Fairmont Le Château Frontenac

1 Rue des Carrieres
Quebec, Quebec, Canada

TEL: (418) 692-3861
TEL: (866) 540-4460

Email: chateaufrontenac@fairmont.com

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Recently renovated 1893 landmark hotel set above the St. Lawrence River within the walls of Old Quebec. Aristocrat-worthy furnishings, such as carved headboards and antique tapestries, make up for the minuscule size of some rooms.

Room to Book:

Ask for one with a view of the St. Lawrence River.

Insider Tip:

Hurtle down the icy toboggan run at Terrasse Dufferin, next to the hotel.

Auberge Saint-Antoine

8 Saint-Antoine St.
Quebec, Quebec, Canada

TEL: (888) 692-2211
TEL: (418) 692-2211

Email: info@saint-antoine.com

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The stately 19th-century façade of the St.-Antoine doesn't give away what’s behind it: a modern boutique hotel, complete with sharply dressed concierges and an up-tempo lobby soundtrack. But the history of the former maritime warehouse is inscribed in its walls. Shards of blue delft and ancient vial stoppers—all uncovered during the renovation—are displayed in vitrines throughout the lobby. In brisk weather, blazes roar in the lounge’s sleek stone fireplaces. In front of them, children play backgammon while their art director parents relax on pillow-strewn sofas, drinking wine. Past-present juxtapositions continue in the rooms and suites, furnished with a mix of European antiques and contemporary pieces; the bathrooms have huge soaking tubs. The rustic-chic restaurant, Panache, in a barnlike room with hand-hewn beams, stands out for its simple Québécois interpretations of seasonal foods: tender venison rib or hare with yellow beets cooked en cocotte.

Room to Book:

Luxe with Terrace rooms, for the best nighttime views of the old walled city.

Insider Tip:

The bartender in the lobby puts a local spin on traditional drinks. Apple mojito, anyone?

Park Hyatt Toronto

4 Avenue Rd.
Toronto, Ontario, Canada

TEL: (416) 925-1234
TEL: (877) 875-4658

Email: reservationstorph@hyatt.com

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In Yorkville--the epicenter of activity during the Toronto Film Festival--across from the Royal Ontario Museum.

Four Seasons Resort, Whistler

4591 Blackcomb Way
Whistler, British Columbia, Canada

TEL: 604 935-3400

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The Four Seasons’ first Canadian ski resort hugs the base of Blackcomb Mountain, a short walk to the Whistler-Blackcomb lifts and the shops and restaurants of the quaint Whistler village. The 273 spacious and warm rooms are done up in ochre red, earthy green, and golden brown, and have cherrywood doors, roaring fireplaces, and trim, private balconies. Après-ski here means having the concierge arrange a dogsled ride through the forest to an alfresco dinner for two, served under a heated canopy. Or simply lounge in one of the outdoor hot tubs until the staff brings around shots of hot chocolate (or frozen blueberries on a skewer, depending on the season). During the winter months, don’t miss the thrice-weekly “fireside chats” in the library, when local ski instructors dispense insider tips.

Room to Book:

The standard Superiors are actually the same size as Deluxes, the next step up.

Insider Tip:

Earn bragging rights by golfing the 19th Hole from 8,000 feet—golfers are helicoptered to the top of Mt. Currie where they can tee off with the guaranteed longest drive.

Fairmont Chateau Whistler

4599 Chateau Blvd.
Whistler, British Columbia, Canada

TEL: (604) 938-8000
TEL: (800) 441-1414

Email: chateauwhistlerresort@fairmont.com

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Ski-in, ski-out resort in the quiet upper village, with a Robert Trent Jones II–designed golf course.

Room to Book:

Room 1140, a Deluxe Slopeside, has views that rival those of the Penthouse just above.

Insider Tip:

On Friday night, The Mallard Lounge is the apres place to be, with $5 cocktails and live entertainment.

Fairmont Empress

721 Government St.
Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

TEL: (250) 384-8111
TEL: (800) 441-1414

Email: theempress@fairmont.com

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Ivy-covered, British-inspired 1908 hotel (don't miss the traditional afternoon tea with scones and finger sandwiches) facing the Inner Harbour; one of Victoria's best addresses.

Room to Book:

Request one of 26 City-view Fairmonts throughout the hotel.

Insider Tip:

The Tea Lobby, which overlooks the Inner Harbour, was recently renovated.

Wickaninnish Inn

500 Osprey Ln.
Tofino, British Columbia, Canada

TEL: 250 725-3100
TEL: (800) 333-4604

Email: info@wickinn.com

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The Wickaninnish Inn, set on a remote, pine forest–ringed promontory, is best enjoyed during fierce weather—the more ferocious, the better. In the 75 rooms, duvet-covered beds and deep soaking tubs sit beside floor-to-ceiling windows that look out on the churning ocean and rain-lashed coast. Don a slicker for a walk on Chesterman Beach, or snuggle up next to your fireplace with a Pacific Northwest Pinot Noir and the binoculars that are provided in each room.

Room to Book:

Rooms on the top floors of the Point or Beach buildings, for panoramic views.

Insider Tip:

Follow trails through the temperate rain forest of Pacific Rim National Park—or just join the Saturday morning nature walk right at the hotel.