Canada is world-renowned for its natural beauty, but did you know it has some stunningly unique hotels, too? What better way to enjoy the Great Outdoors than in a hotel that offers you a whole new viewpoint. Here is our pick of 10 mind-blowing hotels in Canada you just have to try.
1. Hotel de Glace, Quebec City
Ice bars might be a common attraction in cities these days, but whole hotels made of ice are still a rare find. The only gem of this kind in the whole of North America exists in Quebec, just a 40-minute drive from the centre of Quebec City.
An article by Conde Nast Traveller rates the Hotel de Glace top of its list, ahead of all of Scandinavia’s offerings, and no wonder. The architecture and décor are quite literally dazzling. Each season, the hotel is built from scratch from 30,000 tons of snow and 500 tons of ice. Inside, 51 rooms with ice beds and insulating sleeping bags await intrepid adventurers.
2. Free Spirit Spheres, Vancouver Island
Swinging gently from the canopy of a temperate coastal rainforest in British Columbia hang three treehouses with a difference. These stunning spherical pods provide a completely unique way to spend a night in nature.
The three pods have three distinct characters, but all offer an unrivalled vantage point of the forest. Inside, the treehouses are kitted out with beds, purified water, and tea and coffee making facilities. They also have access to luxury outhouses and showering facilities. Simply lie back and gaze through the skylight to the canopy above.
3. Fogo Island Inn, Newfoundland
Featured in the likes of National Geographic and Forbes, this architectural masterpiece is becoming the new hottest hotel for those in the know. It’s dramatic good looks are paired with a minimal, Scandi-inspired interior which allow those views over Iceberg Alley to take centre stage.
Situated in the furthest corner of Northwest Newfoundland, Fogo Island Inn feels like it is on the edge of the world. There is nothing between you and the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean. In winter, it’s possible to spot polar bears and caribou roaming the ice. One of our favourite bloggers has written about her time here on girlaboutyorkshire.
4. Sonora Resort, British Columbia
When it comes to the Great Outdoors, there is absolutely nothing like this. Sonora Resort on remote Sonora Island describes itself as “the ultimate in wilderness luxury”. Nestled in an untamed pocket of the British Columbia coast, this 5-star resort offers unparalleled wildlife and adventure opportunities from a sumptuous setting.
By day, join a wildlife watching tour to spot grizzlies and coastal black bears up close. The region is teeming with bald eagles, sea lions and birdlife. By night, you can enjoy a gourmet evening meal before relaxing in the outdoor pool, overlooking an ocean paradise.
5. Wickaninnish Inn, Tofino
Tofino on Vancouver Island is a surfer’s paradise, thanks to its spectacular rugged coast and the impressive swell. But it’s these same conditions that give rise to one of the most dramatic spectacles in Canada – the winter storms.
This world-class hotel combines elegance and rustic charm while carving a name for itself as the best place to watch the power of the Pacific Ocean perform. There are beach views from every room, making the location perfect for relaxing in the summer or storm-watching in the winter.
6. Fantasyland Hotel, Edmonton
The largest shopping mall in North America is mind-blowing in itself, covering more than 5 million square feet and housing an indoor lagoon complete with sea lions and a full-size pirate ship. But within the behemoth shopping village of West Edmonton Mall is a well-kept secret: the intriguing Fantasyland Hotel.
Inside the hotel, the unique themed rooms are second to none in colour and imagination. Polynesian style rooms come with a tropical hot tub in the corner, while the truck themed room has a bed in the back of a pickup. There is nowhere else quite like it.
7. Clayoquot Wilderness Resort, British Columbia
This might be a luxury wilderness resort, but not as you know it. On the edges of the wild, pristine canvas safari tents rise out of the forest. All accommodation here is in safari tents, but they are kitted out in the most decadent way. Antique furniture and prospector-era touches make these tents romantic as well as luxurious.
The resort nestles in the UNESCO Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Reserve, offering some of the best access to the wildlife of the region. Expect bears and salmon in abundance.
8. Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
Canada’s turquoise glacial lakes are world-famous, but the jewel in the crown has to be Lake Louise. Its colour is otherworldly, and those pointed peaks are picture-perfect. Few other hotels get quite so close to such an iconic natural wonder as the Fairmont Lake Louise.
It’s not just the surroundings in UNESCO World Heritage Site of Banff National Park that are stunning. The inside of the luxurious chateau is a sight in itself. It’s alpine charm and colonial-style elegance have made it a renowned destination for afternoon tea.
9. Great Wolf Lodge, Niagara Falls
For a different experience at Niagara Falls, and one the kids will absolutely love, check into Great Wolf Lodge. Here, you’ll discover more than 100,000 square feet of indoor water park. Enormous slides, raft rides, water coasters and more will have the whole family squealing with delight.
Adults will love the whirlpool hot spas, pamper treatments and of course, the ideal location in Ontario for visiting those falls.
10. Marriott Fallsview, Niagara Falls
Last but not least on our list is a stay by arguably the most iconic Canadian sight of them all: Niagara Falls. Getting up close to the enormous, thundering power of these instantly recognisable falls should be on everyone’s bucket list.
The Marriott Fallsview is as close as you can sleep to the mighty falls. Wake up in a room with the most incredible views, and even enjoy breakfast or dinner with one of the best vistas in the world.
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