Edwardian harbourfront castle
Turrets and steep gables rise over the Inner Harbour, while guests gather beneath a tiered crystal chandelier in the grand lobby.
“The hotel’s famous afternoon tea is served on replicas of the tea set gifted to the hotel by King George VI and his wife, Queen Elizabeth.”
Where it shines
Remarkable
Francis Rattenbury designed this 1908 Canadian Pacific Railway landmark, a National Historic Site.
Notable
Dedicated Fairmont Gold concierges, private harbour-view lounge breakfasts, and plush custom bedding.
What they say
One Michelin Key
Michelin
Forbes Recommended
Forbes Travel Guide
2026
Also in Condé Nast Traveler and Tatler.
Despite its island location, Victoria has its own version of the railway-style grand hotels that span Canada from coast to coast.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Harbourfront walkways and whale-watching docks sit right outside, with the illuminated British Columbia Parliament Buildings just down the promenade.
The rooms
Neutral tones meet original crown moldings and geometric carpets, framing sweeping views of Victoria Harbour or manicured courtyard gardens.
The pool and gym
Bring a swimsuit.
A heated indoor pool and whirlpool sit beneath exposed steel trusses, steps from a 24-hour fitness center.
The spa
Eleven treatment rooms offer bodywork and detoxification wraps incorporating honey harvested from the hotel's on-site apiaries.
Dogs stay too.
Restaurant
Tea at the Empress (Lobby Lounge)
Warm scones and twenty-one loose-leaf teas fill tiered trays under classical columns, followed by evening tea cocktails.
Redone guest rooms are awash in contemporary neutral grays, whites and dark browns and manage to maintain a classic, elegant feel despite modern amenities.
Q Bar
Bartenders pour signature indigo gin cocktails under pop-art portraits of Queen Victoria, accompanied by nightly live music.
How it began
Built in 1908 for the Canadian Pacific Railway, this coastal fortress has welcomed royal tours and waltzing princes across generations.
“Rooms are what you’d expect from one of Canada’s classiest hotels: sophisticated and subdued, in neutral colors but with pops of jewel tones...”
Good to know
Stay here
Fairmont Empress
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Victoria
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.