ACROSS THE NORTH
A remote island inn, a waterfront manor and a clifftop spa are among our favourite retreats for a convivial Canadian sojourn
Welcoming Canadian destinations, from coast to coast, and from lake shore to mountain peak
Best for… untouched nature FOGO ISLAND INN, NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR
You might not expect to find a luxury hotel on a remote island off the north-eastern coast of Canada, but a stay at the Fogo Island Inn is certainly worth the journey. This shoreside property is run as a social enterprise whose profits are reinvested into preserving the local culture through architecture projects and geologist residencies. After exploring the landscape, warm up in one of the rooftop hot tubs as you watch icebergs float through the wild Atlantic waters. Fogo Island Inn, from about £1,510 a room a night (www.fogoislandinn.ca).
Best for… historic interiors ROSEWOOD HOTEL GEORGIA, VANCOUVER
Originally built in 1927 in the heart of Vancouver, the Rosewood Hotel Georgia has since welcomed a roll-call of illustrious guests including Marlene Dietrich, Laurence Olivier and Katharine Hepburn. The bedrooms have recently been refurbished to suit a modern clientele, while maintaining an air of Golden Age glamour with elegant interiors in a palette of light blue and ivory. Step back into the Roaring Twenties at the hotel’s bar, Prohibition, with its expertly mixed cocktails and regular live music, and sample classic local dishes such as crab and prawn toast and beef brisket at the Hawksworth Restaurant. Rosewood Hotel Georgia, from about £245 a room a night (www.rosewoodhotels.com).
Best for… spectacular views MANOIR HOVEY, QUÉBEC
The legendary Canadian retreat of Manoir Hovey nestles between acres of unspoilt birch forest and the shoreline of Lake Massawippi near North Hatley, one of Québec’s prettiest villages. Each of the hotel’s 37 guest-rooms looks out over glassy water and flower-filled gardens, and many have French doors that open onto private balconies. The manor was built at the turn of the century and modelled on George Washington’s Mount Vernon property; today, it is home to a superb restaurant where you can enjoy delicious dinners complemented by a 900-strong wine list and an exceptional selection of Québec’s finest cheeses. Manoir Hovey, from about £125 a room a night (www.manoirhovey.com).
Best for… relaxation and wellness FOUR SEASONS TORONTO, ONTARIO
After a busy day of shopping in Toronto’s fashionable Yorkville district – home to the famous ‘Mink Mile’ of high-end boutiques, galleries and restaurants – there is no better place to lay your head than at the Four Seasons. As well as showcasing some 1,700 pieces of Canadian art, the hotel has a soothing spa where treatments range from classic aromatherapy massages to readings from the in-house psychic. Book one of the spacious suites, with their vaulted ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows and luxurious kingsize beds, for guaranteed rest and rejuvenation. Four Seasons Toronto, from about £470 a room a night (www.fourseasons.com).
Best for… active adventures FAIRMONT BANFF SPRINGS, ALBERTA
Dramatically perched on a mountain in Alberta’s Banff National Park, the Fairmont Banff Springs is the ultimate base from which to explore the magnificent Canadian Rockies. The indoor facilities are superb, ranging from a kids’ club to an immaculate spa, but more intrepid guests will delight in a wide range of exhilarating pursuits, such as hiking, canoeing and kayaking, cross-country skiing, skating and dog-sledding. Roam around the great outdoors, before returning to the hotel to make the most of its nine dining options, including hearty Canadian cuisine at the 1888 Chop House, which specialises in locally sourced beef, game and seafood. Fairmont Banff Springs, from about £255 a room a night (www.fairmont.com).