The Getaway Collection celebrates our rich Canadian heritage and the vision behind the Grand Railway Hotels of Canada. Our small country had big vision to create world class destinations to rival the finest European hotels and draw international travellers to an opulent adventure aboard the Canadian Pacific Railway..

Work began throughout Canada in the late-19th and early 20th centuries to create an experience like no other. You will recognize these buildings as prominent landmarks in our major Canadian cities and National Parks. Many of them still operate as hotels and continue to attract international attention. Even as the prominence of rail travel has faded, these buildings serve as a reminder of the grand vision to create something spectacular in our Country. The president of the Canadian Pacific Railway, William Van Horne, personally chose the site of the Banff Springs Hotel an famously remarked: “If we can’t export the scenery, we’ll import the tourists.”

Our journey begins in the West at Hotel Vancouver and heads East across Canada. The current structure opened in 1939 and features the iconic Canadian “Chateauesque” architectural elements repeated in many of the Grand Railway Hotels across Canada and is nestled in the heart of Vancouver.

As we ride through the beautiful British Columbia mountains we settle in Alberta at visit the two famous hotels of the Rocky Mountains – Banff Springs and Lake Louise. Nestled in the mountains these hotels are truly magical. Not only is the scenery beautiful but the hotels are stunningly grand with luxurious rooms, gourmet restaurants and surprises around every corner. Imagine sleigh rides in the winter, enormous gingerbread houses created by the kitchens, ice castles on the lake and more.

Through the design and building of these grand hotels a uniquely Canadian Architectural style was born called “Chateauesque” Also known as “Chateau Style” – a revivalist style based on French Rennaissance Architecture. It features high towers and steeply pitched roofs in an asymmetrical layout, and includes a facade of advancing and receding planes.

We depart from the mountains and head out across the vast plains aboard our luxury train. They stretch across the horizon and we are enveloped in a sea of golden grasses and wildly expressive blue skies. The tracks lead us straight to Fort Garry in Winnipeg. This stately hotel from 1913 is the last building standing from that era. It still operates as a hotel and welcomes travellers from around the world to it’s majestic interiors.

We continue on from Fort Garry across the wild northern Ontario region. Deep forests, and sparkling lakes greet us at every corner. Stretching across to the famous Canadian Shield, we ride across the gigantic stone armour protecting the heart of the Canada. Arriving in Toronto we are greeted trackside by the Royal York.

Built by the Canadian Pacific Railway itself, it opened it’s doors in 1929 and was the tallest building in Canada at the time. Underground walkways link it to Union Station and it regularly hosts dignitaries and royalty from around the world.

Moving on from Toronto we make our way to Ottawa, the nation’s Capitol. Work began on Chateau Laurier in 1909, possibly the oldest of the Grand Railway Hotels. It holds the beautiful Rideau Locks by its side and the opulent interiors are fantastical. Next door to the Parliamentary buildings, it’s beauty enriches the skyline.

And last but not least, we come to the final destination on our nation-wide tour. Chateau Fontenac in Quebec City. An imposing figure rising above the city, this gorgeous hotel is one of the most photographed in the world. The interiors wind their way through grand stairways, stately lounges and private rooms.

Although railway travel has faded, these beautiful buildings have not. My own town of St. Thomas, Ontario served as a major hub of the railway in the late 19th century dubbing it “the Railway City”. Join us aboard our vintage luxury rail car as we showcase our new lineup of modern vintage handbags made right here in St. Thomas. Perfect for your very own Grand Canadian Adventure.

Thank you for joining us as we discover the chain of world-class hotels dotted across the country, linking Province to Province via the railroad. This is just a portion of the Grand Railway hotels built, many of which are still standing. They opened up a new tourism industry displaying the great beauty of Canada and continue to do so today. It’s time for a Getaway. Climb aboard with us and discover the best Canada has to offer!

Shop the new Getaway Collection from Suzanne Faris. Now available for order in four deeply saturated hues. Dark Cedar, True Blue, Nutmeg and Dark Chocolate.

Suzanne Faris grew up sneaking into the grand hotels of the Rocky Mountains and exploring the winding hallways for glimpses of opulent beauty. She now works from her studio in St. Thomas, Ontario designing and making timeless leather handbags. Each material is sourced with care from the best Canadian suppliers and meticulously assembled in her storefront studio by hand. Find her at 576 Talbot Street when the green bike is out front.

http://www.suzannefaris.com | info@suzannefaris.com

Photograhy by @estherhollywood | Modelling by Sarah and Mary Faris | Car 14 @ecrailwaymuseum