Monday newsletters always feature top 10 travel lists to inspire.

Today (June 5, 2017): Top 10 best luxury hotels in British Columbia (Canada).

British Columbia, Canada’s most western province, is one of my favorite travel destinations on earth. It is the kingdom of abundance, a place where towering glaciated mountains stand over an unruly Pacific, where thick rainforests wrap around picturesque villages, where raw nature shapes a refined culture, and where the wild breathing life back into the wild within. For starters, British Columbia offers superb hiking in the Rocky Mountains, world-class skiing in Whistler, storm-watching in the Pacific Rim National Park, unforgettable wildlife encounters (e.g. whale watching and grizzly bear spotting), and urban adventures in one of the world’s most magnificent cities, Vancouver. The province also houses some of Canada’s (and the world’s) most impressive accommodations. To help you plan your next British Columbia holiday, I have compiled a top 10 list with the area’s best hotels.

There is more information (with Youtube clips and reviews) below the slide show. Think I missed one? Leave a comment or take my poll below!

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10. EMERALD LAKE LODGE, YOHO NP

Yoho National Park is located in the Canadian Rocky Mountains along the western slope of the Continental Divide of the Americas in southeastern British Columbia. Here, you can stay at Emerald Lake Lodge and follow in the footsteps of legendary guide Tom Wilson, who discovered this magical location – famed for its jade-coloured waters – more than 100 years ago during the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway. Today, the hotel remains one of North America’s most outstanding and year-round accessible lodges in a wilderness setting.  With its century-old fireplaces and an oak bar salvaged from an 1890’s Yukon saloon, there is no shortage of history within these walls. Built of hand-hewn timber and featuring massive stone fireplaces, the lodge includes an elegant dining room, quiet reading and sitting rooms, conference facilities and a games room.

• Hotel website: Emerald Lake Lodge
• Other accolades: Emerald Lake Lodge also features in my top 10 list of the best hotels in Canada’s Rocky Mountains.
• Review: read here my review of Emerald Lake Lodge.

9. SHANGRI-LA VANCOUVER

This 119-room luxury hotel, located in vibrant downtown Vancouver, occupies the first 15 floors of a 61-story landmark building, the tallest in the city. Here, guests find luxurious guestrooms and suites decorated in the brand’s contemporary Asian style, with many rooms featuring private balconies, stunning views of the city, and abundant sunlight filtering in through floor-to-ceiling windows. Guests can enjoy personalized spa treatments at Chi, The Spa at Shangri-La, or experience Vancouver fine dining with regionally inspired dishes at Market by Jean-Georges. Whether in the city for business or for pleasure, the Shangri-La Vancouver offers amenities and accommodations that bring to life the unique Asian hospitality, serenity, and caring service that Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts are known for.

• Hotel website: Shangri-La Vancouver
• Tip: enjoy free VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast,  $100 USD hotel credit).

8. FOUR SEASONS RESORT WHISTLER

The Four Seasons Resort Whistler is located in the heart of what is by far the largest ski resort in all of North America. The pedestrian village of Whistler has itself won numerous design awards and was the site of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. Beyond its famed slopes are the championship golf courses, hundreds of boutiques, museums and galleries and endless year-round happenings. The hotel’s 273 guest rooms are appointed richly in wood, each with their own gas fireplace. After the rigors of skiing, golf, hiking, or shopping, you can avail yourself of Four Seasons Resort Whistler’s many relaxation options, and inhale alpine air while you’re massaged with the clay from a nearby lake or survey the snow-capped peaks while soaking in the outdoor whirlpools.

• Hotel website: Four Seasons Resort Whistler
• Other accolades: Four Seasons Resort Whistler also features in my top 10 lists of the most luxurious ski hotels in the world and the best hotels in Canada.
• Tip: enjoy free VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, $100 USD spa credit).

7. WICKANINNISH INN, VANCOUVER ISLAND

Situated on Vancouver Island’s magnificently rugged west coast, the Wickaninnish Inn – a Relais & Châteaux property – is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean on three sides with an old growth forest as a backdrop. The hotel’s story began way back in 1955, when Dr. Howard McDiarmid first moved to Tofino and assumed responsibility for the Tofino General Hospital. Over the years, he recognized the unique nature of the area and was instrumental in the creation of the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve in 1971 and the opening of the famous hotel in 1996. Architecturally, the Inn has succeeded in defining an archetypal North West Coast style, utilizing the natural elements of cedar, fir, driftwood, and stone, together with expansive windows inviting the awe-inspiring ocean vistas. Spectacular ocean and beach views are standard from every guest room, suite, public space and meeting venue.

• Hotel website: Wickaninnish Inn

6. LONG BEACH LODGE RESORT, VANCOUVER ISLAND

With the wild Pacific surf before you, and lush rainforest behind, you’ll experience Canada’s untouched, rugged West Coast while savoring all the comforts of five-star luxury at Long Beach Lodge Resort. The hotel has 41 rooms and 20 cottages and is located on Cox Bay beach, just 7km (4 mi) south of Tofino in the heart of the Pacific Rim National Park. It’s mesmerizing to light a fire and cozy up under your duvet as the ocean offers its entertainment: bald eagles soar from treetop to treetop, ravens comb the beach, and harbor seals and whales surface while the churning Pacific pounds the beach. The chef’s innovative cuisine mirrors the unique character of the lodge, and you can enjoy fine dining while watching a magnificent sunset.

• Hotel website: Long Beach Lodge
• Other accolades: Long Beach Lodge also features in my top 10 list of the best hotels in Canada.

5. ROSEWOOD HOTEL GEORGIA, VANCOUVER

Following its grand debut in the roaring ‘20s, Hotel Georgia came to be known as a Vancouver legend for bringing unheard-of luxuries to the young city and Canada’s West Coast. After undergoing a full renovation and reopening in 2011 as Rosewood Hotel Georgia, the hotel has been returned to its former grandeur with the additional elegance of extensive amenities and the impeccable service of Rosewood, one of the world’s most exclusive hotel brands. With 156 rooms and suites embellished with stylish elegance equal to its landmark location, guests uncover an exclusive residential ambience. Featuring a palette of light blues, ivory and chocolate, guestroom decor is completed with sleek furnishings and spa-inspired bathrooms for ultimate luxury.

• Hotel website: Rosewood Hotel Georgia
• Other accolades: Rosewood Hotel Georgia also features in my top 10 lists of the world’s most stunning indoor hotel pools and the best hotels in Canada.
• Tip: enjoy free VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast for 2, $100 USD hotel credit, early check-in and late check-out).

4. NIMMO BAY, GREAT BEAR RAINFOREST

Remote coastal rainforests stretching as far as the eye can see, and a ring of snow-capped mountains meeting the shoreline of a wide, calm bay will be your first sight when arriving by helicopter  at the exclusive Nimmo Bay Resort. The main lodge actually floats on the bay, with two cedar hot tubs steaming away at the foot of a cascading waterfall. Nimmo Bay Resort offers plenty of adventure varying from heli-fishing and grizzly bear spotting in a quiet valley, to river rafting, whale watching, or heli-hiking atop some of those sparkling mountain peaks. At Nimmo Bay Resort, food is also a big part of the adventures, with fresh, local, coastal, homemade fare, such as fresh salmon and Dungeness crab.

• Hotel website: Nimmo Bay
• Other accolades: Nimmo Bay also features in my top 10 lists of the world’s most remote luxury hotels and the best hotels in Canada.

3. SONORA RESORT, DESOLATION SOUND

This luxury wilderness resort is an absolute jewel amid one of Canada’s most alluring, pristine environments, being British Columbia’s stunning Desolation Sound, home to fascinating wildlife and some of the best salmon fishing in the world. Sonora Resort is where uncompromising eco adventure travel meets luxurious accommodations, unparalleled service and five-star facilities. Here, guest can enjoy thrilling eco-tours along the coast, such as getting close-up views of grizzly bears, orcas, sea lions, and dolphins. Guests can also take hikes through the towering old-growth firs and cedars of the coastal temperate rainforest. Or experience a mind-blowing helicopter ride to a glistening glacier where they can enjoy a private picnic prepared by the chef.

• Hotel website: Sonora Resort
• Other top 10 accolades: Sonora Resort also features in my top 10 lists of the best wilderness lodges in the world and the best hotels in Canada.
• Tip: enjoy free VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and a complimentary eco tour for two).

2. THE FAIRMONT PACIFIC RIM, VANCOUVER

This downtown Vancouver hotel, the flagship hotel of the Fairmont Hotel Group, combines the best of the Pacific Rim in its plan, décor, and culinary offerings. It is conveniently situated along the shore in Vancouver’s vibrant waterfront area, a few blocks from the cruise ship terminal. Designed with five-star standards and amenities, the 367-room hotel features spacious guestrooms with lavish appointments, naturally inspired materials, comfortable furnishings and state-of-the-art technology. The higher floors enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Coal Harbour, Stanley Park and the North Shore Mountains. The hotel’s spectacular outdoor rooftop pool with private cabanas brings a little South Beach ambiance to the heart of downtown Vancouver.

• Hotel website: The Fairmont Pacific Rim
• Other accolades: The Fairmont Pacific Rim also features in my top 10 lists of the world’s most luxurious city hotels and the best hotels in Canada.
• Tip: enjoy free VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD spa credit).
• Review: read here my review of the Fairmont Pacific Rim.

1. CLAYOQUOT WILDERNESS RESORT, VANCOUVER ISLAND

The Clayoquot Wilderness Resort, open from May to September, is an exotic paradox of indulgent luxury and remote, untamed wilderness in the Clayoquot Sound World Biosphere Reserve (within the Pacific Rim National Park). This unique 21st-century-safari-style enclave of great white canvas suite tents, dining, lounge, and spa tents, offers exquisite cuisine and breathtaking adventures, giving visitors a rare taste of how the fortunate spent their summers ‘roughing it’ some 100 years ago. Twenty guest and family suite tents showcase antique furnishings, opulent rugs, down duvets, remote-controlled propane powered woodstoves and luxurious amenities. Watch out for bears and whales.

• Hotel website: Clayoquot Wilderness Resort
• Other accolades: Clayoquot Wilderness Resort also features in my top 10 lists of the best wilderness lodges in the world, the world’s best family hotels, and the best hotels in Canada.

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A few weeks ago, I enjoyed a great (but rainy and even snowy) stay in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, one of the world’s most pristine wilderness areas on a scale difficult to imagine. I will publish my trip reports over the coming weeks:

• Trip report: British Airways A380 Business Class from London to Vancouver
• Review: Post Hotel & Spa (Lake Louise village)
• Review: Emerald Lake Lodge
• Review: Moraine Lake Lodge
• Review: Mount Engaldine Lodge
• Review: Fairmont Banff Hot Springs Hotel (today)
• Review: Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge (to be published later)
• Trip report: British Airways B787-8 (Dreamliner) Business Class from Calgary to London

Today (October 5, 2016): Review of the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel (Canada).

• Hotel website: Fairmont Banff Hot Springs Hotel
• Address: 405 Spray Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1J4, Canada
• Location: Google Maps
• Tip: get free VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso

The world-famous Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel stands as a landmark in the picturesque alpine town of Banff, Alberta. Canada’s “Castle in the Rockies” has been providing legendary hospitality to its guests for more than 125 years. With 768 guest rooms and suites, this is a massive resort, but the superbly appointed accommodations and the attentive, personalized service guarantee an intimate experience. And you have a choice from cozy rooms tucked away in quiet corners of the castle to spacious suites with sweeping Alberta mountain views. The hotel’s Willow Stream Spa is the perfect spot to sooth sore muscles in the mineral bath after hiking the alpine meadows.

The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel features in my top 10 lists of the best hotels & lodges in the Canadian Rockies and the most luxurious hotels in Canada.

In this review (more info below the Youtube clip & slideshow):

• Pros & things I like
• Cons & things to know
• My verdict
• Tips for future guests & save money
• Best time to visit
• How to get there

PROS & THINGS I LIKE

• The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel enjoys a very convenient location in the heart of Banff National Park, just above the Bow Falls and close to thermal springs (explaining the hotel’s name). The hotel is situated at an altitude of 1414 m (4639 ft) and within walking distance of Banff village, the Rockies’ main tourist center and the community with the second highest elevation in Alberta after Lake Louise

• The journey to this Canadian vacation spot is as beautiful as the destination. If you’re coming from the Prairies, the drive through Banff and Kootenay National Parks is guaranteed to be one of the highlights of your trip. And when coming for your winter vacation, roads to British Columbia’s Powder Highway are well maintained and plowed regularly.

• The Banff Springs resort hotel is owned by the pension fund OMERS (the Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System) and operated by Toronto based Fairmont Hotels and Resorts. Fairmont is a leader in the global hospitality industry, with a distinctive collection and a worldwide reputation for excellence. The brand is famous in Canada for its historic hotels, but its diverse portfolio also includes iconic properties worldwide such as The Plaza (New York City), The Savoy (London) and the Makkah Clock Royal Tower Hotel (Mekka).

• Originally built in 1888, the Grand Dame of the Canadian Rockies was remodeled in 1928 to resemble a cross between a Scottish baronial castle and a European chateau. Consequently, the iconic property features a majestic, turret-topped facade that towers over the surrounding Bow river and endless pine forests, earning it the nickname ‘Castle of the Rokies’.

• Because the hotel is filled with history, the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel was declared a national historic site by the government of Canada in 1988. The property was built between spring 1887 and spring 1888 by the Canadian Pacific Railway at the instigation of its president, William Cornelius Van Horne, who recognized the tourism potential of the Canadian west. By the start of the twentieth century, the Banff Springs luxury Hotel had developed into North America’s top mountain getaways and Van Horne’s vision had been realized. Disaster struck in 1926 when the original wooden hotel burnt down, and since then, the hotel has been rebuilt in its present appearance, expanded and renovated.

• The high-ceilinged and light-filled grand lobby is divided in two, separate check-in areas, one on the right for members of Fairmont’s loyalty program (designated Fairmont’s President Club), and another one on the left for non-members. If you are lucky, the lobby will be filled with beautiful live music by solo harpist Deborah Nyack, who has been the resident harpist at Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel and its sister hotel Chateau Lake Louise for more than 20 years. Two balustraded staircases lead to the hotel’s first floor, which features an extravagant selection of lounges and bars as well as an exhibition space that depicts the hotel’s role in local history and culture.

• With 768 rooms and more than 1200 staff employed in summer, it should not come as a surprise that the hotel has gigantic dimensions. Indeed, it’s easy (and fun) to get lost in the maze of hallways, ballrooms and lounges, and the stylish boutiques, jewelry shops and art galleries that line the corridors will keep you entertained while trying the find a way out. Even when you are not staying at the hotel, you are free to wander around.

• Privately located on the 4th and 5th floors of the main building, Fairmont Gold is a hotel within the hotel and offers guests exclusive services and amenities. Upon arrival, guests are directed to the Fairmont Gold reception area on the 5th floor where they enjoy private check-in. Fairmont Gold guests also have access to the exclusive Fairmont Gold Lounge, which offers an elegant yet relaxing environment, the ideal place to unwind next to the fire with a good book or catch up on email. As a Fairmont Gold guest, you can enjoy coffee, tea and an honour bar throughout the day , as well as complimentary canapés, served between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. In the morning, a hearty and complimentary continental breakfast buffet, with cold and hot items, is displayed along the open kitchen.

• Accommodations range from cozy rooms tucked away in quiet corners of the castle to spacious suites with sweeping Alberta mountain views. During my visit, I stayed in a so-called Fairmont Gold Mountain View Room. The comfortably cozy, yet contemporary room featured two queen-sized beds (with superb bedding) and a writing desk and was decorated with rich fabrics, individually styled furniture. It offered a views of the hotel facade and the Bow Valley in the distance. The bathroom included a granite vanity, slate flooring and European-style body spray shower (with small bath tub).

• One of the coolest things about Fairmont hotels is their complimentary luxury toiletries. Le Labo Rose 31 scent was created exclusively for the Canadian hotel chain, and is used for the shampoo, conditioner, soap, and bath salt provided in the bathrooms.

• The hotels features superb aquatic facilities, which are accessible to hotel guests only. A large, 32 m (105 ft) saltwater indoor pool is complimented by an indoor whirlpool, a kid’s wading pool, and an outdoor 20 m (66 ft) pool which is filled with heated water and open year round.

• The 3,530-square-metre (38,000-square-foot) Willow Stream Spa offers first-class pampering surrounded by majestic mountain beauty. Reminiscent of the hot springs that beckoned travellers over 100 years ago, the pulsating waterfalls and the mineral pool in the heart of the spa rejuvenate tired muscles and soothe troubled spirits. The spa has no less than 23 treatment rooms and last year, it was voted no. 1 Canada hotel spa by Travel + Leisure.

• The hotel features an impressive number of restaurants, fine dining venues, and bars. Culinary highlights include 1888 Chop House (a modern twist on the authentic chop-house with a menu focused on prime cuts of Alberta beef, sustainably sourced wild game and Ocean Wise seafood), Castello Ristorante (where you can celebrate the simple pleasures of great food, wine and company with an authentic Italian meal), Waldhaus Restaurant (which features a hearty menu of authentic Alpine cuisine, including schnitzel and fondue) and Samurai Sushi Bar and Restaurant (which offers an authentic Japanese culinary experience with beautifully presented fresh sushi, sashimi, and hot-pot dinners). If you’re not very hungry, you can always visit the Grapes Wine Bar, which serves fondues, cured meats and pâtés, fine cheeses, freshly baked breads and – of course – extraordinary wines.

The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel is the Canadian Rocky’s grandest hotel with a fabulous exterior, an imposing decor, wonderful facilities and excellent service. Nevertheless, although I heartily recommend it, it’s not perfect and you need to know the following when considering a stay here:

HOW TO GET THERE

The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel is located on the outskirts of Banff Village, approximately 148 km (92 mi) west of Calgary International Airport, which is the most convenient airport to start your holiday in the Rockies. Check the Wikipedia page of Calgary International Airport for an updated list of airlines that offer direct flights to Calgary.

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Today (September 19, 2016): top 10 things to see & do in the Canadian Rockies.

Despite dreadful weather, I recently enjoyed a great holiday in Canada’s Rocky Mountains, a pristine wilderness areas on a scale difficult to imagine. Few places in the world offer such a diverse range of scenery and activities, from kayaking and spectacular drives to backcountry hiking and wildlife spotting. Last week, I published a top 10 list of the best hotels & lodges in the Canadian Rockies, and I will give my unbiased opinion on those hotels (with pros & cons) in a series of trip reports over the coming weeks. Today, I share with you the best sights and activities in Banff, Yoho, Kootenay and Jasper National Park, to help you organise the perfect trip in the Canadian Rockies.

What is your favorite spot or activity in the Canadian Rockies? Do you think I missed one? Leave a comment or take my poll below.

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10. RIDE THE ROCKY MOUNTAINEER

This world-renowned, luxurious train travels by daylight through the wild beauty of Canada’s West and is one of the best ways to experience the majestic Canadian Rockies. The passing scenery is nothing less than pristine wilderness: black lava cliffs and canyons, glacial lakes, turbulent rivers, bighorn sheep, and maybe even a black or grizzly bear. Onboard, you’ll enjoy plentiful cooked-to-order breakfasts and lunches, served in the dining car, and unlimited cocktails and snacks served by personable hosts.

• Official website: Rocky Mountaineer 
• Other accolades: Rocky Mountaineer also features in my top 10 list of the world’s greatest train journeys.

9. RISE ABOVE BANFF ON A GONDOLA

With breathtaking vistas in every direction, you’ll understand why this is a Canadian Rockies must-see destination.  Your adventure begins with an eight-minute journey to the summit of Sulphur Mountain in a modern, fully enclosed four-passenger gondola cabin.  You glide up over the treetops to the crest of a steep-sided Rocky Mountain peak and step out into a jaw-dropping mountaintop experience.  You can make a stroll along the ridgetop boardwalk where the views get better with every step, offering a stunning bird’s-eye view of six incredible mountain ranges.

• Official website: Banff Gondola

8. WATCH THE SUNRISE AT LAKE LOUISE

You have probably seen photos of the world-famous turquoise lake but they don’t prepare you for how it feels to experience it yourself. Rounding the corner, the dramatically beautiful sight of the emerald-green water and the mighty Victoria Glacier hits you viscerally. Unfortunately, Lake Louise is heavily visited, and during the day, the front shoreline of the lake can feel like a crowded amusement park. Pulling yourself out of bed early is the best way to beat the crowds, and also to enjoy the lake at its best, when the rising sun puts the soaring mountain backdrop in fire.

• Official website: Lake Louise
• Tip: The Plain of Six Glaciers hike, one of the Rockies’ most spectacular dayhikes, starts at Lake Louise and is not to be missed. Getting an early start for this hike helps you to avoid the crowds on the lake shore trail and gives you plenty of photo opportunities.

7. RELAX IN HOT SPRINGS

Nestled in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, Banff Upper Springs, Radium Springs and Miette Springs offer a relaxing experience in steamy hot mineral water after a day of hiking in the alpine meadows. Banff Upper Hot Springs, located at the foot of Sulphur Mountain close to Banff town, has all the amenities of a modern facility in a splendid historic spa and bath house. Radium Hot Springs, in British Columbia’s Kootenay National Park, is famous for its canyon setting. Jasper National Park contains Miette Hot Springs with the hottest mineral water in the Rockies.

• Official website: Rocky Mountains hot springs
• Tip: If you’re looking for a more a unique hot spring, check out the Ainsworth Hot Springs. They’re a lot more quiet, and have a cool cave in the rock where the hot springs extends.

6. TAKE A CRUISE TO SPIRIT ISLAND

Nestled in a ring of towering mountains, Maligne Lake is the largest glacially fed lake in the Canadian Rockies, and a 40 minute drive from Jasper town. Here you can discover world-famous Spirit Island, a destination only accessible only by boat. The tiny tied island is one of the most famous and photographed views in the world. The Maligne Lake cruise to Spirit Island takes about 30 minutes, and on the way, you’ll be inspired by the beauty of the lake’s blue waters and the stunning lofty peaks around you.

• Official website: Spirit Island & Maligne Lake Cruise
• Tip: The best time to visit Spirit Island is late afternoon when the light is just perfect to take pictures. This also gives you the opportunity to beat the crowds and increases your chance of wildlife sightings on your way back to Jasper.

5. VISIT TAKAKKAW FALLS

Takakkaw means “magnificent” in Cree, a Canadian aboriginal language, and it is. Tumbling 254m (830 feet) in one stretch and 384m (1,260 feet) in total, these falls are among the highest in Canada and the gateway to some of the Rockies’ most beautiful hiking. The falls are fed by the Daly Glacier, which is part of the Waputik Icefield. The glacier keeps the volume of the falls up during the warm summer months, and they are a tourist attraction, particularly in late spring after the heavy snow melts, when the falls are at peak condition. You can feel the spray at the base of the falls after a short hike or enjoy views from afar.

• Official website: Takakkaw Falls
• Tip: one of the Rockies greatest hikes, the Iceline Trail, starts near Takakkaw Falls. This signature circuit climbs to a high bench with spectacular glacier views, before descending to meadows in the Little Yoho Valley and returning past Laughing Falls to Takakkaw Falls.

4. SPOT WILDLIFE

The Canadian Rockies are teeming with wildlife, and you’re sure to spot some of the mountains’ famous inhabitants while exploring the area. With large mammals such as black bears, grizzlies, moose, wolves, deer, cougars, coyotes, elk, and big horn sheep calling the Rockies home, these dazzling mountains are the perfect holiday destination for wildlife enthusiasts. Dusk and down represent the best times for spotting wildlife, since these are the active feeding hours for many of the animals. Fall and spring tend to be the best times of the year to see animals, particularly bears and moose.

• Official website: wildlife in the Rockies
• Tip: this website gives an excellent summery of the best areas to view wildlife in Jasper, Banff, Yoho, and Kootenay.

3. KAYAK ON MORAINE LAKE

Set in the rugged Valley of the Ten Peaks, Moraine Lake is the Canadian Rockies’ most visually stunning lake, surrounded by mountains, waterfalls, and rock piles, creating a scene so stunning it almost seems unreal. Its waters have the most amazing colour, a vivid shade of turquoise that changes in intensity through the summer as the glaciers melt. Here, you can sit lakeside and absorb the sights and pure mountain air, or explore further by canoeing and hiking. It’s an iconically jaw dropping place that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

• Official website: Moraine Lake
• Tip: During the day, the lake is overrun by tourists, but you can have it all to yourself in the morning and later afternoon by staying at the excellent Moraine Lake Lodge, my favorite lodge in the Rockies.

2. DRIVE THE ICEFIELD PARKWAY

Linking Lake Louise to Jasper and stretching 232 km (144 miles) through the heart of the Canadian Rockies, this tremendously spectacular, double-lane highway, also known as Highway 93 North, winds along the Continental Divide through soaring rocky mountain peaks, icefields and vast sweeping valleys. It offers spectacular sightseeing of pristine turquoise lakes (Peyto Lake is not to be missed!), tumbling waterfalls, ancient glaciers and the Columbia Icefields. Along the stretch, big horn sheep, deer, black bears, and coyotes are frequently spotted. Wolves, grizzlies, and goats less so.

• Official website: The Icefield Parkway
• Other accolades: The Icefield Parkway also features in my top 10 list of the most scenic drives in the world.

1. HIKE AT LAKE O’HARA

This unparalleled hidden gem in Yoho National Park – one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen – harbors some of the planet’s most visually stunning mountain scenery.  This exclusive mountain enclave and grizzly bear sanctuary features exquisite hanging valleys, lichen covered rocks, jewel-blue lakes, and breathtaking vistas. The Alpine Circuit is boasted by many to be the most impressive day hike in the Rockies. The area is only accessible through a bus service that is run by Parks Canada (you need to prebook your ticket months in advance) and the number of visitors that is allowed into the valley is severely restricted to protect the mountain fauna and flora.

• Official website: Lake O’Hara
• Tip: With hot showers, claw foot bathtubs and thick goose down comforters to keep you warm and cozy in bed, the Lake O’Hara Lodge is the perfect place for relaxation after an amazing day of hiking (but you need to reserve your room a year in advance).

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Today (September 12, 2016): best hotels & lodges in the Canadian Rockies.

Renowned for their jaw-dropping scenery, the Canadian Rocky Mountains are comprised of Banff, Jasper, Kootenay and Yoho National Parks and Mount Robson, Mount Assiniboine, Spray Valley and Hamber Provincial Parks. In all of these regions, travelers are amazed by deep blue glacial lakes, endless pine forests, rugged mountains, and abundant wildlife, with the mighty grizzly bear roaming free in this vast wilderness. To assist you in finding your ideal accommodation, I have compiled a top 10 list of my favorite hotels & lodges in the Canadian Rockies.

What is your favorite lodge in the Canadian Rockies? Do you think I missed one? Leave a comment or take my poll below.

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10. EMERALD LAKE LODGE, YOHO NP

When you visit Emerald Lake Lodge, you follow in the footsteps of legendary guide Tom Wilson, who discovered this magical location – famed for its jade-coloured waters – more than 100 years ago during the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway. Today, the hotel remains one of North America’s most outstanding and year-round accessible lodges in a wilderness setting.  With its century-old fireplaces and an oak bar salvaged from an 1890’s Yukon saloon, there is no shortage of history within these walls. Built of hand-hewn timber and featuring massive stone fireplaces, the lodge includes an elegant dining room, quiet reading and sitting rooms, conference facilities and a games room.

• Hotel website: Emerald Lake Lodge
• Review: read here my review of Emerald Lake Lodge.

9. RIMROCK RESORT, BANFF NP

The Rimrock Resort Hotel is a AAA/CAA Four Diamond Hotel located on Sulphur Mountain in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, a few minutes from the small city of Banff. The hotel offers exceptional views of the Canadian Rockies, fine dining, a relaxation spa and special accommodation packages to suit your vacation needs.  Whether a weekend away or a trip of a lifetime, the Rimrock Resort Hotel is a convenient base for a holiday in the Rockies, because it’s located steps from the Banff Upper Hot Springs and the Banff Gondola plus we in close proximity to some of Banff’s premier activities which include golfing, skiing, hiking, biking and popular sights and attractions.

• Hotel website: Rimrock Resort

8. FAIRMONT JASPER, JASPER NP

Situated in Alberta’s magnificent Jasper National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the iconic Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge resort invites you to experience one of Canada’s greatest lodges, surrounded by nature and abundant wildlife. The 700 acre year-round luxury mountain resort wraps around the shores of pristine Lac Beauvert and features Canada’s number one golf resort course. The resort’s charming village of cedar chalets and luxury signature cabins, all connected by picturesque paths, offer guests unique access to explore the natural environment surrounding the resort.

• Hotel website: Fairmont Jasper
• Tip: enjoy free VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, early check-in, late check-out, daily breakfast, and $100 USD resort credit).
• Review: coming soon.

7. LAKE O’HARA LODGE, YOHO NP

Can serene alpine beauty and outdoor mountain adventure sit side by side in the same place? Visitors to Lake O’Hara, the crown jewel of the Canadian Rockies, already know the answer: yes! And the magnificent area has a lakeside lodge at its center. With hot showers, claw foot bathtubs and thick goose down comforters to keep you warm and cozy in bed, the Lake O’Hara Lodge is the perfect place for relaxation after an amazing day of hiking or skiing. In addition, guests can enjoy  fine dining and an extensive British Columbia wine list, as well as a massive stone fireplace and postcard-quality views that can be found throughout the property.

• Hotel website: Lake O’Hara Lodge

6. FAIRMONT CHATEAU LAKE LOUISE, BANFF NP

Surrounded by soaring mountain peaks, the majestic Victoria Glacier and a glistening emerald lake, the world-famous Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise hotel is located in Alberta’s Banff National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is recognized globally for progressive environmental stewardship and responsible tourism. Originally built as a base for outdoor enthusiasts and alpinists over 100 years ago, the massive Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is a year-round luxury mountain resort offering guided mountain tours, world-class skiing in the winter, scenic hiking and canoe activities in the summer, kid’s camp, a luxury spa, and exceptional dining experiences.

• Hotel website: Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
• Tip: enjoy free VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, early check-in, late check-out, daily breakfast, and a souvenir personal portrait session with a professional photographer).

5. MOUNT ENGADINE LODGE, SPRAY VALLEY PP

Mount Engadine Lodge is a hidden getaway in the pristine Spray Valley Provincial Park, south of Banff. Named one of Canada’s “Top Ten Hidden Gems” by TripAdvisor, the lodge has recently undergone a full redesign, bringing the resort experience into the wild, beautiful settings of Canada. A specialized, full-service staff is engaged in making each guest’s experience a relaxing adventure. Meals are served ‘family style’, which is great for getting to know people. At a maximum capacity of 20 guests per night, the lodge maintains an atmosphere of a quiet retreat to indulge your need to disconnect and unwind.

• Hotel website: Mount Engadine Lodge
• Review: read here my review of Mount Engadine Lodge.

4. CATHEDRAL MOUNTAIN LODGE, YOHO NP

Tucked in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, just 15 minutes from Lake Louise, this architecturally stunning timber lodge is a collection of log cabins set among sheltering trees and soaring peaks. Here, guests wake up to the call of an alpine river, the scent of fresh pine, and the majesty of the surrounding mountains. The lodge features reclaimed Douglas-fir beams, large picture windows, and a massive rock fireplace that warms guests relaxing in the lounge and on the outdoor deck overlooking the Kicking Horse River. Guests are  also rewarded with fine regional cuisine and accompanying wines before retiring to their beautifully appointed cabins at the end of the day!

• Hotel website: Cathedral Mountain Lodge

3. THE FAIRMONT BANFF SPRINGS HOTEL, BANFF NP

The world-famous Fairmont Banff Springs hotel stands as a landmark in the picturesque alpine town of Banff, Alberta. Canada’s “Castle in the Rockies” has been providing legendary hospitality to its guests for more than 125 years. With 768 guest rooms and suites, this is a massive resort, but the superbly appointed accommodations and the attentive, personalized service guarantee an intimate experience. And you have a choice, from cozy rooms tucked away in quiet corners of the castle to spacious suites with sweeping Alberta mountain views. Don’t forget visit the Willow Stream Spa to sooth sore muscles in the mineral bath, the perfect end to an enchanting day.

• Hotel website: The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel
• Other accolades: The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel also features in my top 10 list of the most luxurious hotels in Canada.
• Tip: enjoy free VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, early check-in, late check-out, daily breakfast, authentically local welcome gift, and $50 USD spa credit).
• Review: read here my review of the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel.

2. POST HOTEL & SPA, BANFF NP

• Hotel website: Post Hotel
• Review: read here my review of the Post Hotel & Spa.

1. MORAINE LAKE LODGE, BANFF NP

Nestled in a breathtaking valley along the most spectacular lake in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, Moraine Lake Lodge provides the ultimate romantic getaway for those seeking a luxurious escape for a honeymoon, anniversary, hiking experience, or a relaxing vacation.  All cabins and rooms offer custom designed, hand-crafted log furniture and true Canadian Rocky Mountain comfort with luxurious down duvets, fine Woolrich blankets and pillows, plus beautifully appointed bathrooms with deep soaker tubs. In keeping with a mountain get-away experience, there are no telephones or televisions in any of the rooms.

• Hotel website: Moraine Lake Lodge
• Review: read here my review of Moraine Lake Lodge.

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The post Top 10: best hotels & lodges in the Canadian Rockies appeared first on the Luxury Travel Expert.

Today (February 16, 2015): Top 10 most luxurious hotels & lodges in Canada.

Canada is an enormous country (the world’s second largest), with no shortage of beautiful places. With spectacular waterfalls, glorious beaches, exceptional wildlife adventures, breathtaking train journeys, stunning scenery, amazing islands, and vibrant cities, it is no wonder that a holiday in Canada will often be a trip of a lifetime. Highlights include – amongst others – the dizzying mountains in the Rockies, the rugged coast of the West, the French culture in the East, the vast wilderness of the Yukon Territory, and cosmopolitan Toronto. It’s daunting to single out one destination in this vast country, let alone a hotel. With so many options from British Columbia to Quebec, I simplify your search with my top 10 of the best hotels, resorts & lodges in Canada, that will make your trip.

There is more information below the slide show. Think I missed one? Share your favorite Canadian hotel, resort or lodge in the comments section, or take my poll below!

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10. THE FAIRMONT BANFF SPRINGS HOTEL, ALBERTA

Located in the heart of Banff National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the world-famous Fairmont Banff Springs hotel stands as a landmark in the picturesque alpine town of Banff, Alberta. Canada’s “Castle in the Rockies” has been providing legendary hospitality to its guests for more than 125 years. With 768 guest rooms and suites, this is a massive resort, but the superbly appointed accommodations and the attentive, personalized service guarantee an intimate experience. And you have a choice, from cozy rooms tucked away in quiet corners of the castle to spacious suites with sweeping Alberta mountain views. Don’t forget visit the Willow Stream Spa to sooth sore muscles in the mineral bath, the perfect end to an enchanting day.

• Hotel website: The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel
• Other accolades: Fairmont Banff Springs also features in my top 10 list of the best hotels & lodges in the Canadian Rockies.
• Tip: enjoy free VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, early check-in, late check-out, daily breakfast, authentically local welcome gift, and $50 USD spa credit).
• Review: read here my review of the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel.

9. FOUR SEASONS RESORT WHISTLER, BRITISH COLUMBIA

The Four Seasons Resort Whistler is located in the heart of what is by far the largest ski resort in all of North America. The pedestrian village of Whistler has itself won numerous design awards and was the site of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. Beyond its famed slopes are the championship golf courses, hundreds of boutiques, museums and galleries and endless year-round happenings. The hotel’s 273 guest rooms are appointed richly in wood, each with their own gas fireplace. After the rigors of skiing, golf, or shopping, you can avail yourself of Four Seasons Resort Whistler’s many relaxation options, and inhale alpine air while you’re massaged with the clay from a nearby lake or survey the snow-capped peaks while soaking in the outdoor whirlpools.

• Hotel website: Four Seasons Resort Whistler
• Other top 10 accolades: The Four Seasons Resort Whistler also features in my top 10 list of the most luxurious ski hotels in the world.
• Tip: enjoy free VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast,  $100 USD spa credit).

8. LONG BEACH LODGE RESORT, VANCOUVER ISLAND, BRITISH COLUMBIA

With the wild Pacific surf before you, and lush rainforest behind, you’ll experience Canada’s untouched, rugged West Coast while savoring all the comforts of five-star luxury at Long Beach Lodge Resort. The Resort has 41 rooms and 20 cottages and is located on Cox Bay beach, just 7km south of Tofino in the heart of the Pacific Rim National Park. It’s mesmerizing to light a fire and cozy up under your duvet as the ocean offers its entertainment: bald eagles soar from treetop to treetop, ravens comb the beach, and harbor seals and whales surface while the churning Pacific pounds the beach. The chef’s innovative cuisine mirrors the unique character of the lodge, and you can enjoy fine dining while watching a magnificent sunset.

• Hotel website: Long Beach Lodge

7. FOX HARB’R GOLF RESORT & SPA, WALLACE, NOVA SCOTIA

The 106 room Fox Harb’r Golf Resort & Spa enjoys a spectacular location, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the rugged Northumberland shoreline of Nova Scotia. The vibrant colours of sea, sky, shore and fairways are complemented by the fresh and salty scent of the sea and the sounds of waves washing upon shoreline rocks. The Resort is famous for its incomparable round of Championship golf – an ideal blend of Scottish links and traditional parkland play, which seamlessly hugs the coast. Other activities such as port shooting, boating, hiking, tennis, and guilt-free lounging in a scenic environment will be an experience to remember. Dining in The Great Room is always a fantastic affair, while The Willard Room offers a more relaxed experience.

• Hotel website: Fox Harb’r Golf Resort & Spa

6. ROSEWOOD HOTEL GEORGIA, VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA

Following its grand debut in the roaring ‘20s, Hotel Georgia came to be known as a Vancouver legend for bringing unheard-of luxuries to the young city and Canada’s West Coast. After undergoing a full renovation and reopening in 2011 as Rosewood Hotel Georgia, the hotel has been returned to its former grandeur with the additional elegance of extensive amenities and the impeccable service of Rosewood, one of the world’s most exclusive hotel brands. With 156 rooms and suites embellished with stylish elegance equal to its landmark location, guests uncover an exclusive residential ambience. Featuring a palette of light blues, ivory and chocolate, guestroom décor is completed with sleek furnishings and spa-inspired bathrooms for ultimate luxury.

• Hotel website: Rosewood Hotel Georgia
• Other top 10 accolades: Rosewood Hotel Georgia also features in my top 10 list of the world’s most stunning indoor hotel pools.
• Tip: enjoy free VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast for 2, $100 USD hotel credit, early check-in and late check-out).

5. NIMMO BAY, GREAT BEAR RAINFOREST, BRITISH COLUMBIA

Remote coastal rainforests stretching as far as the eye can see, and a ring of snow-capped mountains meeting the shoreline of a wide, calm bay will be your first sight when arriving by helicopter  at the exclusive Nimmo Bay Resort. The main lodge actually floats on the bay, with two cedar hot tubs steaming away at the foot of a cascading waterfall. Nimmo Bay Resort offers plenty of adventure varying from heli-fishing and grizzly bear spotting in a quiet valley, to river rafting, whale watching, or heli-hiking atop some of those sparkling mountain peaks. At Nimmo Bay Resort, food is also a big part of the adventures, with fresh, local, coastal, homemade fare, such as fresh salmon and Dungeness crab.

• Hotel website: Nimmo Bay
• Other accolades: Nimmo Bay also features in my top 10 list of the world’s most remote luxury hotels.

4. TRUMP INTERNATIONAL HOTEL & TOWER, TORONTO, ONTARIO

Crowned by an articulated spire 900-feet above downtown Toronto’s financial and entertainment district, 261 luxurious accommodations, exclusive amenities and the signature Trump Attaché services unite along the city’s unmistakable skyline. Located on the south-east corner of Bay and Adelaide, Trump Toronto places guests moments from the city’s finest attractions including the CN Tower, Rogers Centre, Air Canada Centre, Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Toronto Stock Exchange. Rooms within the 65-story building are all immaculately designed in a contrasting colour palette inspired by champagne and caviar. Two levels of the opulent hotel are devoted to Toronto’s most luxurious spa and wellness facility.

• Hotel website: Trump International Hotel & Tower
• Tip: enjoy free VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast for 2, $100 USD hotel credit, early check-in and late check-out).

3. SONORA RESORT, DESOLATION SOUND, BRITISH COLUMBIA

This luxury wilderness resort is an absolute jewel amid one of Canada’s most alluring, pristine environments, being British Columbia’s stunning Desolation Sound, home to fascinating wildlife and some of the best salmon fishing in the world. Sonora Resort is where uncompromising eco adventure travel meets luxurious accommodations, unparalleled service and five-star facilities. Enjoy thrilling eco-tours along the coast, where you’ll get close-up views of grizzly bears, orcas, sea lions, and dolphins. You can take hikes through the towering old-growth firs and cedars of the coastal temperate rainforest. Or experience a mind-blowing helicopter ride to a glistening glacier where you can enjoy a private picnic prepared by the chef.

• Hotel website: Sonora Resort
• Other top 10 accolades: Sonora Resort also features in my top 10 list of the best wilderness lodges in the world.
• Tip: enjoy free VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and a complimentary eco tour for two).

2. THE FAIRMONT PACIFIC RIM, VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA

This downtown Vancouver hotel, the new flagship hotel of the Fairmont Hotel Group, combines the best of the Pacific Rim in its plan, décor, and culinary offerings. It is conveniently situated along the shore in a vibrant new waterfront area. Designed with five-star standards and amenities, the 377-room hotel features spacious guestrooms with lavish appointments, naturally inspired materials, comfortable furnishings and state-of-the-art technology. The higher floors enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Coal Harbour, Stanley Park and the North Shore Mountains. The hotel’s spectacular outdoor rooftop pool with private cabanas brings a little South Beach ambiance to the heart of downtown Vancouver.

• Hotel website: The Fairmont Pacific Rim
• Other top 10 accolades: The Fairmont Pacific Rim also features in my top 10 list of the world’s most luxurious city hotels.
• Tip: enjoy free VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD spa credit).
• Review: to read my review of the Fairmont Pacific Rim, click here.

1. CLAYOQUOT WILDERNESS RESORT, VANCOUVER ISLAND, BRITISH COLUMBIA

The Clayoquot Wilderness Resort, open from May to September, is an exotic paradox of indulgent luxury and remote, untamed wilderness in the Clayoquot Sound World Biosphere Reserve (within the Pacific Rim National Park). This unique 21st-century-safari-style enclave of great white canvas suite tents, dining, lounge, and spa tents, offers exquisite cuisine and breathtaking adventures, giving visitors a rare taste of how the fortunate spent their summers ‘roughing it’ some 100 years ago. Twenty guest and family suite tents showcase antique furnishings, opulent rugs, down duvets, remote-controlled propane powered woodstoves and luxurious amenities. Watch out for bears and whales.

• Hotel website: Clayoquot Wilderness Resort
• Other top 10 accolades: Clayoquot Wilderness Resort also features in my top 10 lists of the best wilderness lodges in the world and the world’s best family hotels.

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