Restaurants

The Confederation Lounge

At the end of the day, there is no better place to relax than in the Confederation Lounge. This estate library-style lounge, with its plush chairs and welcoming atmosphere, is the best place to unwind with a beverage and admire the picture-perfect view of the largest urban parkway in North America -- the North Saskatchewan River Valley.

Sit back and enjoy one of many premium liquors, a frothy cappuccino, or a glass of smooth red wine. Indulge in our exceptional selection of Scotch and creative martini cocktails. A menu of innovative cuisine and decadent sweets round out the Confederation Lounge's extensive offering.

Hours Of Operation:

(Hours may vary during holidays)

• Monday through Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m.          
• Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to Midnight.

Dress Code:

Casual

Reservations:

Reservations are not required

Please Note:

The Confederation Lounge is a non-smoking facility.

A Brief History of the Confederation Lounge:
Since The Fairmont Hotel Macdonald opened its doors in 1915, the beckoning atmosphere of the Confederation Lounge has always charmed our guests. A striking detail of the lounge is the 18-foot wide and nine-foot high Fathers of Confederation reproduction above the fireplace.

The portrait, painted by Frederick Challener, is a copy of the Robert Harris original which hung in the Parliament Buildings in Ottawa until 1916, when it was lost in a fire. In 1962, the painting became the center of controversy when experts debated both the completion date of this and another Challener copy of the Fathers of Confederation (which hangs in Ontario's Queen's Park legislature building in Toronto) and about the issue of whether or not they were originals or copies. A solution to this debate has never been reached since the Harris original is no longer available.*

In 1965, the Fathers of Confederation reproduction was almost ruined when the floor of the terrace above the lounge was being repaired. Heavy rains caused water to leak through, soaking the plaster and dripping lime across the painting. A specialist was called in and was able to restore this heritage piece back to its original condition.

* Information from The Mac, Edmonton's Historic Hotel Macdonald by Robert White and Sarah Baxter

*All prices are quoted in Canadian dollars.

Menu:

A Sampling from the Menu:

Salad of Baby Greens, radish, pickled flame grames, tomato peppered fig, and orange viaigrette - $10.00

Grilled Portobello Mushroom and Brie Panini grilled bell pepper, red onions, spinach leaves
- $17.00

Merguez Lamb Sausage olive oil crushed finerling potatoes, port-onion relish - $16.00