The Top 10 City Hotels in Canada in 2018

The East vs. West Coast rivalry plays out even in stereotypically polite Canada. And this year, the West Coast won, with six of the 10 properties, including this year’s winner, located in the beautiful province of British Columbia.

Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Hotels were rated on their facilities, location, service, food, and overall value. Properties were classified as city or resort based on their locations and amenities.

Related: The 2018 World's Best Awards

Of the six properties in B.C., five are located in Vancouver. Readers voted L’Hermitage Hotel Vancouver — an intimate 60-room hotel with plenty of wallet-friendly conveniences — into the No. 4 slot. In addition to complimentary shuttle service, loaner bicycles, and Wi-Fi, the hotel also has suites with full kitchens. The Shangri-La Hotel also made it onto this year’s list, impressing readers with its opulent interiors, luxurious spa, and Jean-Georges Vongerichten restaurant. “The Jean-Georges experience was exquisite,” raved one reader, while another added: “Well-appointed rooms. My home away from home.”

British Columbia’s capital, Victoria, often plays second fiddle to Vancouver, but the crown jewel of the city’s hotel scene, the Fairmont Empress, is truly first-rate. The 1908 landmark property reopened last summer after a full renovation and is grander than ever. Readers love the British-style high tea at the Lobby Lounge and the gorgeous views of Victoria’s Inner Harbor. “Wonderful, historic hotel,” said one fan. “Best location in all of Victoria.”

And while Toronto is no underdog, surprisingly, none of its properties made it onto our list last year. But in 2018, the city’s Shangri-La Hotel and the Ritz-Carlton claimed the No. 6 and No. 7 spots, respectively — a testament to the city’s growing appeal among U.S. travelers.

In Montreal, the Ritz-Carlton jumped from the No. 7 slot last year to No. 2. The historic property, which opened in 1912, has played host over the years to such notables as Winston Churchill, Charles de Gaulle, and Elizabeth Taylor, and underwent a $200 million renovation in 2012. As one of the city’s oldest luxury hotels, the Ritz continues to stand out thanks to its rooftop saltwater pool, five-star service, and location in the buzzy Golden Square Mile. 

For more winners in Canada, scroll down.