Best Fairmont Hotels in Canada: Iconic Luxury Resorts

Last updated: September 11, 2025

From castle turrets in the mountains to hilltop chateaus overlooking historic streets to sleek waterfront hotels, find world-class service in Canada’s most awe-inspiring destinations.

Fairmont hotels are highly regarded across the world, from Asia to the Middle East to Europe to North America. And, whether the Savoy in London, England, or the Banff Springs Hotel in Alberta, Canada, they are known for taking the essence of a place and preserving it in a way few others do.

So, it's no surprise that Fairmont hotels in Canada are among the best in the country, and it's no secret that they're some of our personal favorites.

We include Fairmont stays in many of our custom itineraries, and our guests continuously praise them upon return.

...The trip continued on a high as the Fairmont Hotel accommodations and daily excursions made for a unique and memorable vacation as we experienced Jasper, Lake Louise and Banff for the first time in all their winter glory. -Doug M

So if you're looking for a trip into the golden age of travel, you'll find it well-preserved by our selected properties. That means royal-blue carpets embossed with golden crests (in Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise), sailboat harbor views (from the Fairmont Empress) and sweeping marble staircases (in Fairmont Banff Springs).

Where to Stay

The best Fairmont hotels in Canada depend on where in the country you are. While our itineraries connect our favorites, here is a look at each in a little more detail, and what might draw you there.

Credit: Fairmont Hotels & Resorts

Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel

Banff Springs might be our favorite Fairmont hotel in Canada.

The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel was the first luxury hotel in the Canadian Rockies — one of the best places to visit in Canada — and remains one of its finest. Built in 1888 by the Canadian Pacific Railway, it served as a draw for travelers nationwide exploring Canada's West by newly built rail.

Now, the Banff Springs Hotel continues to offer the same grand allure.

Winding stone hallways are interspersed with opulent lounges fit with velvet couches — fitting for the Castle in the Mountains — and there are 12 year-round restaurants, pubs, and bars on site. This is all paired with spectacular mountain views of Banff National Park from (almost) every window.

The Banff Springs Hotel is a staple of our Canadian Rockies packages year-round, meaning whether you're looking for a classic summer vacation or a cozy Christmas in the Castle, we'd be happy to arrange your stay.

Credit: Fairmont Hotels & Resorts

Fairmont Pacific Rim | Vancouver

One of our few contemporary Fairmont hotels, the Pacific Rim overlooks Vancouver Harbour. It is gloriously modern, with sleek fixtures, floor-to-ceiling windows, and an award-winning spa highlighting its luxury.

The Pacific Rim is just steps from the beginning of the Vancouver Seawall, an uninterrupted 28km (17-mile) waterfront pathway surrounding the city and Stanley Park. That means it's the perfect place to spend a night before or after a walk, bike ride, or horse-drawn carriage ride around Stanley Park.

Credit: Fairmont Hotels & Resorts

Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac | Quebec City

Le Chateau Frontenac defines Quebec City's skyline.

It is often named as the 'most photographed hotel in the world' and for good reason. The Grand Railway Hotel is on the edge of Old Quebec — a UNESCO World Heritage site — is a National Historic Site in its own right, and completes the city's historic European charm with style and a sense of grandeur.

In summer, Dufferin Terrace, which runs alongside the hotel, is perfect for a warm evening promenade. In winter, the 100-year-old toboggan slide opens, with views of the snow-dusted Chateau and quaint stone buildings. From the hotel's hilltop location, enjoy sweeping views of the St. Lawrence and Old Quebec below.

Credit: Fairmont Hotels & Resorts

Fairmont Chateau Whistler | Whistler

The Chateau Whistler is the two-MICHELIN-Key-winning epitome of a luxury ski lodge. In winter, it's a ski-in/ski-out home base for exploring the slopes. And in summer, it's just as glorious. Its idyllic location on the very edge of Blackcomb Mountain means mountain views are a given.

From the hotel, you'll have easy access to the Blackcomb gondola to the summit, and the PEAK-2-PEAK gondola between there and Whistler Mountain.

Or, head there in December for a White Christmas at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler. For more details, look to the end of this post, or contact a Travel Designer.

Credit: Anthony Maw on Unsplash

Fairmont Hotel Vancouver | Vancouver

Hotel Vancouver is Fairmont's 'Castle in the City,' making it a wonderful urban pairing with the Banff Springs Hotel. Built in a similar French Renaissance château style, it is a historic retreat in the very heart of the urban.

We often recommend this property to travelers looking for a trip into the golden-age of travel. It matches the atmosphere of Rocky Mountaineer, the world-famous luxury train to the Rockies, perfectly, and so makes for an excellent choice the night before your early-morning journey begins.

Credit: Fairmont Hotels & Resorts

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise | Lake Louise

Chateau Lake Louise is the only hotel overlooking Lake Louise and is our choice of accommodations because of it. Staying here gives you access to quiet mornings and late evenings at the lake, meaning less day-visitor bustle and a much more intimate experience of the popular destination. In addition, you get the signature Fairmont hospitality while you stay.

While here, we recommend the traditional Afternoon Tea served in the Lakeview Lounge. You'll feast while overlooking the water from dramatic arched picture windows.

Or, enjoy the BASIN Glacial Waters Spa, new for 2025. The indoor-outdoor thermal bathing space has uninterrupted views of Lake Louise and is fitted with sleek and intentional interior design for a complete wellness experience.

Credit: Fairmont Hotels & Resorts

Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge | Jasper

This is the place for endless summer memories and the feeling of childhood joy. It's akin to an upscale summer camp, with luxury cabins and chalets lining the Bow River, and speckling the hill. The experience is completed with an 18-hole Golf Course on site, giving you a number of ways to enjoy the property before you even leave to explore Jasper National Park.

And in winter, relaxing by the fireplace in your own log cabin completes the festive season. As Bow Valley fills with snow, retreat to the warmth of your cabin to enjoy in-room hot chocolate and your very own Christmas tree.

Credit: Fairmont Hotels & Resorts

Fairmont Waterfront | Vancouver

Fairmont Waterfront has harbor views, a mountain backdrop, and a rooftop garden complete with fresh greens and beehives. As a result, it combines Vancouver's best aspects — an ocean-front city with a world-class food scene and nature on the doorstep — in one glorious spot.

Related Post: Top 27 Things to Do in Vancouver

This is situated in one of the best places in the city for a hotel, and is just a block away from the Pacific Rim, Fairmont's other contemporary Vancouver property. The Waterfront is marginally closer to the historic Gastown neighborhood, making it slightly better for those looking to wander its cobblestone streets.

Credit: Fairmont Hotels & Resorts

Fairmont Empress Hotel | Victoria

In Victoria, neat lawns are lined with flowerbeds, charming streets lined with brick shopfronts, and teahouses welcome passers-by.

In the center of it all, the Empress Hotel represents the best of Victoria.

Old British charm defines the property. The lobby features white columns, large fireplaces, and rich purple accents. Rooms are similarly classical, with jewel-toned throw pillows and thick, plush beds.

Overlooking the Inner Harbor's sailboats — and with a simply exceptional Afternoon Tea within — this is the epitome of a trip back to travel's golden days.

Credit: Fairmont Hotels & Resorts

Fairmont Royal York | Toronto

The Royal York has 1,048 rooms across 28 floors. Even among Toronto's towering skyline, its grandeur cannot be overstated.

The hotel pays homage to its 1920s origins with sumptuous art deco flourishes, and preserves the era's charm with ease. It faces the Union Station, where the magnificent train across Canada journey begins, and is just blocks from the CN Tower, meaning city icons are around every turn.

Credit: Fairmont Hotels & Resorts

Fairmont Palliser | Calgary

The Palliser has been operating for over 100 years, and is just as grand as you would expect from that. At the same time, the hotel blends its heritage with Calgary's metropolitan modernity.

The hotel's lobby features dark wood, marble columns, and dramatic chandeliers. And its rooms are contemporary and refined, letting you relax in comfort.

We recommend this property before or after a journey through the Canadian Rockies, letting you fully unwind before traveling onwards to your final destination.

Credit: Fairmont Hotels & Resorts

Fairmont Chateau Laurier | Ottawa

Chateau Laurier is a castle in the heart of the nation's capital.

Photos don't do this hotel justice. Overlooking the Rideau Canal, Parliament Hill and the Ottawa River, and just two blocks from the historic ByWard Market District, you are entirely surrounded by Canada's heritage.

Credit: Fairmont Hotels & Resorts

Fairmont Queen Elizabeth | Montreal

The Queen Elizabeth is stylish and contemporary, much like Montreal itself. Built in 1958, its art-deco-inspired design feels like an homage to its long and iconic history, including the legendary John Lennon and Yoko Ono Suite, where they held their 1969 "Bed-in for Peace.”

Recently having undergone a one-year closure for renovations, the property is designed with intention and entirely updated, meaning there has never been a better time to visit.

Credit: Fairmont Hotels & Resorts

Why Stay in a Fairmont Property?

If historic buildings in the very best locations aren't enough to convince you, then world-class service and dedication to luxury will be. Time and time and time again, our guests return home raving about these properties and cement the reason we continue to recommend them.

When to Stay

These hotels are wonderful year-round, so the best time to stay depends on what you're looking to experience.

Fairmont Hotels in Summer

In summer, the mountain properties offer access to incredible destinations. Canoes on the doorstep of Chateau Lake Louise, hot springs neighboring Banff Springs Hotel, and the Bow River flowing right by Jasper Park Lodge.

Credit: Fairmont Hotels & Resorts

Fairmont Hotels in Winter

Fairmont hotels in winter are something spectacular. Stylishly decorated Christmas trees are centerpieces in their grand lobbies, and indulgent buffets may greet you on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, or both.

In Banff, stay in a mountain-side castle nestled between snowy pine forest. At Lake Louise, stay on the tip of the lake, skate its frozen surface, and enjoy horse-drawn sleigh rides around its edge. In Old Quebec, wander traditional Christmas markets and slide the century-old toboggan just steps from the hotel.

Fairmont Vacation Packages

If you're looking for a Canada vacation staying in Fairmonts, we offer packages across Canada, allowing you to do so. Many of our vacations are designed with these properties in mind and allow you to stay almost entirely in these iconic destinations.

However, we tailor each journey to its traveler. We offer a variety of signature hotels that your Travel Designer will match you with, ensuring that everything is right for you.

If you're looking to stay in Fairmonts, be aware that you will be traveling in our Deluxe or Deluxe-Plus Grades. Each Grade may feature different properties, room categories, and rates. Always confirm any specific requests with your Travel Designer before booking.

Credit: Rocky Mountaineer

Classic Rocky Mountain Rail Circle Tour | Rocky Mountaineer

Combining all three stand-out properties in the Canadian Rockies, this itinerary links them together with world-class tours, and both starts and ends with a journey onboard the globally-renowned Rocky Mountaineer.

Featured Fairmont Hotels:

Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
Fairmont Banff Springs

Credit: Destination BC / Reuben Krabbe

Discover Victoria with Floatplane

This short adventure can be an addition to a longer Canada vacation, a pre- or post-cruise jaunt, or a small adventure by itself.

Take off from Vancouver in a floatplane for an exceptionally beautiful 35-minute flight over the Gulf Islands. Touch down in Victoria's quaint Inner Harbour, and explore Canada's charming 'City of Gardens.'

Continue further and add Whistler to your adventure.

Featured Fairmont Hotels:

Fairmont Empress Hotel
Optional: Fairmont Chateau Whistler

Credit: VIA Rail

Grand Canadian Train Tour | Vancouver to Halifax

From one side of the country to the other, you will find grand railway hotels preserving the recently-passed era where luxury rail dominated travel.

On this tour, step back in time and enjoy the slow route. Take Rocky Mountaineer from Vancouver to the Canadian Rockies, tour through the mountains, and the VIA Rail Canadian and Ocean trains onward across Canada.

Featured Fairmont Hotels:

Fairmont Banff Springs
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
Fairmont Royal York Hotel
Fairmont Queen Elizabeth

Credit: Canadian Tourism Commission

Eastern Canada Train Tour of the Capital Cities

See Ontario and Quebec's historic cities, staying in century-old luxury as you go.

Enjoy the trip into Canada's heritage with rail travel connecting your stops, and cobblestone streets, stone buildings, and tradition meeting you when you arrive.

Featured Fairmont Hotels:

Fairmont Chateau Laurier
Fairmont Queen Elizabeth
Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac

Credit: VIA Rail

Luxury Winter Train Tour to the Canadian Rockies

Visiting the Canadian Rockies in winter is — to use the cliche — a real winter wonderland. Their snow-capped mountains and frozen-over lakes are enchanting, and their castles, chateaus, and cabins take on a new kind of magic.

Featured Fairmont Hotels:

Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
Fairmont Banff Springs

Credit: Destination Canada

Winter Splendors | Montreal & Quebec City by Rail

17th and 18th-century buildings are dusted with snow, and cobblestone streets are strung with lights. Travel between cities by rail to see the heart of French Canada, and experience historic European winter charm far closer to home.

Featured Fairmont Hotels:

Fairmont Queen Elizabeth
Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac
Optional: Fairmont Royal York

Credit: Travel Alberta

White Christmas at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler

Enjoy slopes covered with powder, a classical alpine ski village, and signature Fairmont luxuries in one festive trip to Whistler. While there, enjoy exciting activities such as snowmobiling, dog sledding, and snowshoeing. Or, opt for an indulgent holiday season featuring mountain-top fondue and a dining tour through the village.

Featured Fairmont Hotels:

*Fairmont Chateau Whistler

Credit: Fairmont Hotels & Resorts

Christmas in Banff at the Castle | Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel

Spend Christmas Day in a grand mountain-side castle.

Tour Banff National Park and Lake Louise at their most magical during the day, and unwind with sumptuous feasts, fireside drinks, and festive cheer.

And, add a night (or two) in Vancouver to experience one of the three stunning properties in the heart of the city. Our Travel Designers recommend the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, the 'Castle in the City.'

Featured Fairmont Hotels:

Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel
Optional: Fairmont Hotel Vancouver

Credit: Canada By Design

Book Today with Canada By Design

Whether you're looking for specific hotels, customized itineraries, or a unique experience you've dreamed of for years, at Canada By Design we're determined to make it happen.

Designing each trip around its traveler, we bring you to the Canada you're looking for.

Reach out to a Travel Designer to begin planning your vacation. Or, subscribe to our newsletter to stay in-the-know, receiving inspiration and featured offers all the while. We'll be in touch soon.

FAQs

What is the best Fairmont in Canada?

The best Fairmont property in Canada depends on what you are looking for.

The most famous is either Banff Springs Hotel in the Canadian Rockies, or Le Chateau Frontenac in Quebec City. The most luxurious is often said to be the Pacific Rim or the Waterfront in Vancouver.

Reach out to a Travel Designer and they will help pair you with the best property for you.

Is Fairmont Banff Springs worth it?

The Banff Springs Hotel is absolutely worth staying at when you are in the Canadian Rockies. Not only was it pivotal to the foundation of the National Park, it takes your trip there to new heights, with an ideal location between Sulphur Mountain and downtown Banff, and luxury amenities to unwind in.

Which is better, Chateau Lake Louise or Banff Springs?

The best hotel for you depends on the reason for your trip. If you're looking for lakefront views, we would recommend the Chateau Lake Louise. However, if you want to be close to amenities, or to stay in a larger resort, the Banff Springs will likely suit you more.

Check with a Travel Designer when booking to see which property would be best for your Canada vacation.

When is the best time to stay?

The best dates to stay in a Fairmont are either in mid-summer or at Christmas.

If you're looking for a summer trip to Canada, we recommend July or August, when weather is at its best and wildlife is most active.

However, we would also highly recommend a Christmas vacation, so much so that we have designed multiple itineraries for it. During the holidays, each of our curated Fairmont hotels come alive with festive magic, with towering Christmas trees in castle corners, indulgent buffets loaded onto log cabin tables, and snowy mountains right outside every window.

Best Fairmont Hotels in Canada: Luxury Resorts in Iconic Locations