After Russia, Canada is the largest nation in the world. Its vast landscape includes snow-topped mountains, remote islands, lush green valleys and breathtakingly beautiful beaches. Canada was once dominated by railways, and the many of the grand hotels across the country were created by the railway companies to accommodate their rail travelers. Many of these Canadian hotels boast a traditional chateau style, which draws inspiration from French architecture, but there are plenty of Art Deco and postmodern offerings as well.
Whether your days are filled with excitement or relaxation, make sure your accommodation is equally as appealing. There is no better way to have a great vacation than to fit one or more of these amazing places to stay in Canada into your travel plans.
11. Prince of Wales Hotel
Step back in time to the 1920s with a stay at the Prince of Wales hotel. Situated on the banks of Waterton Lake, the Prince of Wales Hotel is a fantastic way to embrace the simpler times in a scenic setting. The spectacular views are a major attraction, and from many rooms and the restaurants you’ll be able to admire the blue water and stunning peaks of Waterton Lakes National Park. Hiking and skiing are the two most popular and seasonal outdoor activities for hotel guests.
10. Fogo Island Inn
If you’re planning a visit to Fogo Island, just off the coast of Newfoundland, then head to the Fogo Island Inn. Situated atop the rugged, jagged cliffs on the coast, the Fogo Island Inn is a contemporary retreat with ultra-modern accommodation. The swanky interiors are a stark contrast to the surroundings, and the views over the Atlantic Ocean are unparalleled. Facilities at the Fogo Island Inn include an art gallery, a spa, a cinema and an upscale restaurant with vaulted ceilings that are 15 meters (48 feet) high.
9. Hotel de Glace
Hotel de Glace translates as the Ice Hotel, and that’s exactly what you can expect from this incredible destination just outside of Quebec City. Every year, the Hotel de Glace is rebuilt, using metal frames and plenty of ice and snow. It takes 50 workers about 90 days to construct the hotel every year. If you are a guest at the Hotel de Glace, you can expect to sleep on a bed made of ice, with plenty of sleeping bags, but you can warm up in heated bathrooms and even hot tubs.
8. Fairmont Chateau Whistler Resort
Whistler is known as one of the most scenic ski resort in the world, and travelers from all corners of the globe come for the scenery as well as recreation opportunities. The Fairmont Chateau Whistler Resort is nestled at the base of Blackcomb Mountain, and it resembles an Alpine castle. In the winter, you can ski right to the door of the resort. Luxury amenities and facilities are available to guests, including a world-class golf course.
7. Rosewood Hotel Georgia, Vancouver
The Rosewood Hotel Georgia is a five-star retreat in the heart of Downtown Vancouver. The 12-story hotel, which was opened in 1927, brings the roaring twenties to life. It also offers all the luxury touches and modern amenities guests might desire. Some of the Rosewood Hotel Georgia’s most notable guests include Elvis Presley, John Wayne, the Beatles, and Queen Elizabeth II. A major renovation in 2011 increased the size of the rooms and kept the history alive while upgrading the amenities.
6. Fairmont Banff Springs
Known as the Castle in the Rockies, the Fairmont Banff Springs is the fairy tale vacation destination you’ve dreamt about. It is located within Banff National Park, which puts you in the middle of exceptional landscape, breathtaking scenery, recreational opportunities and wildlife. Seven restaurants, a spa and a golf course can help fill your days, although many guests opt to head outside and enjoy hiking, skiing, horseback riding or snowshoeing in the phenomenal national park.
5. Thompson Hotel, Toronto
For a luxurious, boutique experience in the heart of Toronto’s Central King West area, then the Thompson Hotel is the ideal choice. Rooms include upscale features like floor-to-ceiling windows, dark hardwood furnishings and heated marble bathroom floors. The highlight of the Thompson Hotel, however, is the rooftop. That’s where you’ll be able to enjoy 360-degree views over the Toronto skyline, swim in the infinity pool above the city or sip cocktails at the rooftop bar and lounge.
4. The Tower Hotel, Niagara Falls
In 1962, the first of the modern towers overlooking Niagara Falls was constructed. It is in this building that you’ll find the magnificent Tower Hotel. Right on the brink of the falls, there is no better place to be if you want to enjoy exceptional views over the waterfalls. The Tower Hotel is a luxury destination, but it is best known for romance. There is a chapel onsite, making it a popular spot for weddings and honeymoons. While the views of the falls are amazing in daylight, nightly fireworks illuminate the falls in color most of the year as well.
3. Long Beach Lodge Resort
Set on Cox Bay Beach on Vancouver Island is the Long Beach Lodge Resort. With just 41 rooms and 20 suites, the intimate resort is far from crowded, and guests can expect plenty of personalized attention. The location is the star of the show, with the white sandy beach just steps away. The Long Beach Lodge Resort operates a surf school that you can enroll in for a week or just an afternoon. Select rooms have balconies with beach access as well as hot tubs.
2. Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac, Quebec City
The extraordinary Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac was constructed at the end of the 19th century, and it has served as one of Quebec City’s most luxurious hotels ever since. It is known as the most photographed hotel in the world, thanks to the chateau’s beautiful architecture as well as its location right in the heart of Quebec’s skyline. Staying at the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac means that you can enjoy views over the St. Lawrence River, a two-minute walk to the Cathedral-Basilica of Notre-Dame de Québec, and plenty of upscale dining, fitness and nightlife options right on the property.
1. Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
Another Fairmont resort within Banff National Park is the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. This luxury mountain resort dates all the way back to the 19th century, but the amenities are firmly in the 21st century. The location is picturesque, situated on the shores of Lake Louise and less than one mile from Beehive Mountain. While the rooms, restaurants and spa amenities are world class, most guests stay at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise so that they can get outdoors and kayak, hike, ski or soak in the views from the lake Louise Gondola.
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