jasper hotels have temporarily closed

Three renowned hotels in the Canadian Rockies are temporarily closing their doors Friday because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Fairmont Banff Springs, the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, and the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge are ceasing operations as of noon on Friday, April 10. The closure means guests will no longer be able to stay overnight.

“This certainly isn’t goodbye, it’s farewell for now,” the hotel chain said in a statement.

“As we navigate through these times of change and uncertainty, we do so with the safety of both our loyal and valued guests and employees as our highest priority,” it continued, adding it’s helping local authorities to halt coronavirus spread.

This certainly isn’t goodbye, it’s farewell for now. We’ll be in touch with updates through https://t.co/uVm6AajmeX, to ensure that our dedicated community is informed, connected and supported through these trying times. pic.twitter.com/mrg5qkuFnl

— Jasper Park Lodge (@FairmontJPL) April 9, 2020

The Chateau Lake Louise and the Fairmont Banff Springs are hotels that resemble castles nestled in Banff National Park. The Jasper Park Lodge lies just north in Jasper National Park on the shores of a glacier-fed lake.

National parks across Canada have already closed their facilities and blocked vehicle access, so guests wishing to stay at the high-end hotels would have had a hard time getting there.

• See also:
  • Over 1 million jobs lost in Canada last month due to coronavirus pandemic
  • Canada estimates first wave of coronavirus pandemic may last until summer
  • New Yorkers are making the most of quarantine (VIDEOS)

The Fairmont says they want to welcome guests back as soon as it’s safe to do so.

The closures come as federal and provincial leaders urge people to forgo travel plans over the Easter long weekend and stay home.