13 Must-Stay Boutique Hotels Across Canada

From Bing Crosby to Elvis Presley to Sir Laurence Olivier, this historic downtown Vancouver hotel, which opened in 1927, has seen its fair share of famous faces. But the grand old dame underwent a renovation in 2011. Today, it’s a deco-infused dandy featuring rooms and a lobby outfitted in elegant cafe au lait browns and honey and vanilla tones.

Hello glamour-puss! Enjoy a gimlet and live music in this turquoise-toned stunner of a bar in Vancouver’s Yaletown. Rooms, naturally, are equally as chic and colourful.

Unbeatable panoramic ocean views are the star attraction at this stalwart retreat set along Chesterman Beach. Each of the 75 rooms not only offer views, but a fireplace, soaker tub and balcony. And there’s more: a beach-level cafe, a spa, a fitness centre, a library as well as paths to dawdle down to soak in the sights.

This sublime spot in Eastern Canada has received accolades from international and domestic press alike. The architecturally striking structure offers 29 guest suites, such as the one pictured here. Unfussy and stunning in its ability to let nature be the star, a stay here is a bucket-list experience.

From the ceiling flourishes to the stately four-poster bed, this genteel room is aptly named the Duchess of Cornwall suite. Situated in the heart of St. John’s historic downtown, the luxury property was the preferred hotel for the official 2009 Royal Visit.

Oui! The romantic flavour of this contemporary, metropolitan hotel allows you to go snug or live large – there are 30 rooms in total that range from 350 to 1,020 square feet. All of them are kitted out with urbane comfort and design in mind (read: exposed brick, ergonomic chairs, high ceilings and large windows).

Located in Quebec’s nature-rich Charlevoix region, this expansive $300-million 145-room resort (with a ski-skate-spa-eat ethos) is made up of five pavilions inspired by old-world farm buildings, centred on an outdoor courtyard. This room in the Le Clos building has a cool and contemporary cottagey vibe.

The wallpaper resembles exuberant doodles and the platform beds are modern and streamlined, making for a stylish stay. This 67-room hotel also has views of the river. On another note, one Yelp reviewer was totally impressed that “the standard wine fridge is stocked with juice, water and cliff bars – all complimentary.”

This stellar 59-room luxury hotel is poised near the scenic Meewasin River Valley and features a lobby made for lingering. The space doubles as the lobby bar at night, and drinks by the fireplace are very relaxing. Teeming with natural elements, the lobby includes an onyx fireplace, limestone flooring and walnut wood flourishes.

It’s tres trendy for Torontonians to zip to Prince Edward County for a weekend chill. This hipster hotel makes the stay memorable. Rooms, which offer beatific lake views, come in various shapes and sizes and are outfitted with an idiosyncratic assemblage of custom furniture and millwork that are mixed in with antiques, vintage pieces as well as original artwork.

A round bed might sound gauche and vaguely Vegas, but not so in this fun, gorgeous bedroom. The pillows, which resemble giant cushy rocks and the articulating grasshopper-like pendants, are striking, quirky touches.

Tranquil and tasteful, the light-filled rooms in this 80-unit hotel ensure a lovely stay. Guest rooms feature clean lines, rich hardwood flooring, spa-inspired bathrooms, luxurious bedding and incredible views of Charlottetown and its harbour. To really de-stress, drop into the hotel’s 6,000-square-foot Aveda spa.

Located in the heart of Edmonton’s Old Strathcona district, this hotel boasts a texturally-rich lobby that’s dynamic eye candy for the design connoisseur. Guest rooms are every bit as welcoming: floor-to-ceiling windows offer beautiful views of the historic neighbourhood. And each room displays unique art pieces from Asia that add a global earthiness to the design.