As an American, I never understood our disdain of Canada. For many of my friends, Canada is not “exotic” enough for them to visit.
“It’s too cold” or “it’s too much like the U.S.”
Ironically, many of them that have said that have never set foot in Canada.
But I for one think Canada is one of the most beautiful places in the world. I love the natural beauty of the wilderness and I think the cities are fun and exciting.
And I must say, the people are a lot nicer and friendly in general.
Last summer I decided to go to Quebec City for my birthday. The reason? I saw a picture of the Fairmont Chateau Frontenac on Facebook and basically fell in love with it.
And I just had to go see it. I learned a lot about the hotel and it’s even more beautiful in person. I became hooked when I learned the Chateau Frontenac is not the only one of its kind in Canada.
…in fact there is a series of beautiful castle/chateau like hotels across Canada that will take your breath away.
That’s why visiting all of Canada’s Grand Railway Hotels is on my bucket list.
What are the Canadian Grand Railway Hotels?
Canada’s Grand Railway Hotels are a series of 5 star hotels across the country. Each one of them is a local landmark and cultural icon.
In fact, they are often Canadian National Hotels!
Each hotel was originally built by the Canadian railway companies, including:
- Canadian Pacific Railway
- Canadian National Railway
- Grand Trunk Railway
The hotels were designed to serve the wealthy passengers of the country’s then expanding rail network.
Obviously, the railway business was extremely competitive. So the hotels would basically try to one up each other by building the biggest fanciest hotels possible.
Many of the railway hotels were built in the “chateau style”. The use of towers, turrets, and other Scottish baronial and French Chateau elements influenced the hotels’ designs.
Here are the Grand Railway Hotels that are still in operation:
- Fairmont Empress Hotel in Victoria, British Columbia
- The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver in Vancouver, British Columbia
- Fairmont Banff Springs in Banff, Alberta
- The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise in Lake Louse, Alberta
- Fairmont Palliser Hotel in Calgary, Alberta
- Delta Bessborough in Downtown Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
- Fort Garry Hotel in Winnipeg, Manitoba
- Fairmont Chateau Laurier in Ottawa, Ontario
- The Fairmont Royal York in Toronto, Ontario
- Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac in Quebec City, Quebec
- Lord Nelson Hotel in Halifax, Nova Scotia
As someone who was traveled all over the world, I think these are some of the most beautiful hotels in the world.
Here’s why you should visit Canada’s Grand Railway Hotels
1. The hotels are grand…
The hotels are BIG….like really big!
If you have ever been to the Gaylord hotels in the U.S., you know what I’m talking about. The first Gaylord hotel that I ever visited was at Gaylord Palms in Orlando.
I thought it was the most amazing thing ever. It kind of reminded me of Vegas. The hotel and convention center complex as huge and there were so many restaurants and shops within the compound.
And all of the Gaylord hotels have the signature indoor atrium.
But even Gaylord doesn’t compare to the rich history and the views of the Grand Railway Hotels.
The views within and outside of the hotels are out of this world. You really do have to experience it for yourself as I’m certainly not doing a good job selling the hotels with my crappy writing!
When you first walk into these hotels it’s incredible. Every design element is incredible. You are usually greeted by a grand staircase that leads to a lounge.
And if you spend time walking around the Grand Railway Hotels you will no doubt get lost (which is part of the fun)!
One of the things I love to do is walk around in their ballrooms. Each one is so unique and beautiful.
2. The hotels are historic
The Grand Railway Hotels are very historic. Many of the hotels have served the royal family of England over the years. In fact, Price Harry and Megan Markle even honeymooned in Banff (according to the tabloids)!
And the Fairmont Chateau Frontenac once served FDR!
Yep, in 1944, Château Frontenac became the action center of the Quebec Conferences of World War II, in which President Franklin D. Roosevelt, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and Canadian Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King participated.
If you want to be part of history, check these hotels right away!
3. Vacation spots
The great thing about the Grand Railway Hotels is that they’re located in great vacation destinations. The railway companies didn’t just build their hotels out in the middle of nowhere!
Some of the great locations you can visit the hotels include:
- Banff – where you can check out the famous Canadian Rockies Mountains. Trust me, it’s more beautiful than you can possibly imagine.
- Quebec City – ahh French Canada. Need I say more? 🙂
- Toronto – Canada’s largest city and its cultural hub.
- Vancouver and Victoria – the beautiful west coast of Canada.
4. Great lounges
Okay, I admit it. I’m a big lounge guy. I just like going to lounges and getting a cocktail and maybe even people watch.
One thing I love about the Grand Railway Hotels is they all have great lounges with awesome cocktails. My favorite has to be the Ramsay Lounge in the Banff Springs Hotel.
There’s nothing better than sipping on a cocktail or beer while watching the sun set on the Rockies! Plus, the lounges make for great date spots!
Staying at the Grand Railway Hotels
The Grand Railway Hotels are luxury hotels. So don’t be surprised at the price tags. In general, expect to pay around $300 – $600 per night to stay at one of these luxury digs.
In general, the summer is the most expensive to book a room.
If you’re interested in booking a room, I would always book direct with Fairmont because they offer the best price and often provide discounts if you stay multiple nights.
They have been known to even give out resort/restaurant credits and free nights on some occasions!
But you don’t have to spend big money and stay at these hotels to experience their magic. Book a trip soon and see why these are some of the best hotels across Canada (and possibly the world).