Whether you're planning a city or countryside vacation -- with towering skyscrapers or snowy peaks -- there are plenty of reasons to visit Canada. And once you decide which destination caters to your interests, be it cosmopolitan Toronto or charming Whistler, you'll find there are plenty of luxury lodging options to choose from. But with a seemingly endless number of attractive places to stay, it can be tricky discerning which properties surpass the rest.
That's where U.S. News & World Report's Best Hotels rankings can help. Our travel editors have evaluated guidebooks, industry accolades and guest reviews. Using an unbiased methodology, we pinpointed the properties that consistently land on top -- these are the hotels that appear on our second annual Best Hotels in Canada rankings.
Below, you'll find 10 properties that represent the crème de la crème of Canadian hospitality. While each hotel maintains a unique style, they all hold a prominent spot on our 2014 list of the Best Hotels in Canada thanks to their upscale amenities, inspiring settings and superlative service. These attributes not only make for an unforgettable trip, but also keep guests returning time and time again.
10. Hotel Le St-James
Montreal
Burrowed in the heart of Old Montreal, Hotel Le St-James impresses guests with its 19th-century architecture, antique furnishings and upscale amenities. But it's Hotel Le St-James' commitment to excellent customer service that helped cement its status as our No. 10 Best Hotel in Canada for the second year running. And with a trendy atmosphere and top-notch facilities -- like the underground Le Spa and refined XO Le Restaurant -- it's not surprising that the hotel earned such prestigious accolades as the 2014 AAA Four Diamond and Forbes Travel Guide Four Star awards.
9. The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto
Toronto
In a metropolis brimming with luxury lodging, it's no easy feat to stand out from the pack. But this Ritz-Carlton property has hit the mark again this year thanks to its refined ambiance, distinctive architecture and excellent views of Lake Ontario and Toronto's cityscape. But it's not just the striking scenery that helped The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto stay among the best and brightest in this city's hospitality market for the second year in a row. Upholding its brand's excellent standard of service and rigorous attention to detail, The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto has caught the attention of reputable sources like Condé Nast Traveler and seized the ninth spot on our 2014 list of the Best Hotels in Canada.
8. Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler
Whistler, British Columbia
Cozying up to the northern base of Whistler's legendary Blackcomb Mountain, this mountainside escape earns a nod of approval from guests and experts alike for its wealth of outdoor activities -- including hiking, biking, skiing and sleigh riding. And that's not all this Four Seasons property has going for it. Accommodations here are appointed with deep soaking tubs, fireplaces and private balconies that offer views of the mountain. Melding the elements of a quintessential ski resort with attentive service, the Four Seasons Resort Whistler held on to the title as one of Whistler's best hotels for the second year in a row, boasting accolades from venerable publications such as Condé Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure.
A noteworthy newcomer to the top 10 on U.S. News' Best Hotels in Canada list, this Four Seasons outpost is climbing its way to the top thanks to its superior customer service, stylish accommodations and sophisticated ambiance --all of which help set it apart from nearby competitors. Aside from property's enviable downtown location, enticing amenities (such as gourmet cuisine created by acclaimed chef Daniel Boulud) help it earn a high approval rating among guests and critics. This year, the Four Seasons Hotel Toronto received recognition from Travel + Leisure and nabbed a prestigious AAA Five Diamond award.
6. Auberge Saint-Antoine
Québec City
Tucked away on the St. Lawrence River in Québec City, the Auberge Saint-Antoine charms guests with its fascinating blend of old and new: Antiques and historical artifacts are mixed with modern features like Nespresso coffee machines and Bose stereo systems. The sophisticated ambiance carries over to Panache restaurant, which dishes up imaginative French-Canadian dishes. Although the Auberge Saint-Antoine may not feel like a brand-backed property, you can count on a first-rate experience and reflective of Relais & Châteaux's high standards for exceptional service.
5. Hastings House Country House Hotel
Salt Spring Island, British Columbia
Hastings House Country House Hotel earns high marks for its Salt Spring Island surroundings and tranquil atmosphere. While staying at this property, guests can indulge in replenishing spa treatments like hot stone massages at the Wellspring Spa before savoring gourmet meals in the main dining room. Meanwhile, many of the accommodations here feature fireplaces and deep soaking tubs. Apart from its comfortable digs, this Relais & Châteaux property took the No. 5 spot on our 2014 Best Hotels in Canada ranking due its personalized service -- one of the defining attributes that helped it earn accolades such as the 2014 Forbes Travel Guide Four Star award.
At 65 stories, this towering hotel trumps the competition with spacious and well-appointed accommodations, quality service and sweeping views of Toronto's skyline. After claiming the No. 2 spot on the list of Best Toronto hotels in 2013, this esteemed member of the Trump family has made its way up the list to the No. 1 place on our list of the Best Hotels in Toronto. And with guest rooms outfitted with wet bars and marble bathroom fixtures and perks like an infinity saltwater lap pool and unobstructed city views from the STOCK restaurant, it's not hard to see how this hotel has continued to garner a positive reputation. Holding awards from Condé Nast Traveler, Forbes and AAA, the Trump International Hotel and Tower, Toronto stands as Toronto's finest luxury hotel.
3. Fairmont Pacific Rim
Vancouver, British Columbia
Clocking in at No. 3 on the 2014 list of the Best Hotels in Canada, this Fairmont property impresses visitors with its desirable amenities and superior customer service. And with an enviable harbor-front address, the Fairmont Pacific Rim combines convenience with luxury, affording dramatic views and easy access to some of the city's top attractions. When they're not soaking in the scenery, travelers can unwind in a private cabana by the pool or splurge on a treatment at the 11,000-square-foot Willow Stream Spa. What's more, this Fairmont outpost appeases discerning guests with its lavish suite amenities, including 42-inch LCD TVs and Nespresso coffee makers.
2. Rosewood Hotel Georgia
Vancouver, British Columbia
For the second consecutive year, this Rosewood retreat has claimed the title of No. 2 Best Hotel in Canada. And with accommodations adorned with rainforest shower fixtures and Lady Primrose toiletries, and an inner courtyard offering beautiful views of the Vancouver skyline, it's easy to see why the Rosewood Hotel Georgia is consistently ranked among the best. Plus, this Rosewood outpost showcases the brand's impeccable customer service and refined atmosphere (inspired by its natural surroundings), helping it rake in accolades from distinguished sources, such as AAA and Forbes Travel Guide.
1. Ritz-Carlton, Montreal
Montreal
The Ritz-Carlton, Montreal's unbeatable downtown location is a major selling point for travelers and critics, but it's the hotel's lavish accommodations and amenities -- which include a greenhouse, pool and French restaurant with a menu crafted by famed chef Daniel Boulud -- that helped it achieve the Best Hotel in Canada title for 2014. After taking the No. 3 spot last year, this Ritz-Carlton hotel has moved up the ranks thanks to its emphasis on personalized customer service and its acute attention to detail, which only bolsters the property's refined, inviting atmosphere and sets it apart from its peers.
--Liz Weiss