Print

 

VICTORIA, BC (October 31, 2025) – , the iconic ‘Castle on the Coast,’ is earning international acclaim once more, being recognized as the Best Historic Hotel in the Americas by Historic Hotels Worldwide®. The distinction was announced last night at the 2025 Historic Hotels Worldwide Awards of Excellence, celebrating the most exemplary historic hotels and hoteliers across the globe.


Fairmont Empress is being honoured for preserving and maintaining its historic integrity, architecture and ambiance. Since opening its doors in 1908, Fairmont Empress has stood as a symbol of timeless elegance and has been a cornerstone of Victoria’s identity. Designed by renowned architect Francis Rattenbury, the hotel quickly became a social and cultural landmark—hosting royalty, celebrities, and dignitaries from around the world. Declared a National Historic Site of Canada, the hotel has remained a living testament to Edwardian architecture and the golden age of travel. Its famed Afternoon Tea, served for over 117 years, continues to be a cherished tradition for generations of visitors.
 
In 2014, when visionary developer Nat Bosa acquired the property, a transformative chapter began. His leadership ushered in a new era for the hotel through the $60+ million “Return of the Queen” restoration, completed in 2017. The project revitalized the hotel’s heritage features while introducing modern design and amenities, reaffirming its place among the world’s most celebrated hotels. The unveiling of reimagined Fairmont Gold in 2023—an elevated guest experience featuring 88 elegantly appointed rooms, a residential pantry, and a private harbour-view lounge—has further enhanced the hotel’s reputation for refined luxury.

“Every year, Fairmont Empress continues to impress and write new chapters in its extraordinary story,” said Dan McGowan, General Manager of Fairmont Empress. “We are profoundly honoured to be recognized as the Best Historic Hotel in the Americas in the 2025 Historic Hotels Worldwide Awards of Excellence. This award affirms our commitment to preserving the hotel and ensuring its legacy reigns. I could not be prouder of our team, as they are always seeking ways to enhance the guest experience—turning moments into special memories—and finding ways to celebrate our history and story with travelers from every corner of the world.”
 
Historic Hotels Worldwide honours and celebrates the most exemplary historic hotels, hoteliers, and leadership practices through the . Each year, the awards recognize historic hotels and hoteliers demonstrating innovative leadership, stewardship, and contribution to furthering the recognition, preservation, and celebration of these preeminent historic hotels and their histories. Only 10 hotels worldwide were recognized in their respective categories, including Fairmont Empress. Full list available .

“We are delighted to honour Fairmont Empress with this prestigious award. It was chosen from an exclusive group of nominees and considered for several categories. It stands among the finest hotels and hoteliers in the world,” said Lawrence Horwitz, Executive Vice President, Historic Hotels of America and Historic Hotels Worldwide. “We applaud the dedication and passion of the individuals working at these iconic and legendary historic hotels, the people who keep the stories alive from the past and make staying or celebrating special occasions at these historic hotels memorable experiences.”

To learn more about the history of Fairmont Empress and all its offerings, visit:

 
Print

 

JASPER, 31, October 2025 – Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge proudly announces that its General Manager, Garrett Turta, has been named the 2025 Hotelier of the Year by Historic Hotels Worldwide. This prestigious honour was presented at the Historic Hotels Annual Awards of Excellence Ceremony & Gala, held at Fairmont Olympic Hotel in Seattle, Washington.

The Hotelier of the Year Award – considered the highest distinction within the Historic Hotels Awards of Excellence - honours individuals whose leadership and vision elevate the craft of hospitality while safeguarding the cultural and historical essence of iconic properties. Endorsed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Historic Hotels Worldwide, and Historic Hotels of America, this international recognition celebrates a deep commitment to the preservation and advancement of heritage hospitality around the globe.

Turta has spent nearly three years guiding Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge through some of its most defining moments in its history to date. His leadership was especially felt during the 2024 Jasper wildfires, when he led his team and the community to overcome the impacts of the historic resort and safeguard its future. Today, he is leading the resort into its next chapter: a multi-million-dollar repositioning that will deliver a full-scale renovation of the historic hotel in Jasper National Park.

“Receiving this recognition among such an inspiring group of leaders is a profound honour,” said Garrett Turta. “Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge’s story is deeply rooted in community and a deep connection to nature. This award is a testament to the strength, passion, and spirit of the remarkable team that brings that story to life every single day.”

Nestled within the UNESCO World Heritage–designated Jasper National Park, Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge is a 700-acre mountain resort that continues to set the standard for luxury in the Canadian Rockies. Since its opening in 1922, the “Grand Canadian Lodge Experience” has welcomed guests from around the world, earning a reputation for its timeless charm, sweeping wilderness surroundings, and deeply personal hospitality.

“Garrett's leadership embodies the Fairmont Spirit, honouring the true meaning of hospitality for guests and colleagues,” shared Gregor Resch, Regional Vice President of Fairmont Hotels' Western Mountain Collection. “This award and recognition speak to his deep commitment to inspire and support his team at all times.”

 
Print

 

Vancouver, B.C. – October 30th, 2025 – Coast Hotels Limited, a fully owned subsidiary of APA Hotel Canada, Inc. and one of North America’s fastest-growing and one of Canada’s largest hotel brands, is pleased to announce the official opening of its latest franchised property in Dawson Creek, British Columbia. The reimagined opened its doors on October 30, 2025, offering guests a comfortable and convenient stay in the community known as Mile 0 of the Alaska Highway and celebrated for its pioneer heritage, vibrant arts and culture, and access to outdoor adventures across the Peace Region.

Conveniently located in the heart of Dawson Creek, just off Highway 2 and a short drive from the Alaska Highway, the newly branded Coast Dawson Creek Hotel offers in the area. Guests can enjoy the added convenience of kitchenette options and pet-friendly rooms, making it a welcoming choice for business and leisure travelers alike. Every stay also includes a complimentary daily hot breakfast, served in the .

Accommodation options include Double Queen Rooms, King Rooms, and Single Queen Rooms. Designed with comfort and convenience in mind, all rooms feature free Wi-Fi, microwaves and mini-refrigerators, making the Coast Dawson Creek Hotel an ideal choice for families, work crews, and road-trippers seeking extra space and value. This also offers a wide range of , including free on-site parking for cars, RVs, buses, and trucks, perfect for those exploring or working along the Alaska Highway.

“We are excited to bring the Coast Hotels brand to Dawson Creek and provide travelers at Mile 0 of the Alaska Highway with a comfortable, enjoyable place to stay,” said Takamasa Machiura, President and CEO of Coast Hotels Limited. “We remain committed to delivering friendly service, refreshingly local experiences, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere for every guest.”

Coast Dawson Creek Hotel is ideally located for visitors looking to explore the best of the Peace Region. Nearby attractions include the Dawson Creek Art Gallery, local restaurants and shops, and the famous Mile 0 Post marking the start of the Alaska Highway. Guests can also learn about the region’s pioneer heritage at the Alaska Highway House, take in live entertainment at the Encana Events Centre, or explore the outdoor trails and parks surrounding the community. Year-round, Dawson Creek offers a unique blend of history, culture, and outdoor adventure.

“We’re delighted to bring the Coast Hotels brand to Dawson Creek,” said Rajat Kadiyan and Sahil Tiwari, owners of Coast Dawson Creek Hotel. “Coast Hotels strong reputation for exceptional service and local expertise aligns perfectly with our vision. We look forward to welcoming guests and showcasing our best-in-class hospitality.”

 
Print

 

BANFF, Alberta, October 30, 2025 (Newswire.com) - announced the results of its Annual Readers Poll of 'The 30 Best Ski Resorts in the West,' with ranking as top Canadian resort and #2 resort overall.

Throughout the ski industry, SKI Magazine's annual Resort's Poll Reader's Choice is considered the pinnacle of resort operation excellence. Each year, SKI Magazine invites readers across North America to rank their favourite ski destinations in its Reader Resort Survey, which gathers nearly 20,000 responses. Through the survey resorts are evaluated by skiers across 17 different criteria including core metrics like snow quality, and grooming and guest services to lighter elements like lodging, nightlife, and après-ski experiences. For a resort to make the list a minimum number of survey responses is required. For Banff Sunshine, the Alberta resort has now landed in Ski Mag's top 5 resorts in north America for 4 consecutive winters. Over the past four years, Banff Sunshine has inched their way up, one spot at a time from #5 in 2022 to #2 in 2026. The full list of winners is available at: .

"All I can say is THANK YOU SKI Magazine readers! Making SKI Magazine's annual 30 Best in The West is something we strive for - by focusing on delivering the best guest experience possible throughout resort. Making the top 5, 4 out of the past 5 years in a row - is as sweet as the deepest powder we've every skied - coming in at #2 is literally the cherry on top," shares Kendra Scurfield, VP of Communications at Banff Sunshine Village. "The annual readers' poll is the industry's most respected resort rankings. Our inclusion highlights the team effort and dedication to bringing the magic of Banff Sunshine to life. As a resort it's our mission to deliver the best guest experience we can through a fun and safe experience. The accolade inspires us to keep working to wow our guests in all we do."

Located in Banff National Park, Banff Sunshine Village is known for having one of North America's longest ski seasons, offering ski-in/ski-out accommodations and world-class runs spanning three mountains of diverse terrain, featuring what's often called Canada's Best Snow. The resort has long been an innovator in the Canadian ski space, being the first resort to allow Snowboarding back in 1998, investing in a fleet of modern lifts including Canada's first heated lift, Teepee Town LX, and the all new Super Angel Luxury Express featuring evo technology - the first of it's kind in North America. This marks the resort's fourth year being voted one of the world's top 5 ski destinations, and the second consecutive year on the podium. In 2024/25, Banff Sunshine Village ranked third in North America.

The Annual Readers Poll of The 30 Best Ski Resorts in the West are published on .

 

Page 9 of 46

<< Start < Prev 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Next > End >>