Fairmont Empress Hotel

The story of the Fairmont Empress begins in the early 1900s, when the Canadian Pacific Railway was developing a network of grand hotels across Canada to welcome travelers arriving by rail and steamship. For Victoria, architect Francis Rattenbury was commissioned to design a landmark property overlooking the city’s Inner Harbor. Construction started in 1904, and the hotel opened its doors on January 20, 1908, quickly becoming one of the most prominent buildings along the waterfront.

The hotel was named in honor of Queen Victoria, who carried the title Empress of India during part of her reign. From the beginning, the Empress was more than just a place for overnight stays. It became a social hub for Victoria, where travelers, local residents, and dignitaries gathered for celebrations, meetings, and special occasions. Its location facing the harbor placed it at the center of the city’s daily life, and over time, the building grew into one of Victoria’s most recognizable landmarks.

As the decades passed, the hotel expanded and adapted to changing times. A new south wing was added in 1912 to accommodate increasing numbers of visitors. During the 1960s, the building faced possible demolition, but a major renovation project known as “Operation Teacup” preserved the structure and refreshed many of its spaces. Recognition of the hotel’s significance came in 1981 when it was designated a National Historic Site of Canada. More recently, a large restoration completed in 2017 renewed guest rooms and public areas while carefully protecting the property’s historic features.

The Fairmont Empress follows the Château style that became closely associated with Canada’s early grand railway hotels. The design draws inspiration from European castles, with a mix of steep copper roofs, dormers, gables, and turreted corners that give the building its recognizable silhouette along Victoria’s Inner Harbor. Brick and stone construction adds to the sense of scale, helping the hotel stand out as a landmark on the waterfront.

Rather than following a strict symmetrical layout, the building was planned with projecting pavilions, tall oriel windows, and an arcaded loggia that brings depth and movement to the structure. These elements create a layered façade that changes depending on the angle from which the hotel is viewed, especially from the harbor side. Inside, several original architectural features continue to define the public spaces. Wood detailing, classical columns, and the well-known glass ceiling above the Palm Court remain part of the interiors, allowing natural light to filter into one of the hotel’s central gathering areas.

Recent updates have focused on refreshing guest accommodations while respecting the historic structure. A multi-million dollar renovation introduced an expanded Fairmont Gold section with 22 additional guest rooms and a newly redesigned private lounge. Often described as a hotel within a hotel, this level offers a more elevated and private experience with a dedicated first-floor reception and concierge service. Guests staying on this level also have access to the exclusive Gold Lounge, where daily breakfast, all-day refreshments, and evening canapés are served in a more intimate setting.

The Bengal

The Bengal at the Fairmont Empress brings back one of the hotel’s historic dining rooms in a setting that blends heritage details with a lighter, garden-inspired interior. It’s open for both breakfast and dinner.

The menu brings together classic breakfast favorites and contemporary dishes prepared with regional ingredients. In the morning, guests can choose from options like smoked salmon plates, avocado toast, egg dishes, pastries, and sweet items such as pancakes, waffles, and French toast. Dinner leans toward refined West Coast-style cooking, alongside a few plant-based options.

Opening hours:
Breakfast 6:30 am - 11:00 am
Dinner: 5:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Q at the Empress

Q at the Empress is one of the hotel’s signature dining spaces, set inside a historic room that dates back to the property’s early years. The restaurant keeps much of its original character, including a cherry wood ceiling and detailed moldings, while the interiors introduce a more contemporary design that gives the space a refreshed look.

The kitchen focuses on Pacific Northwest cooking, with dishes built around regional seafood, seasonal produce, and ingredients sourced from nearby farms and producers. Alongside the food, the restaurant also highlights a strong wine selection, featuring bottles from British Columbia as well as international vineyards, giving guests plenty of options to pair with their meal.

Reservations are recommended, especially during busy travel seasons and weekends.

Opening hours:
Breakfast: 6:30 am - 11:00 am
Dinner: 5:30 pm - 9:30 pm

The Veranda

The Veranda is a seasonal outdoor patio overlooking Victoria’s Inner Harbor, offering a relaxed spot to sit outside and take in the waterfront views. The space has long been part of the hotel’s social scene, especially during warmer months when guests gather here for drinks and light meals.

The menu focuses on casual plates and shareable bites, including seafood platters, oysters, chips with dip, pizzas, and a few larger dishes such as local fish and seasonal specialties. Drinks range from cocktails and wine to refreshing summer beverages that pair well with the harbor setting.

Opening hours: 1:00 pm - 7:00 pm

The Lobby Lounge

Set within the hotel’s historic Tea Lobby, The Lobby Lounge offers a relaxed space for drinks and light bites throughout the day. Surrounded by chandeliers and classic architectural details, it works as an easy meeting spot in the afternoon and becomes more lively in the evening when live music fills the room.

The menu focuses on relaxed bar-style dining, with a mix of small plates, shareable bites, and seafood-centered options that pair easily with drinks. Guests will find light snacks, grazing plates, and a few heartier dishes designed for casual sharing alongside cocktails, wine, or spirits. Booking a table in advance is recommended.

Opening hours:
Lunch & Dinner / Bar Service - 11:00 am - 11:00 pm
Live music: 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Afternoon Tea

Afternoon Tea is one of the signature traditions at the Fairmont Empress, a ritual the hotel has hosted for more than a century. Guests settle into the airy tea lobby while a classic tiered service arrives with warm scones, house-made strawberry jam, delicate pastries, and neatly prepared finger sandwiches.

The tea selection is an important part of the experience. Guests can choose from a curated range of premium loose-leaf blends created specifically for the hotel, including signature black, green, and herbal teas inspired by traditional British tea culture. Many of these blends are exclusive to the Empress, served in fine royal China gifted to the hotel in 1939. For those who want to turn the occasion into a longer celebration, Champagne can also be added to the service, creating a slightly more festive version of this long-standing tradition.
Reservations are required and should be made in advance.

Opening hours: 11:00 am - 2:00 pm

If you are planning a wedding in the city, the Fairmont Empress is one of the well-known venues with several historic spaces for events. Over the years, the property has hosted everything from smaller ceremonies with close family to larger receptions that bring together hundreds of guests. Couples planning their wedding here usually work with one of the hotel’s wedding specialists who helps coordinate the different details of the day. The culinary team can also help shape the reception menu, working with couples to create food and drink offerings that reflect the season, the style of the event, and personal preferences. Several event spaces inside the hotel can be used for receptions and gatherings before or after the main celebration. The property also offers outdoor areas that can be arranged for open-air ceremonies, especially during the warmer months.

Crystal Ballroom
Venue type and style: The Crystal Ballroom is one of the hotel’s largest event spaces, featuring crystal chandeliers and a flexible layout that works well for grand receptions, formal dinners, and wedding celebrations.
Capacity: 450 guests

Shaughnessy Ballroom & Garden Terrace
Venue type and style: Regal and dramatic, the Shaughnessy Ballroom includes its own private entrance along with access to a garden terrace, making it suitable for receptions, celebrations, and larger events.
Capacity: 300 guests

Outdoor Event Spaces
Venue type and style: The hotel’s outdoor areas provide open-air settings for ceremonies, receptions, and celebrations, with spaces that shift in character through the seasons and overlook the surrounding gardens and harbor.
Capacity: 500 guests

The Palm Court
Venue type and style: Adjacent to the Crystal Ballroom, the Palm Court serves as a welcoming pre-function area with Italian marble flooring and a striking stained glass dome ceiling.
Capacity: 200 guests

The Library
Venue type and style: Dating back to the early 1900s, the Library Room has a stately atmosphere with traditional details that give it the feel of a historic study, creating a more intimate space for smaller gatherings.
Capacity: 40 guests

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

Victoria is widely known as one of Canada’s most bike-friendly cities. Guests staying at the hotel can borrow complimentary BMW bikes to explore nearby cycling routes. Popular paths close to the property include the Galloping Goose Trail and Beacon Hill Park, both offering scenic routes through the city and green spaces.

Visitors interested in local history can explore places such as the Sooke Region Museum & Visitor Centre, the Church of Saint John the Divine, or Craigdarroch Castle, a well-known historic mansion that reflects the city’s late nineteenth century architecture and history. The surrounding landscapes of Vancouver Island offer many outdoor options. Depending on the season, visitors can go hiking, kayaking, fishing, diving, or even ziplining through forest areas. Trails like the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail are popular for coastal hikes and ocean views.

The Fairmont Empress is for much more than just weddings. It is a favorite spot for personal celebrations like big birthdays, anniversaries, family reunions, and private dinners. Because of its historic feel and beautiful harbor views, the hotel has been a major part of the city’s social life for years, hosting parties of all sizes. The hotel is also a busy hub for business. It regularly hosts meetings, conferences, and formal corporate dinners. With over 18,000 square feet (1672 square meters) of event space, the property can handle anything from a small private meeting to a huge gala. Guests can choose from a variety of rooms, ranging from modern meeting spaces to grand, historic ballrooms. Those interested in hosting an event can reach out to the hotel’s events team for more details and planning support.