The Top 10 Canada Resort Hotels in 2018

By Siobhan Reid
July 10, 2018
Credit: William Abranowicz
The staggering natural beauty of Canada draws outdoor enthusiasts from all over the world. And while “roughing it” is many travelers’ preferred way of communing with nature, there is something to be said for conquering the terrain by sleeping in a warm, plush bed at night. If that sounds more your style, you’re in luck: Canada’s top resorts are as stunning and diverse as the landscapes themselves. 

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

Slopeside retreats were a major hit this year, with five out of the 10 winning properties nestled within the Rocky Mountains in Alberta or the Coast Mountains in British Columbia. At No. 4 is Banff’s Rimrock Resort Hotel, situated at the base of Sulphur Mountain. The 343-room property is mere steps from the Upper Hot Springs and the Banff Gondola; readers were quick to praise the location and the view, as well as the food. “The Eden restaurant has to be one of the best in all of Canada,” said one fan.

In British Columbia, two Vancouver Island properties also made the cut: Clayoquot Wilderness Resort and the Wickaninnish Inn. The former, set in the UNESCO Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Reserve, comprises 25 luxury tents, 21 of them with en-suite bathrooms. The activities are endless, from hiking and surfing to rock climbing and salmon fishing. Meanwhile, at the Wickaninnish Inn in Tofino — this year’s runner-up — the focus is much more on hitting the pause button. The rustic-luxe property is perched on the edge of a pine forest overlooking the Pacific and features a cozy library and a tranquil spa. Said one reader, “The spa is great and the treatment rooms really make you connect with nature.”

Relaxation is also in store at Manoir Hovey, a charming circa-1900 mansion located on the shores of Lake Massawippi in the village of North Hatley, Quebec. Surrounded by 30 acres of woodland and manicured gardens, the property has 37 rooms, most with private balconies and fireplaces, and an authentic Québécois restaurant serving regional cheeses, foie gras, and apple cider. “A romantic, lovely, peaceful retreat,” wrote in one respondent.

Curious to see what property earned the No. 1 spot? Read on to find out.
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10. Four Seasons Resort & Residences, Whistler, British Columbia

Credit: Courtesy of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts

Score: 88.34

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9. Manoir Hovey, North Hatley, Quebec

Credit: Courtesy of Manoir Hovey

Score: 88.60

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8. Fairmont Chateau, Lake Louise, Alberta

Credit: Courtesy of Fairmont Hotels & Resorts

Score: 88.66

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7. Fairmont Chateau, Whistler, Alberta

Credit: Courtesy of Fairmont Hotels & Resorts

Score: 89.33

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6. Langdon Hall, Cambridge, Ontario

Credit: Courtesy of Langdon Hall

Score: 90.75

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5. Post Hotel & Spa, Lake Louise, Alberta

Credit: Courtesy of The Post Hotel

Score: 91.33

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4. Rimrock Resort Hotel, Banff, Alberta

Credit: Courtesy of Rimrock Resort

Score: 91.40

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3. Clayoquot Wilderness Resort, Tofino, British Columbia

Credit: William Abranowicz

Score: 91.47

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2. Wickaninnish Inn, Tofino, British Columbia

Credit: Courtesy of Wickaninnish Inn

Score: 94.74

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1. Fogo Island Inn, Newfoundland

Credit: Courtesy of Fogo Island Inn

Score: 95. 61

“One of a kind,” “unforgettable,” and “magical,” are all words readers used to describe the striking 29-room Fogo Island Inn, Canada’s No. 1 resort hotel for the second year in a row. Resting on stilts and overlooking the North Atlantic’s wild surf, the Modernist property, designed by Newfoundland-born architect Todd Saunders, takes inspiration from the area’s fishing communities and craftspeople. The minimalist-chic guest rooms feature furniture and textiles made on the island, like colorful quilts and handmade rocking chairs, and guest activities include fishing and hikes guided by Fogo residents. Said one reader, “The community is so intertwined with the hotel that you cannot help but feel a part of this not-so-small island.”

See all of our readers' favorite hotels, airlines, cruise lines, and more in the World's Best Awards for 2018.

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By Siobhan Reid