Fairmont Tremblant

When you think of Canadian mountain resorts you probably think of the Rockies, of Whistler first, then perhaps Banff and Lake Louise in Alberta. Eastern Canada is rarely mentioned as a top winter destination — which meant it's either woefully underrated, or a well-kept secret, depending on your perspective.

For sheer geographical significance the Laurentians may not have much on the Rockies, but that fact does little to dim Mont Tremblant's reputation as the wintertime pride of French-speaking Canada. As is true of all things Québécois, this picturesque resort town has a more European feel than the Western resorts, and the hotel itself would not look out of place in the Swiss Alps.

The slopes are just outside, and guests can ski-in and ski-out. Guest rooms are thoroughly modern, if a little rustic in appearance, and the hotel's facilities are state-of-the-art, including a spa and health club, an outdoor pool open year-round, and extensive business facilities. The hotel is at its best during ski season, of course, but there is plenty to recommend Mont Tremblant in summer, with its scenic natural surroundings and wealth of warm-weather activities, from hiking and golfing to mountain biking and water sports.