For more than a century, the Fairmont Empress Hotel Victoria, BC, has welcomed royalty, celebrities, and heads of state. Moreover, savvy travellers come for heritage, comfort, and stunning views of Victoria’s Inner Harbour. Whether you stay for a night or a week, you’ll feel like the star of your own luxury getaway.
Empress Hotel: A Marvel of Waterfront Architecture
Between 1904 and 1908, architect Francis Rattenbury designed the Empress Hotel for the Canadian Pacific Railway. In addition, he oversaw its construction. When it opened in 1908, it was more than a hotel. It was a waterfront architectural feat.
Fairmont Empress Hotel Victoria BC. Indeed, its a prime Victoria Inner Harbour location was no accident. In fact, the hotel greeted passengers arriving by steamship. Building so close to the shoreline was bold and technically challenging.
Asa result, the design produced a Chateau-style hotel in Victoria, BC, with one of the best harbour views in British Columbia. Turrets, steep roofs, and graceful verandas evoke the romance of European castles. At the same time, the design celebrates the rugged beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Step inside today to find historic grandeur paired with modern luxuries.
There’s something magical about waking up in the Fairmont Empress Hotel in Victoria, BC. You draw back the curtains and watch the Inner Harbour come alive. Meanwhile, seaplanes skim the water. Kayakers paddle past the BC Parliament Buildings. Fishing boats return with their morning catch. In the evening, city lights reflect off the waves. Street performers add a lively soundtrack to the scene.
Empress Hotel Gold Victoria View
From here, the upper floors offer views of the Olympic Mountains in Washington State. Ultimately, the sight is a breathtaking reminder that Victoria sits between Canadian charm and Pacific Northwest adventure.
Where Celebrities Come to Feel at Home
The Fairmont Empress in Victoria isn’t shy about its guest list. Over the years, it has hosted Queen Elizabeth II. She reportedly enjoyed her stay so much she had her own special tea blend prepared. In addition, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother, visited during their royal tour. Photographs from that time still adorn the hotel’s hallways.
Hollywood stars have stayed at this Victoria Inner Harbour hotel too. For instance, Shirley Temple once charmed staff by exploring the lobby in her signature curls. Harrison Ford has also been spotted enjoying the privacy the Empress offers. He blended in with other travellers soaking in the view. Even John Travolta has checked in. Altogether, these famous names prove that Victoria’s waterfront can tempt even seasoned jet-setters. The Empress offers something rare: privacy and comfort that make famous guests feel at home.
The Legendary High Tea Experience
No visit to Victoria, BC, is complete without Afternoon Tea at the Empress Hotel. You don’t have to be a guest to enjoy it. After all, it’s more than a meal, it’s a tradition. For over a century, the hotel has served this elegant affair. Expect fine china, tiered trays, and teas that could make any Anglophile swoon.
The setting is pure luxury. Sunlight streams through tall windows. Meanwhile, soft music plays in the background. The aroma of freshly baked scones fills the air. You’ll enjoy delicate finger sandwiches with smoked salmon, cucumber, or egg salad. In addition, buttery pastries and clotted cream rival those of an English country manor.
And yes, there’s a special Empress blend tea, created to honour the hotel’s royal history. Pearls or sneakers, it doesn’t matter. This timeless experience is one of the top things to do in Victoria, BC.
Think of the Gold Room as a boutique hotel within the grand Empress. In addition, you’ll have a dedicated concierge team, a private lounge, and daily gourmet treats.
The Heart of Victoria at Your Doorstep
Victoria, BC
Stay at the Empress, the top heritage hotel in British Columbia, and you’re steps from Victoria’s best attractions. The Royal BC Museum, BC Parliament Buildings, the harbour walkway, boutique shops, and world-class dining are all nearby.
In summer, the harbour comes alive with markets, live music, and food stalls. In winter, the hotel’s holiday lights create a magical scene. As a result, staying at the Empress means front-row access to everything Victoria offers.
A Living Museum of Luxury
Walking through the Empress feels like entering a living museum of Canadian hospitality. Grand chandeliers sparkle above polished wood paneling. Historical artifacts tell stories from more than a century of elegance. Yet the hotel feels vibrant and fresh.
Subtle updates blend seamlessly with timeless details, creating an atmosphere where history and modern comfort meet. The Fairmont Empress wears its past with pride, inviting guests to experience the charm of another era without giving up today’s comforts.
The Empress Hotel: A Must See Destination in Victoria
The Fairmont Empress isn’t just a place to sleep. Instead, it’s a destination in itself. From there, step outside, and EV Tours can whisk you away on a private tour. With us, you can explore the beauty, history, and nature of Victoria and Vancouver Island. So, take in a tour with us.
You’ll see the city the way it was meant to be experienced — with style, comfort, and a touch of luxury.
First, book one of our private EV Tours for a truly personalized experience. Then, complete your trip with a stay at the Fairmont Empress Hotel. In the end, you’ll see the city the way it was meant to be experienced — with style, comfort, and a touch of luxury.
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