Best Hotels in Canada

The Wickaninnish Inn, set on a remote, pine forest–ringed promontory, is best enjoyed during fierce weather—the more ferocious, the better. In the 75 rooms, duvet-covered beds and deep soaking tubs sit beside floor-to-ceiling windows that look out on the churning ocean and rain-lashed coast. Don a slicker for a walk on Chesterman Beach, or snuggle up next to your fireplace with a Pacific Northwest Pinot Noir and the binoculars that are provided in each room.

The Four Seasons' first Canadian ski resort hugs the base of Blackcomb Mountain and is a short walk to the Whistler-Blackcomb lifts and quaint Whistler village. The 273 spacious and warm rooms are done up in ochre red, earthy green, and golden brown, and have cherrywood doors, fireplaces, and private balconies. Aprés-ski here means having the concierge arrange a dogsled ride through the forest to an alfresco dinner for two, served under a heated canopy. Or simply lounge in one of the outdoor hot tubs until the staff brings around shots of hot chocolate (or frozen blueberries on a skewer, depending on the season).

This Fairmont outpost attached to Vancouver International Airport is a dream for jet watchers (and anyone needing luxurious digs between flights). The hotel towers above the airport’s U.S. check-in area, and rooms on the north side have terrific views of the main arrivals runway with the Shore Mountains as a backdrop. The 392 rooms themselves are also easy on the eyes, with clean-lined wood furniture and upholstery in tones of gold and burnt orange. All have triple-paned, inert-glass windows for maximum soundproofing. The location is 30 minutes from downtown Vancouver (a light-rail system connecting the airport to downtown makes the ride just 20 minutes).

Grand 1892 resort with one of the world's most majestic settings: a sparkling, glacial blue lake surrounded by snowcapped Rocky Mountain peaks. Edwardian-inspired public spaces add to the property's period feel; guest rooms have less charm but are still cozy. In winter, there's a free shuttle to the enormous nearby ski area, and plenty to do if you don't want to wander that far afield: cross country ski paths start just beyond the hotel's front entrance, and out back there's a lakeside skating rink embellished with a hand-carved ice castle. Summer brings endless options for hiking, canoeing, fishing, and lazing— kick back with an elderflower cocktail and enjoy the knock-out views of Victoria Glacier, one of the jewels of Banff National Park.

This renovated 1893 landmark hotel sits above the St. Lawrence River within the walls of Old Quebec. Aristocrat-worthy furnishings, such as carved headboards and antique tapestries, make up for the minuscule size of some rooms. Be sure to ask for a room with a view of the St. Lawrence River. And if visiting in the winter, make time to hurtle down the icy toboggan run at Terrasse Dufferin, next to the hotel. A table by the window of Le Champlain dining room is hard to come by (make sure to book in advance)—but there’s no better spot to watch the snowflakes fall over the frozen St. Lawrence River. The brunch here is the best in town, with sugar-coated maple cookies and nutty raw-milk cheeses made by monks.

The stately 19th-century façade of the St.-Antoine doesn't give away what’s behind it: a modern boutique hotel, complete with sharply dressed concierges and an up-tempo lobby soundtrack. But the history of the former maritime warehouse is inscribed in its walls. Shards of blue delft and ancient vial stoppers—all uncovered during the renovation—are displayed in vitrines throughout the lobby. In brisk weather, blazes roar in the lounge’s sleek stone fireplaces. In front of them, children play backgammon while their art director parents relax on pillow-strewn sofas, drinking wine. Past-present juxtapositions continue in the rooms and suites, furnished with a mix of European antiques and contemporary pieces; the bathrooms have huge soaking tubs. The rustic-chic restaurant, Panache, in a barnlike room with hand-hewn beams, stands out for its simple Québécois interpretations of seasonal foods: tender venison rib or hare with yellow beets cooked en cocotte.

Both veteran Four Seasons fans and arty young hipsters stay at this hotel, set right next to Downtown's tony Pacific Centre Mall. The style blend is evident in the reception area, where an elegant gilded screen pays tribute to local Asian culture while house-vibe music slips out of Yew, the restaurant and bar that's a favorite deal-sealing spot for power-lunchers. The 372 guest rooms are bright and airy and have Deco-inspired details.

Set at the base of Blackcomb Mountain, this 550-room luxury hotel offers ski-in, ski-out access along with (of course) great mountain views in the quiet upper village, with a Robert Trent Jones II–designed golf course. Book room 1140, a Deluxe Slopeside, for views that rival those of the Penthouse just above. On Friday nights, the Mallard Lounge is the après place to be, with $5 cocktails and live entertainment. The Fairmont has one of the best hotel kids’ programs with weeklong kids’ camps throughout the ski season at three mountain faces. The only one you need to know about is the one at Blackcomb Base, since it’s just a two-minute walk from the resort.

From a perilous start during the Great Depression, the building that houses the Park Hyatt Toronto in the Yorkville area has evolved with the times. The luxury venue, formerly the Park Plaza Hotel, remains one of the most venerable hotels in the city, and it places guests within walking distance of several high-class retailers as well as the esteemed Royal Ontario Museum. The Hyatt chain purchased the property in 1999, and it underwent a total renovation that include the addition of an almost-2,000-square-foot penthouse. Guests can explore the neighborhood using a bicycle valet program, relax in the spa, gaze at the skyline from the legendary Roof Lounge, or enjoy fine dining in Annona restaurant.

The Empress has one of Victoria’s best addresses; the ivy-covered, British-inspired 1908 hotel faces the Inner Harbour on the southern tip of timber-clad Vancouver Island. Request one of 26 city-view Fairmont rooms throughout the hotel. The Tea Lobby, which overlooks the Inner Harbour, was recently renovated. Don't miss the traditional afternoon tea with scones and finger sandwiches.