OUTLET: Calgary Herald

Among all the attractions at the Calgary Zoo, the facility is being lauded for one of its more underrated features – the bathrooms. The Herald’s Manisha Krishnan reports the zoo is one of five finalists in the fifth annual Canada’s Best Restroom contest hosted by Cintas, a company that supplies businesses across North America with restroom cleaning services. Last year’s winner was the Valleyview Shell Super Station, a truck stop in northern Alberta. Voting is open at www.bestrestroom.com/canada until Sept. 30.

The washrooms in this traditional Spanish restaurant in Toronto’s King West neighbourhood are understated and elegant. Ceiling to floor white marble is accented with golden faucets and mirror accents, which stand in contrast to the rich browns and reds of the dining hall.

Calgary Zoo

Calgary

Stepping into the zoo’s Destination Africa washrooms is an experience in and of itself. Tribal art and paintings adorn the walls, and each toilet feels like its own hut. “It’s the most themed out,” said spokeswoman Larissa Mark, adding all the zoo’s lavatories use eco-friendly products.

Planet Hollywood

Niagara Falls, Ont.

It’s all about flash in these overthe-top washrooms. Mirrors in the ladies’ washrooms are framed with an oversized pair of hot pink, zebra-print glasses, while men view their reflections between the jaws of a blue shark. Black and white tiles line the floors and walls.

Shaw Club Hotel and Spa

Niagara on the Lake, Ont.

This ultra-modern washroom is technologically advanced. When a patron locks their stall, the glass doors fog up for privacy. An Infinity sink and stainless steel fixtures complete the luxe look.

Vancouver International Airport

Vancouver

Clean, functional washrooms are a godsend for most travellers, and Vancouver airport does not disappoint. The facilities offer plenty of stalls, hands-free sinks and towel dispensers, all set against a colourful mosaic tile pattern.