World’s Best Resorts in Canada
Oh, Canada! This year’s World’s Best resorts showcase the True North’s wild coastlines, epic ski slopes, and pristine wilderness. Familiar names — the Wickaninnish Inn and Post Hotel & Spa, among others — ranked among the top five properties, while Canadian operator Fairmont Hotels & Resorts also made its home country proud with four hotels among the 10 winners. Every year, the World’s Best Awards survey asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — sharing their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Hotels were rated based on their facilities, location, service, food, and overall value. Properties classified as City or Resort based on their locations and amenities were also taken into account. Last year’s gold and silver winners swapped places in 2017, with Fogo Island Inn, a contemporary property featuring just 29 suites — all with floor-to-ceiling windows and locally crafted furnishings — emerging as this year’s big winner. “The beauty of Newfoundland, the remoteness of Fogo Island, and extraordinary design make this inn a very special place,” one voter remarked.
Next on the list is Manoir Hovey, a 19th-century mansion set along the shores of Lake Massawippi in North Hatley. Modeled after Mount Vernon and framed by 30 acres of woodland and manicured gardens, the property is an ideal addition to a trip to Quebec City—the No. 1 city in Canada this year—since it’s conveniently located just two and a half hours away. At Le Hatley restaurant, chef Francis Wolf serves dishes such as buttery foie gras and garden-fresh salads drizzled with local birch-tree syrup. After dinner, guests can retreat upstairs to one of the 37 elegant rooms, many featuring fireplaces or private balconies.
On the west coast, the picturesque Wickaninnish Inn made its regular appearance on the list. The Vancouver Island property is nestled on a pine-forest-ringed promontory, with cozy rooms equipped with deep soaking tubs, while floor-to-ceiling windows invite the breathtaking outdoors in. You can spend your days strolling along Chesterman Beach or curled up fireside with a fine Pinot from the Pacific.
Ski resorts on both sides of Canada also made a strong showing thanks to famous properties such as the Four Seasons Resort Whistler, Fairmont Chateau Whistler, and Fairmont Tremblant.
10. Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, Alberta
Score: 88.93
9. Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu, La Malbaie, Quebec
Score: 90.22
8. Fairmont Tremblant, Mont Tremblant, Quebec
Score: 90.36
7. Fairmont Chateau Whistler, British Columbia
Score: 90.40
6. Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler, British Columbia
Score: 90.68
5. Nita Lake Lodge, Whistler, British Columbia
Score: 91.30
4. Wickaninnish Inn, Tofino, British Columbia
Score: 91.64
3. Post Hotel & Spa, Lake Louise, Alberta
Score: 95.64
2. Manoir Hovey, North Hatley, Quebec
Score: 96.96
1. Fogo Island Inn
Score: 97.76
As one reader aptly noted, “Fogo Island Inn is beyond comparison. To call it a hotel seems somehow wrong.” This 29-room property, a striking contemporary build on Newfoundland’s Fogo Island, serves as an extension of the destination itself. New and old are integrated into every aspect of the inn’s design: its furnishings and textiles— including the wallpaper and hand-sewn quilts—were specifically created for the inn, with most made locally. All guest activities, ranging from berry picking and guided hikes through Fogo residents to traditional fishing and punt rowing, promote regional culture and history.
