Crafting Luxury at Lake Louise: BASIN Glacial Waters Development

At Lake Louise, where glacier-fed waters meet towering peaks, EllisDon took on a challenge that demanded precision, vision, and respect for one of Canada’s most iconic landscapes.

A Vision Beneath the Surface

The BASIN Glacial Waters Development at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise offers guests seamless luxury, while its mostly underground construction preserves Banff National Park and showcases remarkable engineering beneath the surface.

Delivering this vision required flawless execution and deep collaboration, setting a new benchmark for hospitality construction in a live, high-profile environment.

“BASIN Glacial Waters challenged us to think differently,” said Sean Dekoning, Senior Vice President and Area Manager, Calgary, EllisDon. “Building beneath the surface in one of Canada’s most iconic landscapes meant every decision had to balance precision, discretion, and respect for nature. It’s a project that truly reflects EllisDon’s ability to turn complexity into craftsmanship.”

Making Progress Invisible

Positioned between the hotel and Lake Louise, the work demanded exceptional planning to protect views and guest experience. EllisDon engineered a strategy to keep construction discreet:

• Traffic minimized through capped concrete deliveries
• Safety and discretion ensured with segregated site access
• Impeccable housekeeping maintained spotless work zones

Every stage was choreographed with precision so guests never felt the impact of construction.

Behind the scenes, the details were just as remarkable. Specialty materials—Italian tile, Spanish curved glass, custom thermal cabins—were sourced globally and integrated into a complex mechanical framework. EllisDon’s Building Material Sciences team ensured every component performed flawlessly. The result: a spa environment that functions as beautifully as it looks.

Relationships That Built Success

BASIN’s success was rooted in strong partnerships. From the outset, EllisDon and Oxford Properties collaborated closely, aligning design, schedules, and priorities. Transparent communication and regular check-ins ensured Oxford’s high standards were consistently met.

Equally vital was working with Parks Canada. By engaging early and often, EllisDon built trust and delivered solutions that protected Banff’s natural beauty while advancing the project.

A Lasting Impact

Today, BASIN offers guests a serene escape with thermal pools, outdoor jacuzzies, and curated spa amenities. Behind this effortless luxury lies a story of precision, partnership, and perseverance.

For EllisDon, BASIN was an opportunity to push boundaries and redefine hospitality construction, proving that complexity can be invisible and excellence unforgettable.