Luxury Hotel
Canada

Fairmont Empress
Victoria

Fairmont Empress, Victoria
Fairmont Empress, Victoria
Fairmont Empress, Victoria
Fairmont Empress, Victoria

Highlights

  • Inner Harbour location – Perched on Victoria’s picturesque waterfront, the Fairmont Empress offers direct access to the Inner Harbour. The city’s museums, Parliament Buildings, boutiques and waterfront paths are all within easy walking distance.

  • Elegant heritage-style rooms – The rooms blend Edwardian architecture with modern comfort, featuring rich textiles, deep-soaking tubs and calming tones. Many have views of the harbour, courtyard gardens or Victoria’s historic downtown skyline.

  • Afternoon tea tradition – Served daily in the historic Lobby Lounge, the Empress’s afternoon tea has been a celebrated ritual for over a century, complete with freshly baked scones, finger sandwiches and premium loose-leaf teas.

  • Q at the Empress dining – The hotel’s signature restaurant champions Vancouver Island produce, offering contemporary Pacific Northwest cuisine alongside a carefully curated wine list and cocktails served in a sleek, heritage setting.

  • Willow Stream Spa – A tranquil space offering a range of therapies and treatments inspired by Vancouver Island’s natural beauty, with amenities including a sauna, steam room and mineral bath for post-treatment relaxation.

  • Fairmont Gold experience – Located on a private floor, this ‘hotel within a hotel’ includes dedicated concierge service, a private lounge, and complimentary breakfast, snacks and evening canapés with harbour views for those booked in “Gold” rooms.

Good to know

How do we get there?

The Fairmont Empress is a 30-minute drive from Victoria International Airport, with private transfers or taxis readily available. If arriving by floatplane, you’ll land directly in the Inner Harbour, just a short five-minute walk from the hotel. Bell staff can assist with luggage on arrival, making the transition from air to hotel smooth, scenic and entirely fuss-free.

Are children welcome?

The hotel offers a warm, family-friendly atmosphere with a range of thoughtful touches for younger guests. There are interconnecting rooms and suites, child-size bathrobes on request, and kid-friendly menus in the restaurants. The central location also makes it easy to explore nearby attractions like Beacon Hill Park, the Royal BC Museum, and Fisherman’s Wharf on foot.

For families looking for a bit more space and convenience, the Fairmont Gold floor can work well, offering private lounge access with snacks throughout the day, ideal for refuelling between outings.

Giving back

Here’s a refined summary of the Fairmont Empress’s sustainability policy, with all links removed and written in line with your house style:

The Fairmont Empress operates with a strong commitment to sustainability, following the broader environmental and social goals of the Fairmont and Accor brands. The hotel has eliminated all single-use plastics from guest rooms, restaurants, meeting spaces and spa areas, as part of a global pledge under the UN Global Tourism Plastics Initiative.

The Empress holds Biosphere Certification, recognising its alignment with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals across areas such as energy efficiency, waste management and community impact. Efforts include greenhouse gas monitoring, diverting waste from landfill, and ongoing improvements to water and energy use.

On-site initiatives include a bee apiary, which supports biodiversity and pollination in the hotel’s gardens. In the kitchens, the culinary team champions local sourcing, working with regional farmers and fishers to reduce food miles and support Vancouver Island’s producers.

The hotel’s approach to sustainability is embedded, not bolted on – a quiet but meaningful part of how the Empress continues to evolve while preserving its historic charm.

What's Nearby?

  • Royal BC Museum – Just across the street, this excellent museum blends natural history, Indigenous culture and engaging temporary exhibitions. A great indoor option year-round.

  • Parliament Buildings – A short stroll from the hotel, these grand, historic buildings are open for self-guided or docent-led tours and are beautifully lit at night.

  • Inner Harbour Promenade – Right on your doorstep, the harbourfront path is ideal for a morning walk, with views of floatplanes, sailboats and street performers along the way.

  • Beacon Hill Park – A 15-minute walk brings you to this expansive green space with peacocks, ponds, gardens and winding paths – perfect for a relaxed afternoon.

  • Fisherman’s Wharf – A scenic 10-minute walk along the water leads to this colourful floating village, where you’ll find seafood kiosks, bobbing houseboats and (often) harbour seals.

  • Local shops and galleries – The surrounding streets are full of independent boutiques, local artisan galleries, and cafés for browsing and people-watching.

Why we love the Fairmont Empress

There’s a lot to love about the classic Victorian hotels across Canada with so much history and presence, but arriving by floatplane and “parking” almost at the entrance to the Empress is one of the best arrivals at any hotel.

Caroline 130
Caroline Maber

Destination Expert

Specialises in Canada + The USA
Floatplanes in Victoria Harbour, British Columbia

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