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Home | Elegant Traveller | The Five Best City Breaks in Canada

Elegant Traveller

The Five Best City Breaks in Canada

schedule5 Minute Read

29-Jan-2024 Laura Holt

Featured Destinations

Canada
The Five Best City Breaks in Canada

A guide to some of Canada's top city breaks...

Beyond the breathtaking wilderness escapes of Canada, the cities of this country unveil a world of heritage, beauty and cosmopolitan charm. Each promises a unique and luxurious Canada city break with undeniable charm, and must-see sights like Toronto's CN Tower and Montreal's architectural gems. But with so much to offer, choosing your ideal Canadian city break can be tough.

This guide shares the best luxury city break options, highlighting what awaits in each, what to do, and where to indulge in ultimate luxury.

Toronto, Ontario

What to Do

Whether it's art galleries overflowing with Canadian masters or the celebration of the country's national sport at the Hockey Hall of Fame, Toronto promises an unforgettable city break experience for discerning travellers.

As Ontario's capital, Toronto boasts iconic sites like the CN Tower and vibrant spots like Kensington Market. Enjoy Michelin-starred dining and chic distilleries, or catch major franchise games with the Blue Jays, Maple Leafs, and Raptors for an unforgettable city break!

Whilst the city offers a plethora of activities, it is also notably well-connected to one of Canada's most renowned landmarks. A day trip to Niagara Falls from Toronto is easily accessible and comes highly recommended. Witness the awe-inspiring spectacle of this 12,000-year-old marvel.
Toronto skyline with CN Tower
Toronto, Ontario

Where to Stay

Four Seasons Hotel Toronto

Set in the high-end, historic Yorkville neighbourhood, Four Seasons Hotel Toronto is an unmatched urban retreat for your luxury Toronto holiday. You'll be close to the city sites, with The Royal Ontario Museum just a ten-minute walk west, but you'll also have the state-of-the-art Four Seasons Spa to unwind in after a busy day of exploring the city.

Vancouver, British Columbia

What to Do

Vancouver's breathtaking blend of urban energy and natural splendour makes it a paradise for luxury city breaks. The thriving city scene contrasts with a brilliant backdrop of mountains, parks, and forests.

Explore Vancouver's cosmopolitan charm through its diverse culinary offerings, featuring fresh seafood, contemporary Canadian cuisine and Michelin-starred experiences. Sip cocktails in rooftop bars, shop at designer boutiques in Yaletown or enjoy captivating performances at the Granville Island Stage.

Meanwhile, Stanley Park beckons with lush greenery and leisurely bike ride routes. Grouse Mountain, aptly nicknamed 'The Peak of Vancouver,' captivates nature enthusiasts with its year-round outdoor activities like grizzly bear spotting, ziplining, and winter ice skating. Challenge yourself with a hike up the Grouse Grind trail or take a scenic gondola ride to the top!
Vancouver city skyline
Vancouver

Where to Stay

Fairmont Pacific Rim

This city hideaway features state-of-the-art rooms and stunning views in the Coal Harbour neighbourhood. Located near Canada Place, Stanley Park, and chic waterside eateries, Fairmont Pacific Rim integrates seamlessly into the city's vibrant social scene, offering art exhibits and live music performances of its own.

Montreal, Québec

What to Do

Montreal is Canada's second-largest city, and draws visitors in with its charming 'je ne sais quoi'. This French-speaking city is considered the cultural capital of Canada, and its European influences are notable in its French-inspired architecture.

The Notre-Dame Basilica is a tourist's favourite, seeing nearly a million visitors annually. This iconic heritage site impresses with an awe-inspiring spectacle of stained glass, white marble, pink granite, green onyx, and silver and gold pieces.

Mont Royal Park is another must-do where 200 hectares of natural beauty includes dazzling lakes and a captivating sculpture garden. As one of Montreal's largest green spaces, visitors encounter stretching trees and grassy meadows, ideal for outdoor adventures.
Montreal sunrise over city and park
Montreal sunrise

Where to Stay

Hotel Place d'Armes

Soak up the city's French heritage from Hotel Place d'Armes, a characterful heritage hotel in the heart of Old Montreal. The hotel itself blends luxury with charm, with high ceilings, playful arches and sophisticated finesse. You'll be staying just a stone's throw away from the Notre-Dame Basilica, so you're in the perfect spot for sightseeing.

Québec City, Québec

What to Do

Québec City charms all with its storybook looks. It stands as one of North America's oldest settlements, Canada's oldest city, and the continent's sole walled city. Its cultural charm and stunning beauty ensure an unforgettable city break.

Wandering the 400-year-old cobbled streets of Old Québec, a UNESCO World Heritage site, unveils historic monuments like the Dauphine Redoubt, the Citadel and Château Frontenac amid charming architecture.

Aside from its old-world charm, Québec City thrives with warm Canadian hospitality. Quaint creperies and bistros welcome foodies, while city festivals and celebrations, such as the Winter Carnival's ice castle sculptures, the Meet with Indigenous Peoples annual event and the Fireworks Festival provide a rich array of experiences.

The magic extends beyond the city too, with Montmorency Falls just a few minutes from Québec City. This unmissable hidden gem treats discerning travellers to a stunning sight, standing 30 metres taller than the iconic Niagara Falls.
Architecture of Québec City
Québec City

Where to Stay

Auberge Saint Antoine

Located in the heart of Old Québec, near the St Lawrence River, Auberge Saint Antoine immerses you in the destination's rich heritage. The hotel's perfect location allows you to explore, dine, and relax in the city's delights. You can even enjoy a complimentary archaeology tour that showcases centuries-old artefacts discovered during the hotel's construction.

Ottawa, Ontario

What to Do

Explore Ottawa, Canada's elegant capital, for a luxury city break blending stately charm with modern vibrancy. A must-do for your holiday to Ottawa is a trip to Parliament Hill, where a Gothic-inspired façade and manicured lawns make this famed city site as beautiful as it is important - you may even witness the Changing of the Guard.

Close by is the historic Fairmont Chateau Laurier, a Canadian icon that has played its role in key parts of Canadian history, from hosting royalty to being home to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation's radio stations.

Connecting to the Ottawa River is the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that stands as one of the greatest engineering feats of the 19th century. Whilst this famous waterway is a beautiful sight whenever you visit, in the winter, you'll get to see its transformation into the world's largest ice-skating rink!

Art and culture lovers can also treat themselves to a visit to the National Gallery, a performance at the National Arts Centre or a trip to some of the many museums - all of which serve as excellent options to enrich your city break.
Parliament Hill, Ottawa
Parliament Hill, Ottawa

Where to Stay

Fairmont Chateau Laurier

With its notable history and perfect placement, the Fairmont Chateau Laurier is a top choice for your Ottawa break. Adorned with Tiffany stained-glass windows, a copper roof and floors of Belgian marble, the design of this hotel exudes opulence. And the sublime service, classic fine dining and extraordinary views do just the same.
If you're struggling to pick your favourite city break option, many of these can be combined for an unforgettable multi-centre adventure! Why not take a look at our Cities of Eastern Canada by Rail itinerary that will take you to many of Canada's most sought-after sites.

Are you looking for more travel inspiration? Filled with first-hand travel tales, expert destination guides and more, our luxury online travel blog can help.
Laura  Holt

Laura Holt

Senior Copywriter

Whether it's a short-haul weekend away or an exciting international adventure, I'm always eager for my next trip. I've been lucky to travel in abundance, and each time I come home, I bring back unforgettable stories that I love to share.

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