Victoria Hotels: Luxury Victoria Resort Hotel at Fairmont Empress The Fairmont Empress
 
Destination Guide

Things to See and Do in Victoria, British Columbia

Victoria is one of the most temperate climates in Canada and enjoys year-round gardens and golfing. Vancouver Island's diverse and unique natural beauty, attractions and offerings will ensure every visitor to Victoria will leave with memories to last a lifetime. Feel free to watch these short YouTube videos that capture the beauty and magic of Victoria:

  1. Trip Idea: Victoria British Columbia

Please email our Concierge for further information or reservations, or click the title of each attraction to be redirected to their website.

Adrena LINE Zipline Adventures
At Adrena LINE Zipline Adventures Tours, experience an exhilarating ride up to 60km/hr as you soar up to 150 feet off the ground on eight scenic ziplines ranging from 150 feet to an unforgettable 1,000 feet

Art Gallery of Victoria
Featuring west coast artists and an Emily Carr exhibit. Tel: (250) 384-4101 

Beacon Hill Park and Kids Petting Zoo 
Located a short walk from the hotel, bring your children to Beacon Hill Park and see them interact with friendly goats, pigs and rabbits, among others. Always a kids’ favourite, the petting zoo takes donations as admission, and is open daily. Open seasonally and home to the annual Luminara Festival.

BC Forest Discovery Centre
Get back to nature and enjoy 100 acres of BC forest heritage. Explore numerous exhibits, demonstrations and historical collections. Located one hour from the hotel. Tel: (250) 715-1113

Butchart Gardens
Butchart Gardens is open daily, year round and offers 55 acres of horticulture beauty. Summer at The Gardens brings ravishing floral splendor and the added attractions of nightly summer musical entertainment, magnificent night illuminations and glorious Saturday night Firework displays.  The Children's Pavilion and Rose Carousel, with its menagerie of thirty hand carved animals is a wonder. Onsite gift shop, visitor services, coffee shop and dining. Located 35 minutes from The Fairmont Empress; transportation can be arranged with www.cvscruisevictoria.com

Visit www.butchartgardens.com

Craigdarroch Castle
Set in the historic Rockland neighborhood, Craigdarroch Castle was built between 1887 and 1890, as a lavish residence for Robert Dunsmuir and his family. The mansion features the best collection of residential stained and leaded glass on the West Coast, magnificent woodwork and period furnishings.
Tel: (250) 592-5323 

Emily Carr House
Located at 207 Government Street, visit the birthplace of Emily Carr, one of Canada’s most famous artists and writer, which has been restored to it’s original beauty, and tells the history of the Carr family. Open seasonal; tel: (250) 383-5843.

Five Star Whale Watching
High-speed Expedition Catamarans offer the best in responsible marine wildlife viewing and plenty of room for everyone. Photograph killer whales (orcas), humpback whales, porpoise, sea lions and seals with picturesque island and coastal mountain backdrops. Captains and marine naturalists have entertained, educated and enthralled passengers since 1985. Tel: (250) 388-7223.

Fort Rodd Hill
Step inside Canada's oldest West Coast Lighthouse and take a look at the colorful displays that tell the stories of ships wrecked and lives saved. Tel: (250) 387-2080 

Horticulture Centre of the Pacific
Come visit the beauty of 110 acres of property, gardens and splendor. Tel: (250) 479-6162

Legislative Buildings  
During the week, the Legislative Building features free sightseeing tours in Victoria, BC, that include guided walk through the buildings, with historical facts and details on Canada's legislature. Located adjacent to The Fairmont Empress. Tel: (250) 387-3046

Maritime Museum
For the sailor in everyone, this historic building offers an important pictorial and model exhibit of the Canadian west coast's maritime history. Located a short stroll up Government Street. Tel: (250) 385-4222

Miniature World
The Greatest Little Show on Earth!  See the Little people's Wonderful World of Smallness.  Special effects in lighting, sound and animation are added to create this miniaturized extravaganza that continues to thrill and delight the young and young at heart. Located in The Fairmont Empress. Tel: (250) 385-9731 

Royal BC Museum
Rated one of the best in North America, this facility offers an incredible learning experience of the natural history of British Columbia. The Ice Age, First Nations and Early Settlement displays provide valuable insight into our past. Located adjacent to The Fairmont Empress.
Tel: (250) 356-7226 


Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre
Vancouver Island's newest exhibit is a favourite for the entire family. An aquarium and marine education centre focused on the amazing ecosystem of the Salish Sea. Open daily from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Tel: (250) 665-7511 

Undersea Garden

See the wonders of the ocean without getting wet. Dive shows every 30 minutes, starting at 10:30 a.m. and ending at 8:30 p.m.

Victoria Bug Zoo
The Victoria Bug Zoo is home to a wide variety of bugs and arachnids found throughout the world. With a variety of living creatures to observe and to hold, kids and adults of all ages will marvel at this amusing and instructive experience. The Victoria Bug Zoo is ideally located one block north of The Fairmont Empress. Tel: (250) 384-2847.

Victoria Carriage Tours
Victoria's premier sightseeing carriage tour providing tours since 1978. Enjoy the best of Victoria by horse drawn carriage year-round. Professional drivers in tuxedos and top hats give fully guided tours which may include the fascinating Inner Harbour, the beautiful scenery of Beacon Hill Park and the charm of James Bay's history.  Pickup or drop off at The Fairmont Empress at no extra charge. Your carriage awaits! Tel: (250) 383-2207.

Victoria Harbour Ferries
An unforgettable marine adventure around Victoria's Inner Harbour narrated by knowledgeable Ferry Captains. Frequent "ports of call" of Victoria's major attractions. Open late March to mid October annually. Tel: (250) 708-0201.

Walkabout Historical Tours
Specializing in historical walking tours that highlight the Inner Harbour, Old Town, Market Square, heritage homes, Antique Row, Chinatown and amazing characters from Victoria's past. The walking tours are approximately 90 minutes and Walkabout is proud to feature an Empress Tour.  Tel: (250) 592-9255

Please note The Fairmont Empress strives to provide accurate information for all partners and updates to the information listed above is made as available. As such, we cannot be held responsible for errors to the information provided.

 
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The Fairmont
Empress

721 Government Street
Victoria, British Columbia
Canada
V8W1W5
TOLL FREE: 1(866) 540-4429
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TEL (250) 384-8111
FAX (250) 381-4334
E-MAIL theempress@fairmont.com
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