Vancouver, B.C., April 9, 2026 — As the global bar community arrives in the city for North America’s 50 Best Bars this month, Botanist Bar and The Lobby Lounge & RawBar at Fairmont Pacific Rim is set to host a series of exclusive guest shifts. From April 21 to 23, 2026, creative beverage director Grant Sceney has invited award-winning bartenders from Seoul, New York, Toronto, Mexico and the Caribbean to step behind the bars and introduce their talents to Vancouver.

“It’s incredibly special to not only host North America’s 50 Best Bars in Vancouver for a second year running but also have the opportunity to host some of the world’s most exciting cocktail bars and bartenders at Fairmont Pacific Rim,” says Sceney. “These collaborations are about more than just drinks. Welcoming the international bar community to our city means we can further celebrate creativity and give our guests a chance to experience the energy of the global bar community right here in Vancouver.”

The programming begins on April 21 at The Lobby Lounge & RawBar, where the team will host Toronto standouts Library Bar and Mother for an evening highlighting Canada’s dynamic cocktail culture.

Later that evening, Sceney and the Botanist team will be joined by one of Asia’s most celebrated bars: Seoul’s Zest, currently ranked No. 2 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars list and No. 16 on World’s 50 Best Bars list — bringing their “sustainable fine drinking” ethos to Botanist Bar with three cocktails. Guests will also have a chance to enjoy some exclusive bar bites by executive chef Hector Laguna.

On April 22, one of New York City’s most talked-about cocktail destinations, Clemente Bar — created by renowned chef Daniel Humm in collaboration with artist Francesco Clemente, and currently No. 11 on the North America’s 50 Best Bars list — will make a special appearance ahead of the awards ceremony.Vancouver, B.C., April 9, 2026 — As the global bar community arrives in the city for North America’s 50 Best Bars this month, Botanist Bar and The Lobby Lounge & RawBar at Fairmont Pacific Rim is set to host a series of exclusive guest shifts. From April 21 to 23, 2026, creative beverage director Grant Sceney has invited award-winning bartenders from Seoul, New York, Toronto, Mexico and the Caribbean to step behind the bars and introduce their talents to Vancouver.

“It’s incredibly special to not only host North America’s 50 Best Bars in Vancouver for a second year running but also have the opportunity to host some of the world’s most exciting cocktail bars and bartenders at Fairmont Pacific Rim,” says Sceney. “These collaborations are about more than just drinks. Welcoming the international bar community to our city means we can further celebrate creativity and give our guests a chance to experience the energy of the global bar community right here in Vancouver.”

The programming begins on April 21 at The Lobby Lounge & RawBar, where the team will host Toronto standouts Library Bar and Mother for an evening highlighting Canada’s dynamic cocktail culture.

Later that evening, Sceney and the Botanist team will be joined by one of Asia’s most celebrated bars: Seoul’s Zest, currently ranked No. 2 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars list and No. 16 on World’s 50 Best Bars list — bringing their “sustainable fine drinking” ethos to Botanist Bar with three cocktails. Guests will also have a chance to enjoy some exclusive bar bites by executive chef Hector Laguna.

On April 22, one of New York City’s most talked-about cocktail destinations, Clemente Bar — created by renowned chef Daniel Humm in collaboration with artist Francesco Clemente, and currently No. 11 on the North America’s 50 Best Bars list — will make a special appearance ahead of the awards ceremony.
Meanwhile, The Lobby Lounge & RawBar will host the “The Carribean Cocktail Tour,” an immersive evening featuring three of the regions most iconic bars: Library by the Sea, Bon Vivants and La Factoria. Guests can expect vibrant, destination-inspired cocktails that capture the spirit and flavour of the Caribbean to compliment The Lobby Lounge’s internationally inspired menu.

To close out the celebrations, Botanist will welcome two acclaimed Mexico destinations for a special six-course tasting menu and cocktail pairing experience on April 23 — ARCA (No. 61 on North America’s 50 Best Bars list) and Mecenas of Guadalajara.
COLLABORATION SCHEDULE

April 21, 2026

The Lobby Lounge & RawBar
3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Library Bar and Mother from Toronto
James Grant and Massimo Zitti

Botanist
7:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Zest from Seoul, South Korea
(first appearance in Vancouver)
Do Hyung “Demie” Kim & Yongjin “Noah” Kwon

April 22, 2026

Botanist
3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Clemente Bar from New York City
Jay Reingold and Wilmer Reyes

The Lobby Lounge & RawBar
3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Library by the Sea, Bon Vivants and La Factoria from the Caribbean
“The Caribbean Cocktail Tour”

April 23, 2026

Botanist
6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
ARCA from Tulum and Mecenas from Guadalajara
Six-course tasting menu by ARCA’s chef-owner José Luis Hinostroza and Botanist’s executive chef Hector Laguna; cocktail pairings by Mecenas and ARCA.
Reservations can be made online.

Each bar collaboration event is available on a first come, first serve basis. In addition to these collaborations, Fairmont Pacific Rim is also hosting industry events throughout the week.

“We are proud to welcome members of the international bar community to Fairmont Pacific Rim during this important moment for the industry,” says Jens Moesker, regional vice president and general manager, Fairmont Pacific Rim. “These special events truly reflect our ongoing commitment to exceptional hospitality and to creating memorable experiences that connect our guests with leading talent from around the world.”

Botanist Bar is currently No. 26 on North America’s 50 Best Bars list. For more information, please visit botanistrestaurant.com. COLLABORATION SCHEDULE

April 21, 2026

The Lobby Lounge & RawBar
3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Library Bar and Mother from Toronto
James Grant and Massimo Zitti

Botanist
7:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Zest from Seoul, South Korea
(first appearance in Vancouver)
Do Hyung “Demie” Kim & Yongjin “Noah” Kwon

April 22, 2026

Botanist
3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Clemente Bar from New York City
Jay Reingold and Wilmer Reyes

The Lobby Lounge & RawBar
3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Library by the Sea, Bon Vivants and La Factoria from the Caribbean
“The Caribbean Cocktail Tour”

April 23, 2026

Botanist
6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
ARCA from Tulum and Mecenas from Guadalajara
Six-course tasting menu by ARCA’s chef-owner José Luis Hinostroza and Botanist’s executive chef Hector Laguna; cocktail pairings by Mecenas and ARCA.
Reservations can be made online.

Each bar collaboration event is available on a first come, first serve basis. In addition to these collaborations, Fairmont Pacific Rim is also hosting industry events throughout the week.

“We are proud to welcome members of the international bar community to Fairmont Pacific Rim during this important moment for the industry,” says Jens Moesker, regional vice president and general manager, Fairmont Pacific Rim. “These special events truly reflect our ongoing commitment to exceptional hospitality and to creating memorable experiences that connect our guests with leading talent from around the world.”

Botanist Bar is currently No. 26 on North America’s 50 Best Bars list. For more information, please visit botanistrestaurant.com.

Lake Louise, AB (April 8, 2026) – Post Hotel & Spa is pleased to announce the appointment of Chef Sebastian Brand as Chef De Cuisine, ushering in a new chapter for one of Canada’s most celebrated alpine culinary destinations.

Classically trained in Berlin, Germany, Chef Sebastian began his leadership journey at an early stage with a prominent role at the art’otel Berlin, followed by several successful years within the Park Plaza Hotel Group. His passion for excellence and innovation led him to spearhead the opening of the flagship NH Collection Dresden Altmarkt, establishing a reputation for elevating culinary standards in luxury hospitality.

Driven by a desire to expand his culinary perspective, he relocated to Canada, joining the Sawridge Inn in Jasper to immerse himself in regional Canadian cuisine and Indigenous culinary traditions. He continued refining his craft at the Rimrock Resort Hotel in Banff before leading the opening of the prestigious Elora Mill Hotel & Spa, further solidifying his expertise in launching and positioning luxury properties for success.

After seven impactful years back at the Rimrock Resort Hotel leading the Culinary team to multiple 5 diamond awards and placement on La Liste, he now embarks on an exciting new chapter at the Post Hotel & Spa, where he is committed to honoring and advancing its distinguished culinary legacy with creativity, authenticity, and refined execution.

At Post Hotel & Spa, Chef Brand will lead the culinary vision with a focus on honouring the hotel’s distinguished legacy while continuing to evolve its dining experience with authenticity, refinement, and a deep respect for place.

“Chef Sebastian Brand brings exceptional depth of experience, an international perspective, and a genuine passion for culinary excellence,” said Andre Giannandrea, General Manager of Post Hotel & Spa. “His thoughtful approach aligns seamlessly with the values of Post Hotel & Spa, and we are delighted to welcome him as we continue to build on the hotel’s distinguished culinary reputation.”

“At Post Hotel & Spa, cooking is an act of respect—for the land, the seasons, and the producers,” said Chef Brand. “My role as the chef is not to transform, but to reveal the quiet perfection of each ingredient with clarity and intention. We don’t chase perfection, we reveal it.”

Set in the heart of Lake Louise, Post Hotel & Spa is renowned for its refined hospitality, celebrated wine program, and longstanding commitment to culinary excellence. Chef Sebastian Brand’s arrival marks an exciting moment for the hotel as it continues to honour its storied past while shaping the future of dining at the property.

TORONTO, ON (April 7, 2026) – Days Inns - Canada proudly announces its 2025 Awards of Recognition winners, honouring hotels and teams that consistently provide exceptional guest experiences. These award recipients go above and beyond, creating welcoming spaces where every guest feels valued and leaves with lasting impressions.

“At the heart of every great guest stay are the people who make it happen,” said Irwin Prince, President & COO, Days Inns - Canada. “These award-winning hotels set themselves apart by creating welcoming, memorable moments for every guest. Their passion and attention to detail define what it means to provide true hospitality.”

Guest Choice Award Days Inn & Suites - Lindsay, ON

Housekeeping Team of the Year Days Inn - 100 Mile House, BC

Property of the Year (79 rooms or less) Days Inn & Suites - Lindsay, ON

Property of the Year (80 rooms or more) Days Inn & Suites - Sherwood Park, AB

New Property of the Year Days Inn & Suites - Fort Saskatchewan, AB

Best Renovation of the Year Days Inn & Suites - West Edmonton, AB

Count on Us Community Champion Days Inn & Suites - Niagara Falls Centre St. By the Falls, ON

General Manager of the Year Ellen Larmant, Days Inn - Orillia, ON

Our winners showcase the essence of Days Inn: excellent service, heartfelt dedication, and stays that guests recall long after they've returned home. Their commitment not only strengthens the guest relationship but also highlights why Days Inn continues to be a trusted choice for travellers across Canada.

“From a friendly smile at check-in to meticulous room care, these hotels consistently exceed expectations,” Prince added. “They ‘Seize the Days’ – and in doing so, remind us that hospitality is about more than rooms. It’s about interactions, connections, and care.”

At Days Inn, guests enjoy free Wi-Fi, on-site dining or complimentary breakfast, and family-friendly accommodations. For bookings or more information, visit daysinn.ca or call 1-800-DAYS-INN (1-800-329-7466). Wyndham Rewards members earn points for every qualified stay, redeemable for free nights at thousands of Wyndham hotels, vacation club resorts & vacation rentals worldwide. Members can also redeem points for flights, car rentals, gift cards, online merchandise, and more.

Canadian-owned hotel brand Canalta Hotels (Canalta) is continuing its growth in Western Canada with two new hotel locations in Alberta, as well as a new loyalty initiative for its guests, centred around encouraging sustainability.

Canalta is expanding with two new locations opening today in the towns of Cochrane and High River. Both hotels are approximately 30 minutes outside of Calgary, and just a short drive to the Rocky Mountains and Banff National Park, making them an ideal choice for travelling sports teams, tourists and visiting family and friends.

The new Canalta Hotel in Cochrane features a recreation facility for kids and kids-at-heart staying at the hotel.

“It is our pleasure to welcome the Cochrane and High River hotels to the Canalta brand,” says Brooke Christianson, Vice President, Canalta Hotels. “Canalta is a great choice for Canadians staying local and travelling Western Canada this summer and we’re thrilled to now offer our exceptional service to guests at these two additional locations. ”

Both the Canalta Cochrane and the Canalta High River boast over 80 rooms and suites, featuring Canalta’s signature amenities including a heated indoor pool, hot tub and waterslide, free high-speed Wi-Fi and a complimentary deluxe breakfast.

Canalta’s Million Trees Movement aims to plant one million trees on behalf of guests by the end of 2027. A one night stay at a Canalta hotel now earns enough points to plant one tree through Canalta’s partnership with Wearth, an organization that plants trees on conserved land in Canada. Canalta’s guests will contribute to planting jack pines, white spruce and black spruce on a large plot of land in Smeaton, Northern Saskatchewan.

“We are creating an opportunity for our guests to use the points they earn to make a positive sustainable difference,” says Ryan Semchuk, Director of Marketing & Technology, Canalta Hotels. “This new initiative underscores Canalta’s commitment to sustainability in a tangible way where guests will see the meaningful benefits of being a Canalta Rewards member after just one stay.”

This unique offering is aimed at reaching people who may not traditionally make use of hotel loyalty programs. The program will allow travelers to offset their carbon footprint created by driving or flying to their destination by giving back to the environment through the tree planting program.

Guests can also use their points to redeem gift cards, earn free stays, and enjoy exclusive perks like late checkout, VIP parking, and more.