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Travelers expect impeccable service and stunning design from any world-class hotel. But when considering a trip to Canada, travelers also look for jaw-dropping landscapes. It follows, then, that the best resorts in Canada make the outdoors the centerpiece of the guest experience — whether that means skiing in Banff, Alberta, or fishing on Lake Massawippi in Quebec.
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 (including safari lodges) were rated on their facilities, location, service, food, and overall value. Properties were classified as city hotel, resort, or safari lodge based on their locations and amenities.
Seven of this year’s top 10 were located in the western provinces of Alberta and British Columbia, while the eastern province of Quebec claimed three spots. Many properties — including Hall of Famers No. 2 Fairmont Chateau Whistler and No. 10 the Wickaninnish Inn — are repeat winners that readers return to time and again.
The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, which ranked No. 6, earned high marks for its awe-inspiring lake views. Another voter appreciated the family-friendly atmosphere at Quebec’s No. 4 Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu, saying it was “a lovely, quiet hotel with plenty of space for our girls to walk around.”
And for the second year in a row, it was the intimate Manoir Hovey in Quebec that was named No. 1 among the best resorts in Canada.
1. Manoir Hovey, North Hatley, Quebec
This 36-room Relais & Châteaux property sits on the shores of Lake Massawippi. Nestled in 30 acres of forest, the sense of seclusion is real — and so is the authentic Québécois charm. “It’s like stepping back in time,” one reader said. “We come back here as often as we can, whenever we need a respite from the world.” Most rooms have fireplaces, and suites have canopy beds and balconies with rolling views of the surrounding woods. In the summer, guests fill their days with activities such as bicycling the scenic 8.6-mile gravel bike path constructed on a former railway line. Come winter, the fun involves ice skating on the frozen lake and snowshoeing on the hotel’s grounds.
Score: 96.83
2. Fairmont Chateau Whistler, British Columbia
WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 93.09
3. Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, Alberta
Score: 91.41
4. Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu, La Malbaie, Quebec
Score: 91.16
5. Fairmont Banff Springs, Banff, Alberta
Score: 90.18
6. Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, Jasper, Alberta
Score: 89.93
7. Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler, British Columbia
Score: 88.71
8. Fairmont Le Château Montebello, Montebello, Quebec
Score: 88.50
9. The Westin Resort & Spa, Whistler, British Columbia
Score: 87.76
10. The Wickaninnish Inn, Tofino, British Columbia
WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 87.58