Canada's Top 15 Hotel Bars

One
The Hazelton Hotel, Toronto

Photo: André Doyon/ lowprofile.ca; Styling: Anne Fillion; Food Styling: Noah Witenoff; Thanks to The Bay and to vinumdesign.com

“Is that who I think it is?” If you’re at One, the answer’s probably yes. Red hot from the moment it opened, the sleek grey and brown bar with its horsehair panels and flattering lighting continues to draw a glittering crowd. The drinks aren’t cheap, but the people-watching… Expect at least one pinky ring, acres of exposed chest (both women and men) and some very convincing plastic surgery.

Eat
Tuna sashimi with yuzu chili and coriander.

Drink
Marky Mark, chef Mark McEwan’s secret gin and tonic recipe.

Senses Bar
Soho Metropolitan Hotel, Toronto

Some bars look good, some sound good – Senses actually feels good. Sipping champagne across from me, the well-heeled woman reclined on the plush couch slides her hand along the velvet walls and closes her eyes. Cheque, please.  

Eat
Who says dim sum is just for brunch? Here it’s available all the time, served on a multitiered tower.

Drink
In a choice between Desire, Affair and Ménage-à-trois (what are they getting at here?), it’s got to be the latter: a three-way blend of Pama pomegranate liqueur, Effen vodka and Grand Marnier. 

Toronto Sky Lounge
InterContinental Toronto Yorkville, Toronto 



“You get a different class of celebrity here,” announced the waiter to a nearby table. Those hoping to see and be seen (well, be seen) have plenty of options, while those looking for a little more privacy – in the summer months, at least – are likely to be tucked away from prying eyes at this stylish courtyard lounge. The cocktail list runs the gamut from that most macho of martinis, the Rusty Nail, to its spiritual opposite: a Chocolate Raspberry Truffle that features abundant use of chocolate liqueur.  

Eat
Tender and juicy butter-poached shrimp drizzled in romesco sauce.

Drink
Mango and pink-peppercorn mojito. Muddled mint leaves lend an herbaceous undertone to this sweet and spicy rum-based stunner.

Zoé’s Lounge
Fairmont Château Laurier, Ottawa



This grande-dame hotel is as elegant and refined as the ladies who assemble here each afternoon for tea. If the pianist is feeling rowdy, she may bust out with “Chariots of Fire,” but that’s about as crazy as it gets. The stately pedigree doesn’t prevent the bartenders from keeping on top of cocktail trends and using only the freshest ingredients.

Eat
Sliders: bison and beef mini-burgers, each with a different topping, including Balderson cheddar with pancetta and pimento aioli with butter lettuce.

Drink
Basil and Honey Collins: Plymouth gin shaken with basil and honey syrup and finished with freshly squeezed lime juice.