Hotel in BC V8W 1W5, British Columbia, British Columbia
Fairmont Empress
The grande dame of Victoria's Inner Harbour, the Fairmont Empress has been an iconic landmark since 1908. The castle-like ivy-covered building is one of Canada's most photographed hotels. The Empress is famous for its traditional Afternoon Tea (a Victoria institution), the Q Bar, and the sophisticated 1908 Restaurant. The hotel underwent a $60 million restoration in 2017, blending heritage elegance with modern luxury.
The Fairmont Empress stands at 721 Government Street on Victoria's Inner Harbour in British Columbia, one of the province's most recognisable and storied landmarks. Designed by architect Francis Rattenbury and opened in 1908 by the Canadian Pacific Railway, the castle-like structure with its Château-style façade and signature ivy-covered exterior has dominated the Victoria waterfront for more than a century. A landmark CAD $60 million restoration completed in 2017 updated all 464 guest rooms and suites, restored heritage architectural details, and modernised the hotel's dining and wellness facilities while preserving the building's historic character and scale.
The hotel's position at the foot of Government Street, directly fronting the Inner Harbour, places guests within easy walking distance of the Royal BC Museum, the BC Legislature buildings, Fisherman's Wharf, and the Victoria Clipper terminal for passenger ferry sailings to Seattle. The Inner Harbour promenade directly in front of the hotel is one of the most scenic urban waterfront walks in Canada, particularly in summer when whale-watching vessels, harbour ferries, and floatplanes animate the scene.
Afternoon Tea at the Fairmont Empress is arguably the single most iconic hospitality tradition in British Columbia, served daily in the restored Tea Lobby. The service includes the signature Empress Blend tea, finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with cream and preserves, and an array of pastries presented on fine china. Reservations are essential and consistently fill weeks in advance during the summer season. The 1908 Restaurant serves contemporary Canadian cuisine in a heritage dining room, while the Q Bar is a sophisticated venue for craft cocktails and lighter fare.
The Willow Stream Spa, housed in a separate wing of the building, features a heated indoor pool, hot tub, steam room, and a full menu of body treatments. The hotel's service ethos reflects its heritage as one of Canada's great railway hotels: formal in setting yet genuinely warm, with a concierge team deeply knowledgeable about Victoria's cultural calendar, whale-watching seasons, and Gulf Islands day-trip logistics.
Amenities
- Traditional Afternoon Tea
- Willow Stream Spa
- 1908 Restaurant
- Q Bar
- Indoor pool
- Fitness centre
- Harbour views
Visit / Book / Contact
Location
721 Government St, Victoria, BC V8W 1W5
48.4253, -123.3694 — View on map
Highlights
- Iconic Edwardian Château-style building on Victoria's Inner Harbour, open since 1908 and fully restored in 2017
- World-famous Afternoon Tea in the Tea Lobby — one of Canada's most sought-after hospitality traditions
- 1908 Restaurant serving contemporary Canadian cuisine in a beautifully preserved heritage dining room
- Willow Stream Spa with indoor heated pool, hot tub, and a full range of treatments
- Steps from the Royal BC Museum, BC Legislature, and the Inner Harbour promenade
Tips
- Book Afternoon Tea at least 2 to 4 weeks in advance during July and August; it sells out consistently at peak season
- Request a harbour-facing room for views of the Inner Harbour, floatplanes, and whale-watching boats
- The Victoria Clipper passenger ferry to Seattle departs from the Inner Harbour, steps from the hotel's main entrance
- Visit in May or late September for pleasant weather with notably fewer crowds at city attractions
- The hotel's underground parkade is the most convenient parking option; street parking on Government Street is metered and scarce
FAQ
Is Afternoon Tea at the Fairmont Empress open to non-hotel guests?
Yes, Afternoon Tea in the Tea Lobby is open to hotel guests and the public alike. Advance reservations are required and can be made online or by phone; bookings fill weeks in advance during the summer tourist season.
What did the 2017 renovation include?
The CAD $60 million restoration updated all 464 guest rooms and suites, restored original heritage architectural details including plasterwork and woodwork, modernised the dining and spa facilities, and refreshed the lobby and common areas while preserving the building's historic Edwardian character.
How far is the Fairmont Empress from Victoria International Airport?
Victoria International Airport is approximately 25 to 30 minutes from the hotel by taxi or airport shuttle. Several services operate regular routes between the airport and the Inner Harbour.
Are pets allowed at the Fairmont Empress?
The Fairmont Empress is pet-friendly and welcomes dogs in designated pet-friendly rooms. Fees apply and advance notice is required; guests should contact the hotel directly for specific room availability and pet policies.
Accessibility
The Fairmont Empress is wheelchair accessible, with a ramped entrance, accessible guest rooms featuring roll-in showers and grab bars, and elevator access to all floors and the spa level. The Inner Harbour promenade directly outside is largely flat and paved. Some heritage wing corridors may have minor threshold variations due to the building's original 1908 construction.