Canadian cities scored highly in this year’s Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards. And Chicago was named best U.S. big city for the tenth year in a row.
Victoria was named the world’s best small city for the fourth year in a row, which is quite the accomplishment. Here is what the magazine had to say:
A popular day trip from Vancouver, British Columbia’s capital city deserves a standalone visit. Arrive via one of the world’s most scenic ferry rides across Swartz Bay and check in to the bucket list-worthy Fairmont Empress, where the Fairmont Gold rooms include access to a private waterfront lounge. With a reputation as the most British town in Canada, most restaurants and hotels offer a proper high tea. Check out the Venus Sophia, which offers baked goods. If you’re seeking a more rural escape, disconnect in the ancient forests with a road trip on Vancouver Island.”
“To be recognized by travellers from around the world for a fourth consecutive year is both humbling and inspiring,” said Paul Nursey, CEO of Destination Greater Victoria (DGV). “This honour speaks to the strength of Greater Victoria’s global reputation, and the collective efforts of our tourism industry, businesses, community partners, and residents who help make this destination so memorable.”
The Fairmont Empress Hotel is a Victoria, B.C., icon. Jim Byers Photo
Montreal was ranked sixth in the world in the big cities category, which is terrific. Here’s the magazine’s take on the city:
“Quebec’s biggest—and most cosmopolitan—city is perhaps best known for its picturesque Old Montreal neighborhood, with its quaint cobblestone streets and Gothic Revival cathedral. But it also has a rebellious, forward-thinking streak, which you can find across the city’s contemporary art museums, eclectic bars, and design-forward hotels. Unsurprisingly for a place with such close cultural ties to France, what really sets Montreal apart are its dynamic restaurants, which run the gamut from classic brasseries to no-frills wine bars to internationally renowned temples like Joe Beef and Au Pied de Cochon.”
I find Victoria to be a beautiful and engaging city, and Montreal is an incredibly vibrant city with a lovely French Canadian twist. I was in the city a couple weeks ago and filed this review of the recently renovated Sofitel hotel.
Chicago was named the best big city in the U.S. for the tenth year in a row, which is beyond remarkable. It’s a magnificent city I visited just last month. Here’s a story on great things to do, and here’s another on the new Obama Presidential Center, and yet another on the fine Gwen Hotel.
In celebration of its perfect 10 win, Saturday, October 10th has been officially proclaimed “Best Big City Day” by the City of Chicago. Locals and visitors are encouraged to get out and explore the city using Choose Chicago social channels and custom itineraries for inspiration.
The Cloud Gate sculpture in Chicago. CHOOSE CHICAGO PHOTO
Here’s the Condé Nast Traveller full top ten list of Best Small Cities in the World
- Victoria, B.C., Canada
- Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
- Florence, Italy (historic and beautiful)
- San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
- Lucerne, Switzerland (gorgeous)
- Dubrovnik, Croatia (such a striking city)
- Porto, Portugal’
- Amalfi, Italy (a spectacular region)
- Venice, Italy (a definite don’t miss destination)
- San Sebastián, Spain
Lucerne, Switzerland. Jim Byers Photo
And here’s the Condé Nast Traveller full top ten list of Best Big Cities in the World
- Seoul
- Toky0, Japan (amazing place)
- Phnom Penh, Cambodia
- Shanghai, China (so much energy)
- Sydney, Australia, (sensational)
- Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Paris, France (is there a more romantic city on earth?)
- Cape Town (maybe the best natural setting of any city I know)
- Singapore (vibrant culture and fabulous food)
- Kyoto (achingly beautiful)
PORTER AIRLINES ADDS MORE DOMESTIC FLIGHTS OUT OF LONDON, ONTARIO
Porter Airlines is transforming travel options at London International Airport (YXU) with the introduction of five new domestic routes launching in spring 2027. The new service will link London, Ont. directly with Edmonton, Halifax, Montreal-MET, Ottawa and Vancouver.
These year-round routes are part of Porter’s commitment to providing meaningful connectivity for Southwestern Ontario, offering local travellers direct access to key business and leisure hubs across Canada. This builds on the airline’s latest announcement introducing four routes to sun destinations in Florida, Mexico and Jamaica starting this winter.
Halifax has one of the prettiest waterfronts in Canada. JIM BYERS PHOTO
“We are building on the strong passenger response to our recent winter sun destinations announcement by introducing five nonstop domestic routes. This expansion demonstrates that Porter is committed to making London a meaningful part of our network,” said Kevin Jackson, president, Porter Airlines. “Travellers across Southwestern Ontario will have convenient access to popular cities from coast to coast, combined with the elevated, passenger-first experience Porter is known for. The addition of these routes ensures that over two million residents in the region have convenient travel options from their local airport.”
