In Canada’s 2025 MICHELIN Keys, the second annual reveal of hotel honors in the country, dozens of hotels retain their distinctions, while five new hotels join Inspectors’ picks for the very best hotels in Canada.
With one exception, Fairmont’s string of historic grand railway hotels dominates the list of new additions. Built by Canadian transportation companies or along major travel routes, they date to around the early 20th-century and feature an instantly recognizable, châteauesque style deeply associated with Canadian architecture.
An impressive representation of geographies across the country, to visit them all would be to undertake a tour of some of the best of the country's travel offers.
Fairmont Hotel MacDonald
What it's all about: A castle stay in downtown Edmonton.
Among the string of storybook castles that dot Canada’s historic railway trail, the Fairmont Hotel MacDonald stands out as the epitome of class — especially after a 2024 renovation that polished historic accents while updating guestrooms and spacious suites. When not luxuriating at the indoor saltwater pool or playing squash on the full-size court, indulge in the famous Sunday brunch or nibble from a multitiered tray of snacks during afternoon tea — a renowned and elegant affair.
The public spaces are particularly handsome, thanks to giant arched windows through which sunlight filters through stained glass, framing panoramic views of the North Saskatchewan River. The hotel’s prime location in downtown Edmonton offers easy access to the city’s vibrant atmosphere — art galleries, theaters and landmarks, including City Hall and Churchill Square, are a short walk away.
Fairmont Le Château Frontenac
What it's all about: Quebec City's most historic, and most iconic, stay.
Towering over Quebec’s winding streets and the St. Lawrence River, Fairmont Le Château Frontenac is a grand castle and Canadian icon. Within an 18-story Scottish brick exterior topped with a green copper roof and soaring spires are 610 elegant guestrooms — originally built to accommodate passengers traveling the Canadian Pacific Railway lines.
Tiered chandeliers hang from coffered ceilings. Arched doorways lead to elegant restaurants and bars, as well as an art gallery, cozy lounge spaces and a lavish lobby. Room and suite design leans toward contemporary — clean lines and light colors make way for impressive river or old city views, while a glass-enclosed indoor pool and whirlpool offer swims even in the dead of Canadian winter.
One more perk: in winter, guests at Fairmont Le Château Frontenac are invited to a three-course gourmet meal at the nearby Ice Hotel.
Fairmont Château Laurier Gold Experience
What it's all about: The hotel-within-the-hotel in Ottawa's grand dame.
There is a stay in the Fairmont Château Laurier, and then there’s a stay in the Fairmont Gold Château Laurier. Both evoke a feeling of royalty — Ottawa’s grand dame features the conical turrets and pointed spires of a fairy-tale castle, and interiors boast sculpted columns, high ceilings, elaborate molding and detailed cornices. But it’s the fourth-floor hotel-within-a-hotel that stands out as the fairest of them all.
Everything is exclusive, from the check-in to the breakfast lounge to the rooms and suites — some with in-room fireplaces. All include Fairmont staples like plush bathrobes and Nespresso coffee machines, plus a pillow menu. It’s the type of place where everyone remembers your name and travel preferences, and where evening canapés are served in the Gold Lounge with captivating views of Ottawa’s romantic landmarks.
Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu
What it's all about: Classic grandeur amidst the stunning scenery of Charlevoix, Quebec.
A journey north along the St. Lawrence River lands you in Charlevoix, home to what may be Canada’s most striking landscapes and the equally spectacular Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu. The location is a highly deliberate part of the appeal — Richelieu and Ontario Navigation Company built the hotel as a luxury retreat for its steamship passengers at the turn of the 20th century. The scenery and architecture still dazzle today, with the hotel resembling a French château and surrounded by manicured gardens, a golf course, farmsteads and the region’s charming waterfront villages.
405 classically designed rooms and suites grace the interior — some with river views, all with Le Labo bath products — and a state-of-the-art spa features indoor and outdoor pools. The location offers access to outdoor activities throughout the year, from skiing to swimming to rock climbing; alternatively, a lively casino sits a short walk away. But it’s the scenery that stands out, and breathtaking vistas engulf each of the hotel’s multiple dining establishments.
The Lodge at Bow Lake
What it's all about: Just removed from Alberta's Lake Louise and set within Banff National Park, what feels like an intimate family home in the midst of the Rocky Mountains.
The only new Key hotel in Canada in 2025 not under the Fairmont umbrella, The Lodge at Bow Lake is an elegantly cozy affair: constructed of logs and topped with a bright red roof, the 17-room hotel is nestled within the Rocky Mountain wilderness and feels like a family home — albeit a luxurious one. Here, it would be a shame not to turn off your phone and enjoy the views from the crackling fire instead, especially during the season of the Northern Lights.
Despite being a century old, guestrooms are modern, featuring pine wood panels and handmade furniture. Suites add Japanese soaking tubs. Once you’re here, this is a hard property to venture from, but guests will do well to remember the nature that beckoned them here in the first place: spectacular hiking and skiing trails, canyons and waterfalls are just outside, while Lake Louise is a half-hour’s drive.
Make sure to return in time for the nightly four-course dinner in the intimate dining room, served promptly at 6:30 p.m.
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Hero Image: Fairmont Hotel Macdonald, a new Key hotel in Edmonton.
