Victoria has once again shown it is one of Canada’s top destinations, with stunning views, great food, and some of the best places to stay in the country.
It appears that travelers from around the world agree.
Condé Nast Traveller has revealed its much-anticipated 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards, and three hotels in Victoria have received high honours among Canada’s best.
The Magnolia Hotel & Spa has been named the best hotel in Canada.
Leading the national list is The Magnolia Hotel & Spa, which secured the #1 position in the Top 10 Best Hotels in Canada, achieving an impressive score of 98.67%.
This boutique hotel in downtown Victoria has a strong reputation for its stylish rooms, attentive service, and location near the city’s Inner Harbour.
This recognition solidifies its status as one of the country’s finest places to stay.
Top 10 Best Hotels in Canada:
- The Magnolia Hotel & Spa — Victoria, BC
- Fairmont Royal York — Toronto, ON
- The Drake Hotel — Toronto, ON
- Auberge Saint-Antoine — Quebec City, QC
- The St. Regis — Toronto, ON
- Honeyrose Hotel — Montreal, QC
- Pan Pacific Vancouver — Vancouver, BC
- Hotel Nelligan — Montreal, QC
- 1 Hotel Toronto — Toronto, ON
- Hotel William Gray — Montreal, QC
Victoria’s hotel scene continues to thrive. Two of the city’s iconic properties took the top two spots in Western Canada, highlighting the capital’s exceptional hospitality.
The Oak Bay Beach Hotel ranked #1 in Western Canada with a score of 98.71, while the Fairmont Empress came in at #2 with a score of 97.94.
The Fairmont Empress’s recent changes, such as a revamped experience and a new Harbour View Terrace, have further improved its standing with Condé Nast readers.
“This recognition is a true honour and a reflection of the remarkable people who make Fairmont Empress what it is today,” said General Manager Dan McGowan.
“Our passionate colleagues bring extraordinary moments to life for our guests every day, and the vision and continued investment of our ownership empower us to elevate the guest experience continuously. Being named among the very best in Western Canada is a shared achievement—one that celebrates the stalwart efforts of our entire team and the steadfast support of our owner.”
McGowan praised the hotel’s ownership, led by Nat Bosa, for the continued investments and vision that have turned this historic property into a world-class experience while preserving its heritage.
This year’s Readers’ Choice Awards saw over 757,000 readers vote worldwide, rating hotels on service, design, location, food, and overall experience.
The full list of winners in Western Canada can be seen here.











