Fairmont Empress
Victoria, Canada
721 Goverment Street, Victoria, Canada, V8W 1W5
Original Property Opened in 1908
Historic Hotels Worldwide member since 2018
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The Fairmont Empress is one of the oldest hotels in Victoria, British Columbia, and is an iconic symbol of the city. Opened in 1908, this gorgeous hotel was designed by Francis Rattenbury and overlooks Victoria’s Inner Harbour. It is now designated as a National Historic Site of Canada, and recognized as one of the Top 21 Iconic Hotels in the World by National Geographic Traveler Magazine, honored by Travel + Leisure as a Top Canadian Hotel, and is a Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice and Gold List Hotel. Fairmont Empress has played host to several big names over the years, in politics, entertainment, and royalty. Prince Edward of Wales, his brother and sister-in-law King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, and HRH Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip have all stayed at this luxury hotel. As part of the heart of Victoria’s city center, Fairmont Empress is in the perfect location for guests to experience all the grandeur of the historic locale. The hotel sits just steps away from whale watching tour providers, float plane services, the Royal British Columbia Museum, and shops on historic Government Street. It is just a 30-minute drive from the famous Butchart Gardens.
Discover
- Discover the beautiful Palm Court at the Fairmont Empress. This spectacular event space features gorgeous Italian marble floors and a majestic domed ceiling outfitted with Tiffany-style stained glass.
- Admire the gorgeous historic architecture of this extraordinary holiday destination. The Fairmont Empress was constructed in 1908 to resemble a gorgeous chateau from the French Renaissance. This remarkable historic hotel is now a National Historic Site of Canada.
- Marvel at the luxurious accommodations at the Fairmont Empress. Many illustrious guests have stayed at this magnificent historic hotel over the years, including Rita Hayworth, Katherine Hepburn, and Roger Moore.
Explore
- Explore Craigdarroch Castle nearby. Protected as a National Historic Site of Canada, Craigdarroch Castle was originally constructed as a Scottish Baronial-style mansion during the late 1890s. It is now a popular house museum renowned for its stunning historical architecture.
- Travel to the Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites, which are located adjacent to one another. Fort Rodd Hill is a former artillery fortress founded during the late 19th century. The Fisgard Lighthouse on the other hand is the most historic lighthouse in all of Western Canada.
- Take a day to visit the Hatley Park National Historic Site. The centerpiece of this amazing location is Hatley Castle, which features beautiful Edwardian architecture, as well as a series of gorgeous formal gardens. Many movies have even been filmed at Hatley Castle, including several motion pictures that are part of the X-Men franchise.
Experience
- Experience the Royal BC Museum. Founded in 1886, this impressive cultural institution is dedicated to chronicling the extensive human and natural history of British Columbia. It is also home to the British Columbia Provincial Archives.
- Stroll through Victoria’s historic Chinatown neighborhood. A designated National Historic Site of Canada, this district is the second most historic “Chinatown” in all of North America. Today, this resplendent area is replete with boutique storefronts, stunning theaters, and brilliant restaurants.
- Gaze upon the inherent beauty of The Butchart Gardens. Located a few miles to the north of Victoria, The Butchart Gardens feature more than 54 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens. This magnificent outdoor destination is now protected as a National Historic Site of Canada.
Taste
- Taste some delicious seafood at Fisherman’s Wharf Park nearby. Many artisan food shops and boutique restaurants offer a rich menu of this culinary delicacy that has been caught fresh from the nearby bay.
- Enjoy a Nanaimo Bar when out exploring Victoria. While the Nanaimo Bar originated in the Canadian city of Nanaimo, this outstanding dessert is popular across British Columbia. This multilayered treat consists of a coconut-crumb base, followed by custard icing and a chocolate ganache.
- Delight in some fantastic afternoon tea at the Fairmont Empress, which has been a beloved culinary tradition ever since the hotel first opened. Guests have especially adored the rich strawberry jam that comes with the delectable pastries that are served during this incredibly memorable event.
FEATURED ACCOMMODATIONS
Featured Offer
Book the Best Available Rate at this property on HistoricHotelsWorldwide.com and receive a complimentary one-year family membership (a $30 value) to the National Trust for Historic Preservation in the United States, a member of the International National Trusts Organisation.
