15 Luxurious and Unique Hotels in Canada

One of the things that I have been missing the most in the past year is staying at hotels. I love researching accommodations during the travel planning process and finding the perfect place for us to stay. A great hotel or resort can make or break a trip for me and can even be a destination in and of itself!

We’re Canadian and love travelling across our beautiful country and staying in fabulous hotels and resorts including these 15 luxurious and unique hotels located across Canada. I have stayed at the majority of these (and hope to return) and some are on my bucket list for when it’s safe to explore Canada again.

Please check all travel restrictions and safety precautions in effect prior to visiting any destination or attraction. Most hotels are now open but have restrictions in place limiting the availability of some amenities.

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1. Fogo Island Inn

Staying at Fogo Island Inn in one of Newfoundland’s remote outport communities (one of the four corners of the earth according to the Flat Earth Society) has been on my personal bucket list since the doors were first opened in 2013. This unique 29 room award-winning boutique hotel features one-of-a-kind rooms and suites with dramatic floor to ceiling windows and views of the Atlantic Ocean.

I was initially attracted to the inn’s architecture and modern take on traditional design but was even more intrigued when I learned that it was built using principles of sustainability and respect for nature and culture. Fogo Island Inn is a community asset with 100% of operating surpluses reinvested into the community so guests can feel good about the business that they are supporting.

There’s a long list of available activities at the inn which vary by season and introduce guests to the nature and culture of the community. Food and activities are included in the room rate and there’s a two night minimum most of the year and three night minimum during the summer season.

Staying at the inn would be a huge splurge but we spent anniversaries 25 and 26 at home because of the pandemic so perhaps I can justify it to celebrate our 27th in 2022!

2. The Algonquin Resort

Our family stayed at The Algonquin Resort in charming St. Andrews-by-the-Sea, New Brunswick almost twenty years ago so I think it’s high time we planned a return visit! The luxury resort, established in 1889 and now part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection of hotels, combines the elegance of an old-time seaside hotel with modern amenities and a laidback, family-friendly atmosphere.

There are a variety of activities available to guests at the year-round resort including indoor and outdoor pools, a waterslide, spa, beach access, complimentary bicycles and a golf course. Guests also enjoy shopping along Water Street in the historic village, strolling through nearby Kingsbrae Garden and kayaking or whale watching in the Bay of Fundy. The resort is ideal for families, couples and anyone who loves fresh seafood!

3. West Point Lighthouse Inn

Anyone else dream of sleeping in a lighthouse? The historic West Point Lighthouse, built in 1875, is a highlight of the North Cape Coastal Drive in Prince Edward Island as well as Canada’s first inn in an active lighthouse. I discovered it too late to book a stay on our last trip to the island but this 4-star inn has been added to my wish list for our next visit to PEI!

The inn features 13 contemporary rooms most of which offer breathtaking views of the Northumberland Strait and walkout decks. Rooms are available to rent from June through September.

Read 10 Things To Do on Prince Edward Island’s North Cape Coastal Drive

4. Dalvay by the Sea

Dalvay by the Sea, located within Prince Edward Island National Park, is an elegant inn built in 1895 that has been operated as a country resort since the 1930s and is now a National Historic Site of Canada. If you’re a fan of Anne of Green Gables then you may recognize Dalvay by the Sea as the fictional White Sands Hotel from the Anne of Green Gables movies and from the television show Road to Avonlea.

We have visited PEI many times and have a family tradition of dining here on our last night on the island. Every meal that we have had has been memorable – both for the setting and the cuisine – yet we have never stayed on site though it has always been on my wish list. 

Dalvay by the Sea, open seasonally from May to October, has 25 unique guest rooms furnished with period antiques available in the inn and also eight 3-bedroom cottages located adjacent to the inn.

Read 25 Fun Things To Do in Prince Edward Island on Your Summer Vacation

5. Fairmont Le Château Frontenac

If you have ever fancied staying in a castle then the magnificent Fairmont Le Château Frontenac in Québec City might be the perfect hotel for you! The Château, now a National Historic Site, was one of Canadian Pacific’s grand railway hotels built late in the 19th century to appeal to upscale travellers on the railway. The elegant hotel with it’s distinctive architecture reminiscent of a French château is one of the most photographed hotels in the world for good reason.

We first stayed at the luxurious Château Frontenac several years ago prior to the most recent renovation and I can’t wait for the opportunity to stay again. I loved both the hotel’s historic charm and its location in the Upper Town of Old Québec overlooking the St. Lawrence River. The location is ideal for exploring the old city on foot – both Upper Town and Lower Town as it is mere steps from the doors of the hotel to either the funicular or Escalier Casse-Cou (the Breakneck Staircase) to Lower Town.

Read 10 Things To Do at the Québec Winter Carnival

6. Quebec’s Hôtel de Glace (Ice Hotel)

For a truly one-of-a-kind hotel experience, consider bundling up and spending an unforgettable night in a cozy room made from ice. The Hôtel de Glace, the only ice hotel in North America, is located a few minutes from Québec City and opens to guests from January to March each year.

The hotel features 44 rooms and themed suites including some suites with fireplaces, the Grand Hall, a beautiful chapel that is popular for weddings and vow renewals, an ice slide and a bar serving cocktails in glasses made from ice.

The hotel is also open for day visitors to tour and changes themes annually so it’s always a delight to visit even if you have been before. I toured the hotel a few years ago while travelling solo but was hesitant to spend the night by myself and have regretted it ever since. Perhaps if I return with my family then I’ll be brave enough to spend the night!

Read A Photo Tour of Québec’s Hôtel de Glace

7. Fairmont Le Château Montebello

Another truly Canadian experience is a stay at Château Montebello which earns you the right to boast that you have slept in the world’s largest log cabin. The stunning red cedar log château was built in 1930 and was a private retreat for the next 40 years until it was taken over by the Canadian Pacific hotel chain.

Today this resort is owned by Fairmont hotels and is famed for its rustic charm, beautiful natural surroundings and the abundance of year-round activities available to guests. 

We have stayed during summer vacation and twice during the Christmas holiday season and it’s one of my family’s favourite Canadian resorts. There’s nothing better than spending a busy day partaking in the resort’s activities followed by a delicious dinner in Aux Chantignoles and an evening by the lobby’s inviting stone fireplace.

Read Winter Fun in Montebello

8. Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu

The historic Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu, located in La Malbaie in Québec’s Charlevoix Region within easy driving distance of Québec City, is another favourite Canadian resort for my family. The luxurious family-friendly resort hotel overlooking the St. Lawrence River features spectacular views, spacious accommodations, and three restaurants on-site ranging from casual buffet to fine dining.

The resort offers year-round activities and also makes a great home base for exploring the region. Our stay was only three nights but we had time to enjoy the hotel and day-trip to Tadoussac which is famous for whale watching tours as well. A return visit is on my bucket list as I would love the opportunity to further explore the region.

Read A Scenic Road Trip from Québec City to the Charlevoix Region

9. Fairmont Château Laurier

I have stayed at the historic Fairmont Château Laurier a couple of times and it is my favourite place to stay in downtown Ottawa for a weekend getaway.

The landmark hotel, opened in 1912 as one of Canada’s luxury railway hotels, has recently undergone a multi-million dollar revitalization updating the lobby and the rooms. The hotel’s location in the heart of the nation’s capital next to Parliament overlooking the Ottawa River and the Rideau Canal is ideal for exploring all of the city’s most popular attractions.

The Château Laurier might look like an old French castle but the 426 guest rooms and luxury suites are all decorated in an up-to-date elegant style and include all of the modern amenities that you could want. For a special treat, book a room with a view of the Parliament Buildings and the Rideau Canal locks and don’t miss the afternoon tea which is offered at three sittings on Saturdays and Sundays.

Read 10 Fantastic Free Things To Do in Ottawa

10. Langdon Hall Country House Hotel & Spa

This luxury Relais & Châteaux property is located in the countryside outside of Cambridge about 90 minutes from Toronto and is known for its award-winning cuisine and elegant accommodations.

Langdon Hall has lovely spacious rooms and suites available in the Main House, adjacent Cloisters and restored Stables all featuring luxurious feather beds and down duvets (hypoallergenic bedding is also available on request). Many of the rooms also have seating areas and wood-burning fireplaces which you will appreciate on a romantic weekend getaway! My husband and I have stayed in one of the Cloisters rooms with fireplace for our anniversary and it was one of the most luxurious places we have ever stayed.

Read 8 of the Best Romantic Getaways in Ontario

11. The June Motel

This hip boutique motel in Prince Edward County, Ontario has been on my bucket list since my older daughter told me about it last year. And why do we both want to stay at The June Motel so much? It might be because of all the pink!! For those of you who don’t know, we have a bit of an obsession with the colour. Not too long ago, my daughter and I enjoyed a mother-daughter getaway at the Don CeSar hotel in St. Pete Beach which is known as The Pink Palace and it was incredible!

The June Motel was created by two women who quit their jobs in Toronto in 2016 to jump into the motel business. They transformed a dingy motel into a popular getaway destination by creating a beautifully designed space with retro beach-town vibes. The motel is located near Picton in the heart of one of Ontario’s popular wine and culinary regions and near Sandbanks Provincial Park as well.

The motel features 16 stylish rooms with funky palm leaf wallpaper, pink doors and a plant-filled Lobby Bar serving coffee and grab and go breakfast in the morning and cocktails and light snacks for happy hour. The motel is very photogenic so if you visit, be sure to sip a glass of wine under the neon pink Peace Love Wine sign in the lobby and post the photos on Instagram!

A second location of The June Motel is now open in Sauble Beach.

12. Fairmont Banff Springs

The majestic Fairmont Banff Springs, located in the heart of Banff National Park in Alberta, has been welcoming guests for more than 130 years. Another of the former luxury railway hotels, the picturesque resort known as the Castle in the Rockies has more than 750 guest rooms and suites and features amenities such as a spa, golf course, aquatic centre, tennis courts, and a bowling alley.

The resort is a great choice for anyone who wants an active vacation enjoying the many organized outdoor activities offered including guided wilderness walks, bike tours, snowshoeing, stargazing and more. There’s also Banff Upper Hot Springs and the Banff Gondola nearby and many beautiful day trip locations such as Lake Louise and the Columbia Icefields.

My husband and I stayed at the Fairmont Banff Springs for a few nights more than 25 years ago and I fell in love with the hotel, Banff Village and the elk that wandered the streets. We haven’t been back since but Alberta is on our travel wish list for the next couple of years so I’m hoping to include another stay at the hotel then.

13. Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

We visited Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise on a day trip while staying at Banff Springs years ago and have wanted to return to stay ever since. The luxury hotel in Alberta’s Banff National Park has one of the most beautiful locations in the world with breathtaking views of Lake Louise and the surrounding mountains. My only dilemma is trying to decide whether I want to visit in summer to enjoy canoeing on the turquoise waters or in winter for ice skating and sleigh rides!

Guests at the 539 room luxury resort can enjoy a relaxing getaway with blissful visits to the spa, yoga sessions and an outdoor painting session with a local artist or get their nature fix by taking part in the many available outdoor activities.

If you’re visiting during the summer season then be sure to hike the relatively easy Lake Agnes Tea House Trail to enjoy the breathtaking views of Lake Louise and a snack break at the charming Lake Agnes Tea House.

14. Fairmont Empress

On a mother-daughter trip to British Columbia, my younger daughter and I stayed at the historic Fairmont Empress, a luxury hotel overlooking Victoria’s Inner Harbour which is considered one of the world’s top iconic hotels.

The Empress, which first opened in 1908, completed a $60+ million restoration in 2017 that celebrates the hotel’s historic past while transforming it into an elegant modern hotel. The hotel has 464 lovely rooms and suites – many of which have stunning views of the harbour.

We particularly enjoyed our dining experiences at the hotel which included a delicious meal with a wonderful view on The Veranda and afternoon tea in the sophisticated Lobby Lounge – a tradition at The Empress since 1908. The waterfront location of the Fairmont Empress is lovely and ideal for exploring much of Victoria on foot.

Read 10 Fun Things To Do in Victoria, British Columbia

15. The Wickaninish Inn

The Wickaninish Inn in British Columbia is a Relais & Châteaux boutique hotel built on 100 acres of waterfront property a few minutes from Tofino on Vancouver Island. The eco-friendly hotel which opened in 1996 features elegant accommodations that are luxurious but understated, a fine dining restaurant serving fresh food with ingredients from local and sustainable sources and an award-winning spa all just steps from the beach.

The luxury hotel in a beautiful natural setting between the sea and the rainforest includes two buildings built in a North West Coast style using local cedar, fir, driftwood and stone. Rooms have stunning views of the land and sea and sculptures and artwork from local artisans are featured throughout the inn.

Visitors to The Wickaninish Inn can explore the rugged wilderness of Pacific Rim National Park and Clayoquot Sound and enjoy the resort’s many cultural, nature, adventurous, wellness, culinary, and family-friendly activities. I have always wanted to explore more of Vancouver Island and a stay at this special inn seems like the perfect way to do that!

Which one of these Canadian hotels are on your travel wish list? Do you have a favourite that should have made the list? Let us know in the comments below.