This is a glorious grande-dame hotel that underwent a grand $60M+ renovation in 2017 to celebrate its 100^th anniversary. The Fairmont Empress continues to win our hearts with its elegant, modern interiors, friendly staff, the excellent Q Bar serving the bespoke royal purple-hued Empress 1908 gin, and its seriously English Afternoon Tea served in the lobby lounge. In Canada, you can’t get any more British than this.

(Photo courtesy of Fairmont Empress)

Situated in the heart of historic old Quebec City, this Relais & Châteaux property manages to meld modern luxury with fascinating historical highlights. During the construction of Auberge Saint-Antoine, numerous artifacts were found—including some dating back to the 1600s—and many of these treasures are peppered throughout the establishment. The excellent restaurant features French and Canadian cuisine and much of the produce comes from the hotel’s own vegetable farm.

(Photo courtesy of Auberge Saint-Antoine)

A train stops right at the door of this modern chalet-style boutique hotel in the Quebec countryside. Le Germain Hotel & Spa Charlevoix‘s footprint is a series of renovated buildings of what was once an old farm run by nuns. Visitors come for the powder at the region’s Le Massif ski hill, just a 10-minute drive away.

(Photo courtesy of Groupe Germain Hôtels)

Fogo Island Inn is certainly one of the most extraordinary hotels on earth, which is funny because it looks like it crashed down from outer space. And yet, the stunning modern hotel is resolutely of its place. The Inn was designed by Newfoundland-born, Norway-based modernist architect Todd Saunders at the behest of Zita Cobb, a native Fogo Islander. Built on stilts firmly embedded in rock, with furnishings handcrafted by locals, you can watch icebergs float by your picture window and forage with chefs. The Inn’s food, modern Newfoundland meets Nordic, is divine and drinks come with a cube made from 10,000-year-old icebergs.

(Photo courtesy of Fogo Island Inn)

From the Omer Arbel-designed lighted sculpture, “16,” adorning its entrance to housing Vancouver’s first Ocean Wise RawBar, Fairmont Pacific Rim was one of the first of the Fairmont brand’s new breed of modern hotels when it opened in 2010. And it still delivers the goods today. Its newly opened Botanist restaurant and lounge is considered to be the hottest opening in 2017 plus the rooftop outdoor terrace for spa guests still offers one of the most spectacular views over the city skyline.

(Photo courtesy of Fairmont Pacific Rim)

Total luxury reigns at this hub for the hip, an urban retreat for an eclectic clientele from the realms of arts and culture, business and finance. At the Shangri-La Toronto expect Asian elegance, rich woods, silk walls, robust patterns, museum-worthy artifacts and the chicest pool in town. Individual cabanas built into the walls come complete with built-in TVs.

(Photo courtesy of Shangri-La Toronto)

When the Andaz Ottawa Byward Market opened downtown in 2017, it was a welcome addition. This is a hotel with a youthful vibe and just walking into the lobby feels uplifting. The rooms are bright, light and airy, perfect for recouping after a night at Copper Spirits & Sights on the 16^th floor, where cocktails flow easily and a DJ pumps out music Thursday to Saturday. Come morning, head to Feast + Revel for a quick coffee or heartier fare like breakfast poutine.

(Photo courtesy of Andaz Ottawa Byward Market)

A luxe Relais & Châteaux retreat in the Rocky Mountains, guests at the Post Hotel & Spa are pampered with spacious rooms made cozy by fireplaces, warm and relaxing public spaces to enjoy some quiet time and a dining room with an impressive wine cellar that is an oenophile’s dream.

(Photo courtesy of Post Hotel & Spa)

Between Yaletown and Gastown, adjacent to BC Place Stadium, this ‘two-in-wonder’ hotel complex sports eight restaurants, a huge spa and downtown’s only casino. But the coolest “amenity” at JW Marriott Parq and The Douglas (an Autograph Collection hotel) is the 30,000-square foot, all-season rooftop park six stories above the street, planted with 200 pine trees.

(Photo courtesy of The Douglas)

Owners of Anndore House renovated an old Comfort Inn, resulting in a 113-room home-away-from-home for business creatives and a gathering spot for the local condo crowd. Public areas are sleek and sexy, while rooms have a retro, loft-style look. Constantine restaurant draws a crowd from all over town with its mix of Italian and Middle Eastern cuisine.

(Photo courtesy of Anndore House)

This super-sexy, ’70s glam-style hotel is set in Toronto’s Entertainment District. Brainchild of nightclub mogul, Charles Khabouth, it makes sense that the Bisha Hotel oozes style. Rooms include deep lacquered woods, framed fashion magazine artwork on the walls, grey tonal patterned carpets and luxe toiletries by Swedish-brand Byredo (for a Canada connection, founder Ben Gorham grew up in Toronto). Drinking and dining amenities include a rooftop restaurant and lounge that makes you feel like you’ve woken up beachside in Miami, a chi-chi French patisserie on the main floor and a lobby lounge so dark and mysterious it replicates a blackout.

(Photo courtesy of Bisha Hotel)

This small boutique hotel inhabits an 1891 building that was once the social and retail hub of Toronto’s east end. Rooms at the Broadview Hotel are a hit with the creative class, who like the custom furniture, marble-top tables, red velvet curtains and marble bathrooms. The popular and busy rooftop is part open-air, part glass box.

(Photo courtesy of The Broadview Hotel)

This enormous 1958 hotel is probably best known for the famous John Lennon and Yoko Ono Bed-in for Peace that took place in room 1742 but, after undergoing a major reno completed in 2017, Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth has newly designed suites, Fairmont Gold lounge, a lobby space with modern psychedelia-inspired sofas and chairs, the coffee hangout Krema, a signature restaurant, plus local urban market and the Nacarat bar, where you’re served the bar’s specialty cocktail as a tease for the tasty delights in store.

(Photo courtesy of Fairmont Hotels & Resorts)

The Four Seasons brand was born in Toronto and its recently re-opened flagship, Four Seasons Hotel Toronto 2.0, soars high above the Victorian houses of Yorkville. The lobby is divided into gallery-like spaces with walls covered in Canadian modernist art. The rooms are not only beautiful with half-moon corner sofas, but also have all of the fanciest five-star toys, such as TVs embedded in bathroom mirrors. Other highlights are Toronto’s biggest spa and Café Boulud, helmed by chef Daniel Boulud.

(Photo courtesy of Four Seasons Hotel Toronto)

With only 64 rooms, this contemporary independent hotel has the capacity to give better-than-good service. The location of The Magnolia Hotel & Spa is good, too—close to downtown, the inner harbor, government buildings and the courthouse. The destination restaurant, The Courtney Room, helmed by chef Sam Harris, is superb. Do try the tasting menu.

(Photo courtesy of Leila Kwok/The Magnolia Hotel & Spa)

Whistler’s favorite boutique hotel in winter and summer—where it’s doing a bang-up business as a romantic lakefront wedding venue—is looking fresher than ever thanks to a revamp and the opening of its restaurant, Aura. A riff on Alpine lodge-style and Canadian heritage décor, it’s got Instagrammable dishes on the menu prepared by talented young chef James Olberg. Nita Lake Lodge has a great insider-y feel to it. It’s away from the main drag for those who want to feel a little lost, though right outside the door is a ski lift that takes you to the center of Whistler/Blackcomb action.

(Photo courtesy of Nita Lake Lodge)

This is an airport hotel that takes you out of an airport’s guaranteed sensory deprivation to a place with sensory overload. If you want to go bird watching the Fairmont Vancouver Airport will arrange it (a prime Canadian bird habitat is close by), or if you just need a luxe place to crash, it has that, too.There’s a swimming pool, a great restaurant that offers avocado ice cream and high tea. If all you want to do is lie in bed and watch planes land you can do that, too. Rooms overlook the runway and are soundproof. Once, we could even see straight into a just-landed plane and wave to the seated passengers.

(Photo courtesy of Fairmont Hotels & Resorts)

Take everything you imagined about a luxury African safari property and transplant it deep into the Canadian wilderness and you have the inimitable Clayoquot Wilderness Resort. This eco-friendly Relais & Châteaux property offers all-inclusive pampering on every imaginable level thanks to incredible views, elegant tented lodging, gourmet dining and a world-class spa. It’s an unforgettable way to experience one of the country’s most remarkable UNESCO-designated Biosphere Reserves.

(Photo courtesy of Clayoquot Wilderness Resort)

Canada doesn’t exactly have an abundance of chateaux, but Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise rightly deserves the majestic moniker. Set in Banff National Park beside the piercingly beautiful Lake Louise, a visit to the property is on every hotel-loving Canadian’s bucket list. The only problem? You’ll likely not have much time to enjoy your room with so much natural splendor to explore just steps away from your suite.

(Photo courtesy of Fairmont Hotels & Resorts)

Guest expectations run high at this charming inn, owned by famed chef Michael Smith, who can often be spotted shucking oysters and taking photos with visitors on the property. Located in the pretty seaside town of Souris, The Inn at Bay Fortune delivers on all fronts, especially with its culinary focus on a bounty of farm-fresh ingredients. The rooms feature rustic charm that steers clear of fuddy-duddy lace and chintz in favor of modern décor.

(Photo courtesy of The Inn at Bay Fortune)

Rosewood Hotel Georgia has been a preferred option for business types and visitors spending the weekend shopping and indulging in arts and culture in Vancouver for decades. Thanks to elegant room décor, the award-winning Hawksworth Restaurant and an in-house art gallery that rivals any local collection, guests are happy to return again and again.

(Photo courtesy of Rosewood Hotel Georgia)

When staying in the capital city, national and international movers and shakers stay at the city’s grandest hotel, the Fairmont Château Laurier. Located right next to the Parliament Buildings in the center of the city, this awe-inspiring edifice comes complete with a sweeping limestone exterior, copper roof and turrets. The award-winning Wilfrid’s Restaurant offers delicious dishes and fabulous people (and politician) watching opportunities.

(Photo courtesy of Fairmont Chateau Laurier)

It’s no surprise that the service at this luxury downtown property reigns supreme. Upon check in, front desk staff don’t just point to the elevators that go up to the rooms. They escort you. It’s classy—as is everything at The Ritz-Carlton Toronto, from dinners at its signature restaurant, TOCA, to its high-thread count bed linens and club-level lounge, which offers cocktails and culinary treats throughout the day by staff who remember your name and seem to read minds.

(Photo courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton Toronto)

Toronto besties Sarah Sklash and April Browndropped out of the Toronto rat race and moved to Prince Edward Country, a place they—and increasing numbers of chic Torontonians—weekend at. They used their inherent style chops to recreate what was once a rather smelly old fishing hotel. The old motel’s décor amounted to signs in rooms saying, “No gutting fish.” They gutted it, keeping the nostalgic DNA of the motel and turning it into The June Motel. Now, vibrant, classic beach motel solair chairs, palm leaf wallpaper and neon pink “Peace Love Wine” signs are part of the look of a hotel (re)made for Instagram.

(Photo courtesy of The June Motel)

Nestled among ancient rainforest on the west coast of Vancouver Island, the Wickaninnish Inn has one of the most incredible views we’ve ever experienced in Canada. It’s where you can get face-to-face with Mother Nature behind floor-to-ceiling windows, all while holding a glass of champagne (after all, there’s no need to rough-it to witness nature’s beauty). The amazing restaurant adds allure with a tempting range of fresh seafood and luscious desserts.

(Photo courtesy of Wickaninnish Inn)

Opus Vancouver was one of the city’s first boutique hotels and it continues to reinvent the boutique experience with innovative programs and features. This hotel already has one giant advantage baked in–its prime location in the heart of Yaletown, with great indie boutiques, spas, restaurants and bars galore right outside its doors. It’s the perfect place for a girls’ getaway or a romantic weekend. Dinner at the hotel’s excellent late-night Italian restaurant, La Pentola, is recommended while all-night gab sessions can be fueled by a minibar stocked with local products.

(Photo courtesy of Opus Vancouver)

This gem of a hotel touts itself as offering “simplicity” with “just the essentials” but very few midrange hotels can boast a Nespresso machine and Molton Brown toiletries in its rooms. Mere Hotel also offers complimentary treats in the minibar—rare and welcomed—along with some local brewskies. It is located in a prime position on one of Winnipeg’s riverbanks in the West Exchange, hub of the city’s creative culture. Right behind the hotel is an independent restaurant that offers breakfast, lunch and dinner with lovely views over the river.

(Photo courtesy of Mere Hotel)

There’s an intimate quality to this new downtown property that makes you feel at home. The staff are friendly and efficient, offering to arrange local transit via the hotel’s courtesy car (a Lexus) or dinner reservations at its on-site restaurant, Norca. Rooms at Le Germain Hotel Ottawa strike a nice balance between pragmatic (ample work spaces and outlets in the right places) and luxury (heated floors and high-tech lighting).

(Photo courtesy of Groupe Germain Hôtels)

The city’s top wedding destination is an icon, a grand old dame built in 1915, the only luxury game in town. Attentive service is the biggest draw at Fairmont Hotel MacDonald, as is afternoon tea on the weekends and the delicious cocktails in Confederation Lounge. And like much of the hotel, rooms are airy, comfortable and traditional.

(Photo courtesy of Fairmont Hotel MacDonald)

Take a seat at the champagne bar and soak it all in—the history dating back to 1912 and the grandeur of this five-diamond hotel. The Ritz-Carlton Montreal is a refined sanctuary within a busy city. Rooms are cozy and sophisticated. Bathrooms have super high-tech toilets, white marble and spacious tubs. Maison Boulud (the spawn of superstar chef Daniel Boulud) and an indoor saltwater pool with views of the skyline complete the picture.

(Photo courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton Montreal)

A trio of NHL players, who flew in for fishing weekends, bought the original rundown Tofino Resort and turned it into a new hot spot for lovers of west coast minimalism. Rooms at Tofino Resort + Marina are a study in cool monochromatic tones, broken up with gorgeous wall wraps from artist Jeremy Koreski, with balconies that overlook the marina. Chef Paul Moran, who has worked at Michelin-starred restaurants in Paris and Mexico as well as with Vancouver’s culinary big wig David Hawksworth, helms the 1909 Kitchen.

(Photo courtesy of Leila Kwon/Tofino Resort + Marina)

The only CAA Four Diamond hotel in Regina, this gem, built in 1927 and part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, welcomes guests with historic charm—reliable, modern comfort amidst traditional grandeur. Visitors to the capital go for The Hotel Saskatchewan‘s pillowtop beds, white marble bathrooms, big windows and breathtaking views.

(Photo courtesy of The Hotel Saskatchewan)

Bold design and contemporary art make this a distinctive hotel in downtown Calgary for urbanites who like a lively atmosphere. You can borrow a commuter bicycle to explore the trails of downtown Calgary, benefit from tasty dining options at Yellow Door Bistro and Raw Bar and have easy access to the nighttime lures of Cowtown from Hotel Arts.

(Photo courtesy of Hotel Arts)

Historic appeal, possible whale sightings, a charming seaside town and nearby record-setting tides in the Bay of Fundy are just a few of the reasons The Algonquin Resort is among the country’s finest hotels. Established in 1889, this Autograph Collection hotel also boasts a golf course, indoor and outdoor pools and an indulgent spa. It’s the ideal base from which to explore the incredibly picturesque St. Andrews by-the-Sea.

(Photo courtesy of The Algonquin Resort)

Learning about the hotel’s storied history while exploring is just as much fun as experiencing Fairmont Banff Springs‘ numerous distinctive amenities, from a black light bowling alley for kids to the Willow Stream Spa for adult me-time. This iconic ‘castle’ of the Rockies is a bucket list accommodation.

(Photo courtesy of Fairmont Hotels & Resorts)

Montreal, arguably, was among the biggest drivers of the trend for small design-led boutique hotels a couple of decades ago. So many chic hotels opened in Old Montreal it was almost possible to sleep in a different one every day of the month, although it’s a tough call to decide which one you’d best like to call home. Our fave is the Hotel Gault, a 30-room property loved by artists and visiting celebs. Housed in the onetime Gault Brothers & Co. store and warehouse building, its classic Beaux Arts exterior is complemented by modern interiors and furniture by key 20^th-century designers, all for a rather modest price tag.

(Photo courtesy of Hotel Gault)

This sprawling property less than an hour from Toronto ticks all the boxes when it comes to needs and wants in a luxury inn. Though it has tennis courts, mountain bikes you can borrow, walking trails and a swimming pool, it’s the food that makes visitors swoon. Inventive, boundary pushing, beautiful and delicious, the cuisine grabs the lion’s share of headlines. In truth, Langdon Hall aims for perfection in everything it offers guests.

(Photo courtesy of Jonathan Bielaski/Langdon Hall)

Alt Hotel Toronto Airport is probably the coolest airport hotel you’ll ever stay at. As one of the most accessible airport hotels out there—meaning you can walk to it instead of waiting for a shuttle—rooms are constructed in brutalist-style concrete and include a comfy bed, ample desk and a Keurig coffee machine. The lobby area is the hub of the hotel, with semi-private living room-style corners in which to work, nosh, catch up with friends or sip on a glass of wine or a double espresso—whatever you need to get you revved up for that early morning flight.

(Photo courtesy of Groupe Germain)

This sophisticated gem excels at making every guest feel special and welcomed. With hospitality as its hallmark since it was opened 34 years ago by owner Eleni Skalbania, her daughter Elpie Marinakis Jackson is now the Wedgewood Hotel & Spa‘s manager, carrying on the tradition of offering eye-catching and distinctive details at this boutique hotel.

(Photo courtesy of Wedgewood Hotel & Spa)

Recently having undergone a complete room reno, Inn at the Forks has a Canadiana cool feel to it, from its Nordic-style rooms right down to the Hudson Bay blanket booths and antler chandeliers in its popular lounge, serving some of the best cocktails in the city. It also has a great spa offering treatments like the Riverstone Indigenous Hot Stone Massage, created in consultation with Elders from the community.

(Photo courtesy of Inn at the Forks)

Location, location, location. Le Germain Hotel Calgary is steps away from everything you need downtown and is just an hour’s drive from the Rocky Mountains (day trip!). A luxe and bold design strategy employs a scintillating mix of art, concrete, wood and glass. The CHARCUT Roast House is a sure-fire betfor meat-centric dishes and hearty fare.

(Photo courtesy of Groupe Germain)

Fairmont Winnipeg is known for its astounding service. From the warm check in to the wait staff who remember your name, this hotel could be the reason why ‘Friendly Manitoba’ is on the licence plates here. It is a modern Fairmont hotel with dark wood-panelled lounge and excellent restaurant, a pool to escape to and contemporary elegant rooms. If you can manage a stay on the Gold Floor, do it. The Fairmont Gold Lounge is a great place to hang out for the day if you have some work to do or just want a pleasant afternoon in the hotel.

(Photo courtesy of Fairmont Hotels & Resorts)

Boutique beach resort, destination spa, yoga retreat, top-rated restaurant—Kingfisher Oceanside Resort & Spa wears many hats. The Pacific Mist Spa is the real draw, though; its detoxifying hydrotherapy circuit is designed to refresh and recharge with mineral pools, waterfalls, steams and scrubs.

(Photo courtesy of Kingfisher Oceanside Resort & Spa)

This former riverfront warehouse in Old Montreal combines historic elegance and modern amenities, and provides a quiet retreat as much as easy access to the wide variety of dining, culture and shopping opportunities at the Vieux-Port. You’ll feel like you’ve discovered your own private residence, thanks to the indulgent staff at Auberge du Vieux-Port.

(Photo courtesy of Auberge du Vieux-Port)

Design-savvy guests will note the modern décor at The James Hotel is inspired by the palate of the prairies and the endless sky. Taking its cues from European hotels in terms of amenities and hospitality, this Saskatoon hotel is proud of its roots, with contemporary photography and paintings by local artists adding to the memorable interiors.

(Photo courtesy of The James Hotel)

The façade of the 19^th-century building near the Old Port may make you think it’s a historic inn. Inside, it’s clear that it’s purely modern with a sleek, chic décor, punctuated by works of art from local creators. Hotel 71 suites are individually designed, but some things are universal—abundant natural light, feather duvets and rain showers. Service is impeccable, especially in the hands of its Clefs d’Or concierge.

(Photo courtesy of Hotel 71)

You don’t have to be a skier to totally adore this hotel. Hotel Quintessence is a property you can enjoy without hitting the slopes, thanks to real, wood-burning fireplaces in each room, over-sized bathtubs, Nespresso coffee machines and deep soaker tubs. On-site, Spa Sans Sabots offers all the greatest hits of massages (from hot stone to Swedish) and Restaurant La Quintessence showcases the best in Quebecois ingredients in its contemporary French fare.

(Photo courtesy of Hotel Quintessence)

Insuring guests can indulge in views of the landscape from every angle, it’s not just those on the award-winning golf course who are spoiled with a sense of place. At Cabot Links Lodge you will most assuredly be treated to a story from many members of the staff as well as offered a helping hand, whether it’s tips on how to plan a day’s exploration or getting onto the golf course for tee time.

(Photo courtesy of Cabot Links Lodge)

Northern Lights Resort & Spa is an intimate, family-run resort less than a half-hour outside of Whitehorse is an idyllic way to immerse yourself in Canada’s northern splendor. The secluded log cabin retreat is built from Douglas Fir and features a fine dining restaurant and spa. The new Aurora Glass Chalets introduced just this year have floor-to-ceiling windows and offer incomparable views of the northern lights from the comfort of your bed.

(Photo courtesy of Northern Lights Resort & Spa)

This historic boutique hotel is ideally located minutes from both downtown Charlottetown and the waterfront area. It is a unique collection of 54 guestrooms spread over 20 restored heritage buildings. The rooms and service at The Great George are topnotch but it’s the little extras, like free daily walking tours and a complimentary nightly happy hour with wines and local beers, that make the property really shine. Notably, the hotel’s helpful concierge, Ian Cheverie, is the only Clefs d’Or concierge in the entire province.

(Photo courtesy of The Great George)