It’s hard to sum up a country in a paragraph, and even harder when that country is Canada. It’s just really, really, really, really big. Honestly, it’s just so big (it has six time zones) and so varied within that bigness. And there are just so many different reasons to want to come to Canada that it makes it especially difficult for us to recommend just a few of the best places to stay in Canada up front. Do you want to ski in a vast wilderness of rocky peaks, or explore genuinely uncharted wilderness? or catch up with the live music scene? or eat really well? Your tastes could be just as varied as Canada is, but we will have your perfect Canadian match somewhere here on our list of the best places to say in Canada, you just have to work out which regions draw you in first…
Ontario has some of Canada's biggest areas of wilderness yet is also the country's most cosmopolitan province. How can this be? Because it's huge. Larger than France and Spain combined, it has acres of forests, miles of empty hiking trails, dozens of towering waterfalls and over 250,000 lakes. Yet over a third of Canadians also live here, most in either Toronto, or in Ottawa, the country's capital; both vibrant cities packed with a great range of accommodation.
Quebec is Canada’s largest province and, because of its heritage it offers a really unique mix of North American and European culture, plus both vast wildernesses and vibrant cities and a passion for outdoor adventure and gourmet cuisine. In Quebec we favour some beautifully aged, very French properties in exceptionally beautiful townhouses.
Alberta has got both Banff and Jasper National Park, and the surrounding ridges of the Canadian Rockies, serene Lake Louise and the glittering Columbia Icefield, great swathes of open grasslands to the north, home to bison, and in the south there are wonderfully ancient rocky deserts of Red Deer Valley and the badlands, a prime spot for dinosaur hunters. It’s also got some truly stunning ski resorts. While British Columbia has the skiing and the fishing. And the trekking in summer. And Nova Scotia is wind whipped and buffeted dramatically by the Atlantic, a province of bright green fields and beautiful cliffs, offering plenty of peace and isolation if you want it, and a warm welcome if you’d prefer that. Here we recommend you stay in a lighthouse — and we know of a couple to choose from.
New Brunswick is one of Canada's unspoiled wildernesses; a playground of rivers, coastal islands, pine forests, mountains, beaches and pretty-as-a-picture villages. And Saskatchewan is the place to come for tranquillity, relaxation and a slower pace of life, all set against a gentle, uncrowded terrain. It’s a place for simple pursuits of walking and horseback-riding, world-class freshwater fishing and wildlife-watching.
The Yukon is the westernmost of Canada’s territories and remains one of the world’s great wildernesses. And Newfoundland is a landscape unto itself, its rocky bays may be filled with icebergs, puffins may swoop in the sunshine, or whales may breach and bask. We like the lighthouse conversions here too, and a modern architectural wonder balanced right on the cliffs.
Some of our Canadian Collections
Where to stay - which city/region?
- Global Toronto buzzes with different languages on its efficient public transport system and in its world class restaurants. Toronto’s grid layout makes it an easy place to get around, and there’s plenty to do of a chilly evening, from great music venues to late night gallery openings, and cosy cafes and bars. In the warmer months this city makes the most of its lakeside location.
- Quite unlike Toronto, Montréal is a real marriage of the Old World and the New World, a city with great charm to her age and architecture and a more careful pace of life. There’s a great foodie culture here, and a vibrant arts scene. And Old Montréal’s cobbled streets are populated with boutiques, galleries, restaurants and plenty of vintage bohemia.
- Vancouver has incredible panoramic views. Turn one way and you have the snowcapped peaks reflecting in the mirrored glass of a skyscraper, turn the other way and you’ve the crystal waters of the bay with its beautiful beaches, a third way and you’ll see the city’s green spaces, that make this small city a real pleasure to walk though. Vancouver is a lot more than just a pretty face, though. The magnificent terrain surrounding the city is ripe for skiing, biking, walking, sailing, kayaking etc.. And all over the food is sensational - definitely try the Asian dining scene.
- Sitting on the St Lawrence River, Québec City is the oldest settlement in North America and the province’s capital city. It retains its historic core (a UNESCO World Heritage site) around Place Royale, quaint narrow streets and old harbour.
- Banff National Park is one of the world’s oldest national parks, and And Banff Town exists solely as a gateway and comfort stop for exploring the park. Its got some great restaurants, boutique shops and even a nightclub, but for most people, it’s all about the spectacular mountain scenery and the opportunity to get seriously active in amongst it. The mountains and hills range high and low, crafting a dramatic course for skiers and mountain bikers, while the serene, unsullied mountain lakes are ripe for canoeing and kayaking.
- Jasper National Park also boasts a stunning setting and is home to wolves, mountain lions, bears, caribou and beavers. There are hot springs, incredible canyons and more of those rocky peaks.
- Just below the Rockies is Waterton Lakes National Park, a peaceful place of surprisingly flat prairies, a sparkling lake and even a surprise castle! This is a much quieter national park than Banff or Jasper, and a great place to see elk, deer, cougar and grizzly bears, as well as an amazing array of wildflowers.
- Lake Louise is another great base for enjoying the mountains, known for its teahouses, hiking and skiing. And of course, for its perfect setting, surrounded by the snow-and-glacier topped peaks of the Canadian Rockies.
- But Whistler is the largest ski area in North America, nestled into the fold of the Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains.
- Other good bases for outdoors adventurers include Wellington on Lake Ontario,
- Kemble on Lake Huron
- and Port Carling on Lake Joseph.
- To the north of Québec City, Forêt Montmorency offers plenty of hiking opportunities and the chance to spot moose, wolves, bears, beavers, otters and birds.
- Parc de la Chute Montmorency has hiking trails, a via ferrata and thunderous waterfalls.
- The Parc National de la Jacques-Cartier is a mountainous plateau of forests and glacial valleys, attractive to cross-country skiers and canoeists as well as hikers and cyclists.
- Or try Parc National de la Gaspésie where moose and caribou can be spotted amongst the Appalachian peaks.
- The Gros Morne National Park, an extraordinarily beautiful, Heritage Listed region of flat-topped mountains and spectacular tablelands, of fjord like waterways scattered with colourful fishing villages and of incredible geological significance.
- North Hatley is the jewel in what is known as the Eastern Townships region - a lakeside beauty that's been a haven for holiday makers since the 1880s.
- The Magdalen Islands are a little archipelago in the Gulf of St Lawrence, well worth a visit for some off the beaten track beach and wildlife, plus awesome views.
- Halifax isn't especially high on anyone's sightseeing priority list but it should be: offering numerous outdoor activities like whale-watching and boat tours to uninhabited islands, it is the ideal destination for an adventurous family holiday.
The Best Places to Stay in Canada
For a city break
- If you want all Toronto’s mod. cons. outside and all the mod. cons. inside, plus rain showers, an in-room music service and a hi-tech gym, then Le Germain Maple Leaf Square is for you. There are 167 rooms plus a tapas and cocktail lounge.
- Le Germain Toronto is a chic, modern, 122-room hotel in the heart of town. The exterior is all glass and stainless steel, but there’s a wonderful library and espresso bar in the reception area, so all is not quite as sleek and modern as it seems. It also boasts a very popular French restaurant.
- Montréal’s Hotel Le Crystal is a gleaming tower of a five-star hotel on the fashionable rue de la Montagne. There are 131 rooms - many with large windows which open out onto breathtaking city views - plus a spa and pool.
- Le Petit Hotel is a trendy boutique hotel in Old Montréal. The decor is a marriage of past and present with exposed brick walls and contemporary art, then there’s the European style cafe. Hip as well as luxurious.
- L'Hermitage Hotel is a luxurious boutique hotel in a great location just ten minutes from the art gallery in downtown Vancouver. There are 60 upscale rooms and suites, a trendy restaurant serving gourmet cuisine and a beautifully landscaped courtyard with a heated salt-water pool.
For romance
- Both romantic and historic, the Hotel le St James is a 60 room hotel on the famed St-Jacques Street, a perfect marriage of vintage chic and modern style. Think antique fourposters and chandeliers, while the trendy restaurant serves cutting edge cuisine.
- Vancouver’s Wedgewood Hotel & Spa is a wonderfully sophisticated place to be spoiled! Luxurious, with a European feel, guests can expect a smattering of nice antiques, a piano bar and a gourmet French restaurant.
- On the shores of Lake Ontario, the contemporary, chalet-style Drake Devonshire in Wellington, offers 13 chic, light-filled rooms, some with balconies, and all with glorious views. Dine outside or in, borrow a bicycle to explore or just relax on the outside decking.
- Perfect for a relaxing retreat, Sterling Inn & Spa's proximity to Niagara Falls and nature gives this contemporary spa cum Inn the edge for romantic explorers or mini-breakers. Modern rooms with sizeable baths and luxury products. Chef Cory Linkson whips up seasonally inspired dishes paired with the famous regional wines.
- Old Mill Toronto is a boutique getaway nestled in the Humber Valley surrounded by walking trails, parkland and the tranquil sound of the Humber River. Classic rooms and suites surround a garden and courtyard. Popular Home Smith Bar hosts live jazz music and the 300-guest restaurant menu is loved across town.
- Québec City’s luxurious Le Clos St Louis oozes romantic charm from its chandeliers and beamed dining-room to its antique furnishings, toile-du-jouy fabrics and four-poster beds. Full of French chic, including its menus.
For Adventurers!
- With plenty of activities, Arowhon Pines is a rustic chic resort in the centre of Algonquin Park on the shores of Little Joe Lake. Cabins feature a range of hand-painted french style furnishings, fireplaces and private lakeside patios. All inclusive meals are served in a hand-hewn log dining room. A totally off-grid wilderness escape!
- On the shores of Lac Massawippi, Manoir Hovey is a lovely retreat whether you want to take advantage of the kayaking, fishing and walking or relax on the terrace or by the pool with a good book. Rooms are modern country-house and there’s a gourmet restaurant.
- Great for outdoor pursuits, Domaine du Vieux Couvent offers eleven quiet and comfortable rooms overlooking the blue-green waters of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The beautifully restored convent boasts a sun terrace and bike rentals. The on site restaurant, La Moulière is a gourmet affair headed by chef Denis J. Landry. Très bon!
- The wildlife in British Columbia is amazing and certain Lodges are particularly set up to arrange for guided tours, or for private treks along well-mapped trails. At the Tweedsmuir Park Lodge, they are professionals at providing unforgettable wildlife experiences, and this may include sightings of bears!
- The Trout Point Lodge of Nova Scotia is an upscale log lodge, nestled between the Tucket and Napier rivers. There are 12 rustic chic rooms with handcrafted furniture and open fires. There’s also an elegant dining room serving fixed four course banquets. Obviously the fishing is good, but this is also a wonderful spot for hikers.
For spectacular views
- Newfoundland’s Fogo Island Inn is a striking architectural masterpiece with incredible, floor-to-ceiling views over the Atlantic. There are 29 stylish rooms perched here on the edge of the world, and a wonderful restaurant serving inspired dishes made from locally sourced produce. An amazingly romantic place to escape to.
- The Quirpon Lighthouse Inn, also in Newfoundland, is a converted lighthouse keeper's home with ten rooms and some of the most incredible views you could possibly imagine. The rooms are rustic and traditional and there’s a comfortable indoor whale-watching station. And obviously above you is the working lighthouse. A once in a lifetime place to stay.
For Skiers
- Hotel Quintessence is an upscale spa resort on the banks of Lac Tremblant. The plush rooms are understated rustic chic with fireplaces, wooden beams, heated marble bathrooms and luxurious tubs. Enjoy the spa, infinity pool and expansive landscaped gardens. A peaceful haven in the Laurentian Mountains.
- Nita Lake Lodge is a luxurious boutique hotel right on the shores of Whistler’s Lake Nita. The 77 rooms are understated and elegant and many of them have spectacular views. There’s a restaurant specialising in locally sourced produce plus an outdoor heated pool.
For Families
- Le Saint Sulpice is a luxury hotel opposite the Notre-Dame Basilica of Montréal. The spacious and elegant suites, which are a variety of sizes, come with a range of exceptional bonuses such as Nespresso machines, kitchens and sit out terraces, so they’re comfortable for families.
For great value
- The Hotel Gault is a beautiful boutique hotel with 30 suites - from lofts to terrace suites, to large apartments - in the heart of historic Montréal. The accommodation is contemporary and many of the suites have expansive city views. There’s also a great bar and restaurant open around the clock.
- Also in Montréal Le Relais Lyonnais is a four star hotel in a 130 year old building in the Latin Quarter. The charming property has been brought up to date and there are still some lovely period features. Plus a great French restaurant. There are just seven rooms.
- Vancouver’s Sylvia Hotel has great views overlooking English Bay with a collection of 120 modern rooms, suites and self catering apartments. You are right on the water, so this is a great spot for swimming or skating or biking along the sea wall. Plus you’re close to Chinatown.
Prefer an Apartment or Private Villa or Cottage?
- If you’d prefer to stay in an apartment or private villa we recommend you visit our online partner, booking.com.
Travel Information
- Vast Canada has 20 international airports, but generally the most useful are probably: Toronto Pearson International Airport located 26km (16 miles) from Toronto; Montréal–Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport, which is also Quebec's largest airport, located 18.5km (11.5 miles) from Montreal; Vancouver International Airport, which is about 12kms from downtown Vancouver; Calgary International Airport, which is about 17kms outside the heart of Calgary, Edmonton International Airport, Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport, Halifax Stanfield International Airport and Kelowna International Airport.
- If you’re thinking about hiring a car we recommend checking what our online partners, Rentalcars have to offer.
- Summer is popular, and winter is popular with skiiers and snowboarders, but if forced to choose a best time of the year to visit, fall, or autumn is really very nice? But the best time of year to visit is as varied as the reasons to visit.
Still not sure which is the best place to stay in Canada for you?
