[2024 Victoria Stay] Travel Guide for Fairmont Empress Hotel (Updated Nov)
Victoria, Canada.
When I arrived in Victoria, I learned that it is the capital of British Columbia. It is located on an inland island larger than Taiwan, which can only be reached by a giant ferry. The scenery along the way is beautiful. This garden-like city is known as the Provence of Canada. It is also a political center, with its Parliament Building and Royal Hotel. The area is so large that it is intimidating, and you can switch between urban and rural life at will.
🚗 Victoria City Hall: Built in 1891, it was designed by the famous architect Herman Otto Tiedemann Lange in the Neo-Gothic architectural style. This magnificent building is not only the seat of the BC provincial government but also one of the most iconic attractions in Victoria. Highly recommended!
🚗 Empress Hotel: You can experience imperial history in one of the hotel's rooms or suites and enjoy panoramic views of Victoria's Inner Harbor. With its long history and iconic architecture, its unique green dome and gorgeous interior decoration showcase the luxury and sophistication of the time. In addition to being a hotel, the Empress Hotel is also an important landmark in downtown Victoria.
🚗 Chinese Canadian Museum in Victoria
The Chinese Canadian Museum in Victoria
The museum is small, less than 200 square meters, slightly larger than a shop, but worth a visit. The museum exhibits the experiences of the first generation of Chinese immigrants in Canada, from gold mining to building the Pacific Railway, to the head tax on Chinese people, the Chinese Exclusion Act, and the Canadian government's apology. Victoria's Chinatown is the first Chinatown in Canada.
🚗 Harbor and Fisherman's Wharf
Enjoy the scenery of Victoria's harbor and various historical buildings. Located on the seaside in the city center, you can walk along the seaside boardwalk in the city center for a day trip. The wharf is divided into a fishing boat area, a restaurant area, and a houseboat area.
🚗 Craigdarroch Castle: Built in the late 19th century, it is a luxurious Victorian mansion that showcases the lifestyle and culture of the time.
🚗 Hatley Castle: A magnificent castle building that combines Gothic and Jacobean styles, with a solemn and gorgeous appearance and a majestic atmosphere. Its design is inspired by European castles and English country estates, showcasing the luxury and opulence of the Victorian era.
🚗 Victoria Cathedral
It is the largest Gothic cathedral in the world, but it is interspersed with traces of Arab mosques everywhere. It is a product of religious art with both Islamic and Christian styles, reflecting the historical changes of religion as a tool of rule.
🚗 St. Andrew's Cathedral
St. Andrew's Cathedral is a historic Roman Catholic church in Victoria. Built in 1892, the church was designed by architect John Teague in the Gothic Revival style.
ExpeditionAdventurer111
Victoria Travel Guide｜Transportation, Accommodation, and Food Recommendations.
Make the most of the good weather 😉
Today, we're exploring Victoria, a city near Vancouver ✌🏻
⛴️Transportation
Buy a ferry ticket on the BC Ferries website to get to the island. The ferry ride takes 1h35min.
One-way ticket price 🎫:
- 19.1/person
- If you choose to drive onto the ferry, the ticket is 80.75
The departure port in Vancouver is Tswwassen. It is recommended to arrive at the ticket gate 30min-1h before departure.
🏨Accommodation
For convenience, we chose the Fairmont Express, which is in a great location for city walks! City Hall and the Royal Museum are right outside the door.
The hotel is decorated in a retro style, but the rooms are small (if you mind, we recommend choosing another hotel nearby 🌟).
🥘Food
👩🏻🍳 II Terrazzo: A popular Italian restaurant in DT. Reservations are recommended. Recommended dishes: CAPESANTE e TONNO AFFUMICATO (scallops and smoked tuna)/SPAGHETTI CARBONARA (steak and cream pasta)/GRIGLIATA di Carne (steak, lamb chops, and duck leg platter).
👩🏻🍳 Red Fish Blue Fish: Street food fish and chips next to Inner Harbor. The fish is fresh and tender. We recommend trying the halibut.
👩🏻🍳 Uchida Eatery: A hidden gem of a Japanese restaurant in an alley. We recommend the assorted sashimi donburi. It is only open four days a week, so be sure to check the opening hours before you go.
👩🏻🍳 Bodega: Spanish food with a great atmosphere. Each dish is small but delicious, perfect for drinking and chatting 🍷.
👩🏻🍳 Don Mee: Hong Kong-style dim sum in Chinatown. Authentic taste. The waiters push carts around the restaurant, and you can take whatever you want to eat. We recommend going early to avoid the long lines.
Stay tuned for the next article on travel routes and attractions 😎
More travel guides in the "World Travel 🌍" collection
Simmons_99 Ethan
A Delicious Holiday in Victoria: Discover Romantic Hotels and Culinary Delights!
Victoria is a romantic and charming city that preserves the elegance of history while exuding modern vitality. For adventurous foodies, nothing is more exciting than spending an unforgettable weekend in this city. Let me take you on an unforgettable journey to Victoria, where you can experience unique hotels and mouthwatering cuisine.
Hotel Experience: A Perfect Blend of Luxury and Classic
Upon arriving in Victoria, you'll be greeted by captivating historic hotels. For example, the Fairmont Empress Hotel, with its magnificent architecture and antique-filled interiors, makes every corner seem to tell a story from the past. Imagine enjoying a delicious afternoon tea by a cozy fireplace, as if time stands still in that moment.
For a more modern experience, consider the Oak Bay Beach Hotel, where every room offers stunning views of the harbor, along with top-notch comfort and service. With a comfortable bed and beautiful views outside the window, it's the perfect choice for a romantic getaway.
Culinary Exploration: From Mediterranean Flavors to Local Delicacies
Victoria's cuisine is a true journey, filled with exotic flavors and local tastes. First on the list is Jam Cafe, a breakfast spot beloved by locals and tourists alike. Their signature eggs benedict and pancakes will redefine your idea of brunch.
If you're a seafood lover, don't miss Red Fish Blue Fish. Located in a harbor-side shipping container, this restaurant is known for its sustainable fresh seafood. Enjoy their signature fish and chips, accompanied by a gentle sea breeze and a spectacular sunset—this is the true taste of Victoria.
As the sun sets, take a stroll to 10 Acres Bistro, a restaurant famous for its farm-to-table fresh ingredients and innovative Mediterranean dishes. Dishes like smoked salmon salad and roasted lamb leg are made with care and bursting with flavor, making every bite a delightful surprise.
Tips
1. Book in Advance: Whether it's a hotel or a restaurant, to ensure the best experience, it's recommended to book in advance.
2. Walk and Explore: Most attractions in the city center are within walking distance, making it convenient to explore hidden gems and beautiful scenery on foot.
With this guide, embark on a dreamlike journey and experience the unparalleled beauty and endless allure of Victoria. Enjoy the perfect combination of romance and deliciousness this weekend!
Amelia37 Brooks~
The same afternoon tea as the queen on 520.
Fairmont Empress Hotel
British afternoon tea has become popular worldwide in an elegant way. On 520, have the same afternoon tea as the queen and feel that life has become elegant and temperamental instantly!
The most famous of the Fairmont Empress Hotel in Victoria, Canada, is the afternoon tea praised by Queen Elizabeth. More than 100,000 people come to enjoy it every year. Thick carpets, exquisite walnut furniture, soft floral sofas... The sugar cubes, milk utensils and cutlery on the table are all shiny silverware, and the tea cups and tea trays are also special items with the crown mark of the Empress Hotel.... There are eight teas on the tea menu, and we chose the first item Empress Blend. This is a black tea specially made by the hotel when the queen stayed here, and it has become the signature tea of the hotel.
Victoria Empress Hotel, politicians and celebrities from various countries like to stay in this hotel when they come to BC. The room rate is a bit expensive, but it is also a place that must be tried once in a lifetime. It was built in 1908 and has a history of more than 100 years. The hotel was originally built by reclamation and the cost was huge. Reflective hardwood floors, velvet furniture, carved window frames and beams, the fortress-like building is full of imperial style. The building is tall and exquisite, with green vines climbing up the wall to the roof. Every time the Queen of England comes to Victoria, she must stay here, and the hotel also has a passage and suite for the queen.
For us in 2021, the rooms of the Empress Hotel are a bit cramped. After all, it was built more than 100 years ago, and it is completely understandable. Therefore, I strongly recommend the exquisite afternoon tea facing the sea
Outside now;
COOPER MATTHEWS
The Fairmont Empress, a century-old castle hotel, turns spring into a poem.
The Fairmont Empress offers an extraordinary atmosphere, a royal history, and panoramic views of Victoria Harbor.
In addition to the must-see Butchart Garden, whale watching, seaplane tours, and museum tours in Victoria, there is also a highly recommended Bug Zoo for families with children. If your child is interested in nature, insects, and biology, they will definitely love this place.
🏨Fairmont Empress
📍721 Government St, Victoria, Canada
AstroPhoenix_890
The Fairmont in Victoria: A century-old encounter with elegance.
This National Day, I embarked on an unforgettable journey. I was fortunate enough to experience the Fairmont Express Hotel in beautiful Victoria, which was truly an ultimate enjoyment. 😎
I originally only booked a standard room, but I didn't expect to be upgraded to a Gold Member and a sea view suite when I checked in! This unexpected joy made me ecstatic. 😍The treatment of Gold Members is really great. You can enjoy all kinds of food and wine in the lounge, as well as a rich breakfast and afternoon tea. The lounge is located on the second floor, facing the beautiful inner harbor. The sea breeze gently brushed my face, and the warm sun shone on my body. While tasting the food and wine, I enjoyed the picturesque scenery in front of me, and all my troubles disappeared instantly. 🌊
The suite is over 80 square meters, with a hall and a large guest room, each with a bathroom. Although it is a century-old building, it is very well maintained and exudes elegance everywhere. Compared with modern luxury hotels, it has a deeper heritage, making people feel like they are in a castle, and instantly feel like a princess or prince. 👸🤴
In the morning, I opened the curtains and saw the beautiful view of Victoria Harbor; at night, when the lights were on and the world was quiet, I sat on the large sofa in the hall, quietly looking at the calm sea and ships, and my heart calmed down. The soft bed gave me a good night's sleep. 🛏️The hotel also offers drinks. You can enjoy a cocktail in the bar on the first floor every day. This service is simply first-class. 🥂
Friends who have the opportunity to go to Victoria, don't miss this wonderful encounter with the Fairmont Hotel. 💕
SilverLining424242
Victoria is so beautiful | Fairmont Empress Hotel.
📍Address: 721 Government St, Inner Harbour
🚗Transportation: The hotel is about 970 m from Victoria Inner Harbour Seaplane Base, a 11-minute walk; about 27.2 km from Victoria International Airport, a 33-minute drive.
🌟Highlights: The hotel faces the beautiful harbor, with a pedestrian street on the right and the city hall on the left. It is close to the city center and famous attractions. The hotel rooms are clean and tidy, the gray-green tone is calming, the corridors are spacious, and the walls on both sides are hung with historical photos of the hotel. The atrium elevator is a great picture in picture.
⛱Hotel Environment: The hotel lobby's crystal chandelier, the reception hall's antler chandelier, and the colored glass ceiling are all very distinctive, full of British style, and the details are elegant and luxurious.
💰Average Consumption: About CNY 1,500, high cost performance.
📌Tips: Overall very good, you will not regret staying here, it is quite good value, and there is beautiful scenery outside the door.
MARIAH ADKINS
Victoria is so beautiful | Fairmont Empress Hotel.
📍Address: 721 Government St, Inner Harbour
🚗Transportation: The hotel is about 970 m from Victoria Inner Harbour Seaplane Base, a 11-minute walk; about 27.2 km from Victoria International Airport, a 33-minute drive.
🌟Highlights: The hotel faces the beautiful harbor, with a pedestrian street on the right and the city hall on the left. It is close to the city center and famous attractions. The hotel rooms are clean and tidy, the gray-green tone is calming, the corridors are spacious, and the walls on both sides are hung with historical photos of the hotel. The atrium elevator is a great picture in picture.
⛱Hotel Environment: The hotel lobby's crystal chandelier, the reception hall's antler chandelier, and the colored glass ceiling are all very distinctive, full of British style, and the details are elegant and luxurious.
💰Average Consumption: About CNY 1,500, high cost performance.
📌Tips: Overall very good, you will not regret staying here, it is quite good value, and there is beautiful scenery outside the door.
caspian_1629
A trip to Canada.
Introduction to Victoria, Canada:
- Geographic location: Victoria is the capital of British Columbia, Canada, located at the southern tip of Vancouver Island, southwest of Canada. It is the largest city on Vancouver Island. Its geographical coordinates are 48°25′ N, 123°22′ W, making it the westernmost major city in Canada.
- Population: As of 2021, the population of Victoria is approximately 91,900, and the population of the entire Greater Victoria area is approximately 397,200.
- Climate: Victoria has a temperate oceanic climate. The average temperature in January is 4℃～5℃, with only about 20 days of frost per year. The average annual rainfall is 27 inches, with the rainy season in winter and a drier summer. Rainfall is relatively low from June to August.
- City features: Victoria is known as the "Garden City" due to its beautiful natural environment, with lush greenery and blooming flowers throughout the city. The city has a strong British influence, with a rich history and culture, combined with the youthful energy of Canada's West Coast. The pace of life is slower here, with a relaxed atmosphere. Victoria has been repeatedly ranked as one of the best cities in the world for retirement.
- Economic industries: Victoria has a developed light industry, including construction hardware, pottery, woodworking, yacht manufacturing, food processing, painting and art. Tourism is also an important industry for the city, and is one of its largest sources of revenue.
Attractions:
- Butchart Gardens: One of the world's most famous private gardens, originally a quarry, later transformed into a magnificent garden by its owner. The garden covers an area of 30 acres and is divided into four sections: New Garden, Italian Garden, Japanese Garden and Rose Garden. There are over 700 species of flowers in the garden, including a 21-meter-high rose fountain and a rose carousel. In summer, there are spectacular firework displays. Visitors can admire the ingenious design, clever layout and exotic flowers. The garden attracts millions of visitors from around the world each year.
- Empress Hotel: One of the famous Fairmont Hotels in Canada, built in 1908 at a cost of over $1.6 million. The hotel's walnut hardwood floors, intricate woven carpets, velvet chair backs with gold-trimmed carvings, and photos of the British Royal Family in the corridors all reflect the ultimate luxury and aristocratic atmosphere of the Victorian era. Queen Elizabeth II stayed here when she visited Victoria. Visitors can also enjoy traditional afternoon tea here.
- Royal BC Museum: The most famous natural and cultural museum in BC, showcasing the province's history from the Ice Age to the present day, with over 14 million precious exhibits. The museum has many vivid dioramas, and the third floor's Aboriginal culture exhibits allow visitors to experience the ancient Aboriginal lifestyle.
- Fisherman's Wharf: Located at the westernmost end of the Inner Harbour, the wharf is lined with colorful houseboats, unique bars, studios and guesthouses. Visitors can purchase fresh seafood caught on the day, enjoy British fish and chips, or sunbathe on the deck and enjoy a relaxing time.
- Hatley Castle: Built in 1908 by former BC Lieutenant Governor James Dunsmuir, located within Royal Roads University, approximately 37 km west of Victoria city centre. The castle's elegant architecture, luxurious interior decoration and exquisite gardens attract many visitors who are curious about the lifestyle of Victoria's wealthy in the early 20th century.
- Inner Harbour: The heart of the city and one of the most popular tourist destinations. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful bay and harbour, with important buildings such as the Parliament Building, Empress Hotel and Pan Pacific Hotel surrounding it. Street performers add to the vibrant atmosphere.
- Victoria Chinatown: The oldest Chinatown in Canada, with Fan Tan Alley being the place where opium was traded in the 19th century. Visitors can find various affordable restaurants and authentic Asian markets, and experience the unique oriental cultural atmosphere.
Hotels:
- Fairmont Empress Hotel: As one of Victoria's iconic hotels, it not only boasts a prime location near the Inner Harbour, but also features unique architectural style and interior decoration. It offers high-quality accommodation and dining experiences, allowing guests to feel like they've travelled back to the Victorian era.
- Victoria Marriott Inner Harbour Hotel: With an excellent location near the Inner Harbour and many attractions, the hotel offers spacious and comfortable rooms, as well as complete facilities including a restaurant, gym and meeting rooms. It is suitable for both business travellers and leisure tourists.
- Oak Bay Beach Hotel: Located in the Oak Bay area, the hotel offers a peaceful and scenic environment with ocean views. It provides various room types and suites, as well as spa and restaurant facilities. It is a perfect place to enjoy a relaxing vacation.
- Hecate Inn: This boutique hotel features a unique design style and a warm atmosphere. It offers personalized service, beautifully decorated rooms and complete facilities. The price is relatively affordable, making it suitable for tourists who value quality and value for money.
AidenMitchell
I highly recommend this century-old brand hotel in Victoria!
Fairmont Empress Hotel, 721 Government Street, Victoria, Canada
The location is excellent and the hotel has a sense of history. It's worth staying in. Plus, the hotel allows dogs to stay for free, which is a big plus.
It was a very pleasant stay. The hotel is located on Government Street, with a beautiful harbor in front, a pedestrian street on the right, and the city hall on the left. The location is excellent. The weather was fine these days, the sky was blue, and the photos were very good.
The Fairmont Empress is a landmark in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, and one of the oldest and most famous hotels in the city, located on Government Street, facing the Inner Harbor. It has been designated as a Canadian National Historic Site.
The Empress Hotel has 477 rooms, overlooking the Inner Harbor or the hotel's back garden.
The Empress Hotel is famous for its Victorian afternoon tea, which offers tea, British scones, preserves, and Empress ice cream in summer.
The hotel is in an absolutely advantageous location, and it is indeed a hotel where the queen has stayed. Afternoon tea has gone up in price again, but the service is quite good. My daughters like their scones and say they are better than the ones I make.
I feel that it is also a glorious defeat.
Jenkins Christina Chris
Empress Hotel- Long Live the Queen
Never thought I would be here!! Visiting where the royal family had tea!! I bought some tea at the gift shop to enjoy!!! Even if you don’t stay here. It’s just breathtaking to walk through such a historical building. Or even just grab a drink at the bar and enjoy the atmosphere.
The crystal ballroom, the tea area, the q bar and lounge. Look up at the crystal chandelier in the lobby, the elegant staircase, the wood detailing in the ceiling! All breathtaking. #localguides #familytrip #historicallandmarks