The Top 10 Hotels in Canada

Canada, a vast country spanning six time zones, is filled with rich and diverse experiences, making it difficult to know where to start. A great way to grasp what this destination has to offer is through its hotels and resorts. The finest establishments reflect the cultures, landscapes, and coastlines that make Canada a captivating place for travelers. For our 2023 series on Hotels We Love, we have spotlighted the top 10 hotels and resorts across the nation—ranging from immersive cultural retreats in the rainforest to trendy urban getaways.

Here are our selections for the 10 best hotels and resorts in Canada.

1. Klahoose Wilderness Resort

One of the highlights of this wilderness retreat, owned by the Klahoose First Nation, is its breathtaking location. Accessible by a 60-minute seaplane flight from Vancouver or a 45-minute boat ride from Lund, B.C., the resort is nestled within over 2,500 acres of Klahoose territory, lovingly preserved by the community for centuries. Here, glacial waterfalls cascade from snow-covered peaks, and towering evergreens line the Homfray Channel. The four lodge rooms and three cedar cabins offer stunning sea views, where guests may even spot humpback whales breaching at sunrise. Activities include Indigenous-led grizzly bear tours, wood-carving workshops with Klahoose interpreter Klemkwateki Randy Louie, and a deeply meaningful participatory smudging and brushing ceremony around a fire.

2. Muir Hotel

While contemporary Halifax has expanded beyond its maritime heritage, the 109-room waterfront Muir—part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection of unique hotels and located in the city’s new $200 million Queen’s Marque district—provides a glimpse into its seMytouring history. In the lobby, glass walls from an art installation illuminate like a lighthouse, with more pieces continuing this nautical theme throughout. Rooms feature midcentury modern furniture and custom tartan blankets, honoring the province’s Scottish roots. The restaurant offers Nova Scotia staples like hodge podge, a hearty stew, while the hotel’s speakeasy, BKS, nods to the region’s rum-running history with cocktails such as Her Majesty’s Displeasure.

3. 1 Hotel Toronto

Over the past seven years, 1 Hotels has demonstrated that eco-friendly luxury can thrive in North American cities, from New York to West Hollywood. The 1 Hotel Toronto, located in the heart of the city, is no exception. Architecture and design firm Rockwell Group collaborated with developer Athens Group for 1 Hotel’s inaugural Canadian property, employing Toronto artisans to craft custom dining and side tables from local wood in the 112 biophilic guest rooms and shared spaces, filled with native plants. The hotel partners with Green Planet to transform leftover kitchen oil and grease into biofuel.

4. Ritz-Carlton Montreal

Opened in 1912, the iconic Ritz-Carlton Montreal—affectionately dubbed "the grande dame of Sherbrooke Street"—underwent a $200 million renovation starting in 2008 and reopened in 2012. Renowned as Quebec’s most luxurious and historic hotel, it holds countless celebrity stories while maintaining its discretion. It is well known that Elizabeth Taylor exchanged vows with Richard Burton here, the Rolling Stones took over the sixth floor in 1972, and a myriad of world leaders, film stars, and royalty remain loyal patrons.

Nestled in the vibrant downtown area known as the Golden Square Mile, the hotel radiates opulence: from its exquisite duck pond and carefully tended garden to its century-old chandeliers and grand staircases, all complemented by the Belle Époque glow of the lobby and palm court. The rooms feature a chic white-and-gray minimalist aesthetic accented by bursts of purple, seamlessly blending antique charm with cutting-edge technology like Japanese Toto toilets, heated floors, and motion-sensor lighting in all bathrooms.

5. Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge

Tucked away on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, enveloped by rainforests, mountains, and pristine beaches, Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge debuted in 1998 as a unique floating resort experience. It has since evolved into a lavish retreat featuring 25 tented accommodations along the stunning banks of Clayoquot Sound. In 2021, it rejoined the esteemed collection of Baillie Lodges, renowned for iconic Australian escapes like Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island and Longitude 131 in the Red Centre.

Although the camp exudes a rugged charm with its grand stone fireplaces and extensive wooden cookhouse, it offers a surprising level of luxury with white linen tablecloths, gleaming silverware, plush comforters, and high-thread-count sheets. The tents, elevated on platforms near the main camp, feature inviting Adirondack-style beds, wood-burning stoves, and modern furnishings that harmonize with the natural environment. Each tent includes in-floor heating and en suite bathrooms with indoor/outdoor showers. Guests can spend their days whale-watching, plunging into glacial waters in the Bedwell River, and exploring the 600-acre reserve on foot or horseback.

6. Fairmont Banff Springs

Nestled within the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Banff National Park, the year-round Fairmont Banff Springs was conceived by Sir William Cornelius Van Horne, then-president of the Canadian Pacific Railway. Upon arriving in Banff, this tourism pioneer astutely noted, “Since we can’t export the scenery, we’ll have to import the tourists.” He subsequently established a series of distinguished railway hotels across Canada. The original wooden hotel, which opened in 1888, tragically burned down in 1926, but was replaced two years later by the more magnificent structure that resembles a castle infused with Scottish baronial elements. The hotel's expansive public areas are filled with cozy corners perfect for guests to read in peace. With its iconic stone walls, turrets, and winding staircases, Van Horne’s vision succeeded: The Fairmont Banff Springs feels like an elegant, timeless castle equipped with all modern luxuries.

Rooms in the main building boast period features such as elegant chandeliers and crown moldings, while accommodations in the Stanley Thompson Wing (formerly the staff quarters) are more spacious, making them ideal for families—who will also appreciate the activity-rich kids' club. The hotel hosts 11 varied dining options, ranging from sushi and fondue to Italian cuisine, Canadian steakhouse fare, and Southern barbecue, prompting guests to receive a food guide upon check-in to navigate the culinary landscape. Between meals, guests can indulge in skiing or enjoy the resort's 27-hole championship golf course. Alternatively, they can unwind at the expansive Willow Stream Spa, which offers both indoor and outdoor whirlpools, a European-style mineral pool, and 23 treatment rooms for therapeutic experiences.

7. Rosewood Hotel Georgia

First opened in 1927, Vancouver‘s Hotel Georgia became a favored retreat for stars like Elvis, the Rat Pack, Errol Flynn, and Katharine Hepburn. After closing in 2006 for an extensive multimillion-dollar renovation, it reemerged as the Rosewood Hotel Georgia in 2011. While Elvis may no longer grace its halls, the hotel retains its vintage glamour with a contemporary twist. Spacious rooms feature a soothing palette of warm gold, vanilla, and cocoa, complemented by luxurious touches such as rain showers, heated marble bathroom floors, and exquisite linens. The bustling wood-paneled lobby is a hub for guests and locals heading to the celebrated Hawksworth restaurant. The hotel boasts an impressive private art collection, showcasing works by pioneers of Canada’s modern art scene alongside renowned international artists; a standout is the reverse-perspective piece by Patrick Hughes opposite the reception—take a few steps back and forth to witness the artwork appear to shift. At the stylish bar, guests can enjoy the Hotel Georgia cocktail, a contemporary rendition of the classic Prohibition-era drink.

8. Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

Established in 1915 as a collection of luxurious canvas tents along the shores of Lac Beauvert, offering stunning views of Whistlers Peak and Pyramid Mountain, the renowned Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge is thought to be North America’s pioneering “glamping” destination. Its popularity soared, leading to the opening of a main lodge in 1922 and a series of upscale log cabins spread across 700 acres within Jasper National Park. Nestled among Douglas firs and pine trees, the property is home to elk, chipmunks, and the occasional bear. The 442 accommodation options, renovated between 2015 and 2017, include cozy Junior Suites with fireplaces and family-friendly Signature Cabins, all boasting picturesque views. The newly introduced Estate Cabins, located near the golf course, feature a private gated entrance. These cabins showcase classic lodge-style designs with wooden beams and earthy granite hues, while the rooms and suites feature a modern aesthetic with crisp white bedding and light wood accents.

Designed by Stanley Thompson, the 18-hole golf course is frequently ranked among Canada’s finest. Guests can also enjoy scenic walks, mountain hikes, and a 10-room spa equipped with a sauna, steam room, and panoramic lounge. The restaurants focus on regional cuisine and fresh local ingredients, sourced through partnerships with nearby farms. Be sure to enjoy a sunset drink at the Emerald Lounge & Patio, which offers breathtaking views of the lake, Whistler’s Range, and the east face of Mount Edith Cavell. With its stunning scenery and family-friendly accommodations, the Lodge is a favored choice for destination weddings.

9. Fogo Island Inn

Perched on the edge of the North Atlantic, Fogo Island Inn is located on the remote Fogo Island in Newfoundland. Created by internationally acclaimed architect Todd Saunders, the inn’s striking modern design resembles an iceberg from Mytour, with its elevated section mimicking traditional stilted fishing platforms. Up close, the layered wooden boards reveal a handcrafted quality, reflecting a commitment to artisanal craftsmanship. Every piece of furniture and decor is made by local artisans in collaboration with resident artists, resulting in contemporary interpretations of traditional objects.

A stay at the inn feels like being part of a living art installation that honors the island's history while looking toward its future. All profits are reinvested into the inn’s sister organization, Shorefast, which bolsters the cultural and economic vitality of the local fishing community. The atmosphere is reminiscent of a grand home, complemented by attentive staff: Guests can enjoy a private 42-seat cinema in partnership with the National Film Board, a curated movie library, an art gallery, and a library stocked with books. Additionally, the inn offers Gore-Tex hiking boots and outdoor gear for guests to borrow. With breathtaking views, it’s easy to spend hours at the windows, watching whales breach, icebergs drift by, or storms crash against the rocks.

10. Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler

Nestled at the base of Blackcomb Mountain, the Four Seasons Resort and Residences harmonizes with its natural surroundings through a chalet-inspired design that incorporates organic materials. The public spaces showcase wooden beams, granite, and limestone, while guest rooms, adorned in earthy hues, feature gas fireplaces and stunning mountain vistas. For larger groups, private residences within the adjacent condo offer homely comforts along with access to the hotel’s amenities; the largest residence includes four bedrooms and a den. The hotel also curates unique experiences, such as private dining within Canada’s largest ice field cave or personalized ski tours led by Olympic athletes. Guests looking to embrace the healthy West Coast lifestyle can enjoy complimentary fitness and yoga classes on weekends when they check in.

Kathryn Romeyn and Crai Bower contributed to the reporting of this story.