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Since 1898, the Fairmont Empress has been Victoria's most iconic and celebrated hotel. Set in prime position on Victoria's Inner Harbour and next to the government buildings, its fascinating history and pedigree is a marvel for all visitors to the city.
Highlights
Victoria's most iconic hotel with the prime location on the Inner Harbour front
Beautiful historic building with wonderful harbour views
Famous afternoon tea served daily
Wonderful Willow Stream spa and indoor pool
Steeped in tradition with elegance and opulence flowing through its refined hallways, the Fairmont Empress surely is the "grand dame" of Vancouver Islands hotels. Its ivy clad walls take pride of place on Victoria's Inner Harbour, making it a tourist attraction in itself, with many visitors flocking to take a peak at it.
A stay at the Fairmont Empress is like stepping back in time. Beyond the more modern atrium style reception the hallways sweep through into the magnificent Empress Dining Room and beyond into the serene and elegant tea lounge where guests come from far and wide to experience Victoria's definitive Afternoon Tea. With several seating's throughout the day, guests can indulge in a decadent array of delicate sandwiches, sweet treats and scones whilst listening to the piano being played by the resident pianist. Continue further and you arrive in the Bengal Lounge. Drawing inspiration from Queen Victoria's role as Empress of India, the Bengal Lounge is renowned for its authentic curry cuisine and signature martini.
Beyond the sumptuous mouth-watering goodies on offer, the hotel also houses one of the first Fairmont Willow Stream Spas. With 85 authentically local aesthetic and spa treatments customized to your needs it is the perfect spot for a touch of pampering.
With 477 guest rooms, the Fairmont Empress is certainly not a boutique hotel, however, the traditional style of the hotel lingers on throughout the rooms from the original wood furniture through to the classic décor.
The Fairmont Gold Floor with its superb harbour views and dedicated lounge and concierge offers the best accommodations in the hotel. Having recently undergone a multi million dollar refurbishment, these are the freshest rooms in the hotel, many with new bathrooms and come highly recommended, along with the superb additional extras of being part of the Fairmont Gold experience
For those who would like to be part of the full Victoria experience, a stay at the Fairmont Empress is a must.
When to visit
Become a member of the Fairmont President's Club, it's free to join and guests enjoy lots of little extras during their stay
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Located right on Victoria's Inner Harbour on Vancouver Island, this iconic hotel has the absolute prime location.
It is a 9-hour flight to Vancouver followed by a 30-minute seaplane flight to Victoria Inner Harbour.
Oswego Hotel
A modern and chic urban retreat in a prime location just steps away from Victoria's Inner harbour, the Oswego Hotel offers contemporary all suite accommodations perfect for couples and families looking for a comfortable base whilst exploring the city
Day 1 - Farewell Harbour Lodge
On your first day at Farewell Harbour, you'll arrive at the lodge by water taxi from Alder Bay. After a welcome orientation and lunch, you'll head off by boat in search of marine wildlife on the Johnson Strait.
Day 3 - Farewell Harbour Lodge
Today you'll be back on the water for another bear viewing safari or you can opt for an extenstive exploration of the Johnstone Strait in search of whales.
Whistler Bear Viewing Tour
Whistler has a population of around 50 black bears who have adapted to the alpine environment. This 3-hour tour takes you out to visit the areas most frequented by them with short walks to main feeding sites, day beds and rub trees. Travel by 4x4 vehicle
Guided 1-hour Zodiac Nature Tour at Sonora
Go on an adventure in Sonora's 28-foot Eaglemaster. Kitted out with all the gear and headphones, communicate with your guide as you whiz through channels and whirlpools in search of porpoises, dolphins, orca whales and bald eagles swooping down to feed.
Vallea Lumina Experience
Enjoy a magical night time experience in the forests surrounding Whistler. Join an evening excursion in search of a hidden valley that’s filled with unexpected enchantment.
First Nations Canoe with T'ashii Paddle
Canoe in traditional cedar canoes to Meares Island and learn about First Nations history, knowledge and stories with Tsimka, the co-owner of the school and a Tla-o-qui-aht woman who grew up in her traditional territory, Tofino.
Coastal Bear Watch from Tofino
Travel by Zodiac along the calm and tranquil waters of Clayoquot Sound in search of coastal black bears who wander down to the water's edge to forage for food. Viewing from the water ensures an up close encounter with these fascinating creatures.
Day 2 - Farewell Harbour Lodge
Today will be a wildlife viewing day to remember as you head out by boat to on your first full day bear viewing adventure to one of the main grizzly viewing estuaries.
White Water Rafting in Whistler
Choose from three fantastic white water rafting tours within easy striking reach of Whistler. From bouncy family friendly paddles on Green River through to challenging Grade 4 adventures on the Elaho and Squamish Rivers, there's something for everyone!