Fairmont Empress

Hotel · Downtown

11

@travelleisure

Canada’s No. 1 Hotel in 2025 Is 117 Years Old—but It ‘Only Keeps Getting Better’

"Perched on the Inner Harbour with commanding waterfront views, this historic property—originally opened in 1908—blends grand, visually striking design with surprisingly modern, approachable luxury. Guests praise the consistently stellar service and the polished public spaces, and note that extensive updates (a more-than-$60-million renovation in 2017 and a refreshed premium offering in 2023) have kept the hotel feeling current rather than dated." - Lydia Mansel Lydia Mansel Lydia Mansel is a writer with more than eight years of experience editing and writing for both brands and online publications—with a particular focus on travel, fashion, and lifestyle. She’s also the founder of the travel site justpacked.com.  Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines

https://www.travelandleisure.com/worlds-best-awards-2025-hotels-resorts-canada-11748916

721 Government St, Victoria, BC V8W 1W5, Canada Get directions

fairmont.com
@fairmontempress

11 Postcards

See full details

More Places For You

Foo Asian Street Food

Pan-Asian restaurant · Harris Green

Asian fusion street food with sweet & sour pork belly

0 Postcards

Eagle Wing Whale & Wildlife Tours

Whale watching tour agency · Songhees

Whale watching tours with expert guides, warm gear, and luxury boats

1 Postcard

GoodSide Pastry House

Pastry shop · South Jubilee

Delicious croissants, cakes, cookies & rotating drip coffee.

1 Postcard

BoulderHouse Climbing

Rock climbing gym · Rock Bay

Victoria's premiere bouldering facility with 8 circuits

1 Postcard

Beacon Hill Park

Park · Fairfield

Park with peacocks, gardens, ponds, and a bandshell

2 Postcards

John's Place Restaurant

Canadian restaurant · Chinatown

Canadian comfort fare: housemade breads, pies, creative breakfast

1 Postcard

Hey Happy

Cafe · Chinatown

Sleek coffee bar with excellent coffee, pastries, and vegan options

1 Postcard

Munro's Books

Book store · Downtown

Elegant store in historic building, vast book selection, friendly staff

1 Postcard

The Magnolia Hotel and Spa

Hotel · Downtown

Upscale hotel with spa, Mediterranean dining, & plush rooms

3 Postcards

Fishhook

Restaurant · Harris Green

Local seafood with Indian & French flair, known for chowder

1 Postcard