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Fairmont Empress
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Afternoon Tea
Experience Victoria’s most iconic Afternoon Tea at Fairmont Empress, a beloved tradition served for over a century. Since 1908, the world-renowned hotel has welcomed royalty, celebrities, and dignitaries to enjoy this quintessential Victoria experience. Today, Tea at the Empress continues this celebrated ritual in the elegant Lobby Lounge, where historic grandeur meets modern refinement.
Recognized as one of the best Afternoon Tea experiences in Victoria, Tea at the Empress blends heritage, local flavours, and timeless hospitality.
Tea Service
11:00am- 4:00pm
Reservations are recommended
Address
V8W 1W5, VICTORIA, Canada
Telephone
In order to provide the best experience for all our guests, we maintain a dress code.
Guests who arrive in unsuitable attire may be politely declined. Thank you for your understanding.
The Empress blend is a selection of seasonal, quality teas, created exclusively for Fairmont Empress by the Metropolitan Tea Company. With components from Assam (thick, malty and full bodied), Kenya (floral-like with a golden coppery infusion), and China (burgundy depth with light, oaky notes), it is truly one of the finest blends in the world.
Explore Victoria and Vancouver Island like a local: British Columbia, Alberta, Washington State, and Oregon Residents enjoy 15% off our best available rate, complimentary self-parking and no pet fees when you book for stays until December 31, 2026.
Experience elevated island luxury at the newly reimagined Fairmont Gold at the iconic Fairmont Empress, set in the heart of Victoria’s Inner Harbour. Enjoy 15% off luxury Fairmont Gold accommodation, plus complimentary self-parking for one vehicle, along with exclusive Gold Lounge access featuring daily breakfast, evening canapés, and all-day refreshments. We invite you to experience why Fairmont Empress continues to be celebrated as Canada’s #1 City Hotel in the 2026 Travel + Leisure’s® World’s Best Awards — marking the second consecutive year our iconic hotel has earned this prestigious honour.
Escape to the charming and scenic city of Victoria, British Columbia, with this exclusive limited-time hotel offer. Whether you're seeking a relaxing getaway, a romantic retreat, or an adventurous escape, Victoria offers something for everyone. Enjoy luxurious accommodations with exclusive savings of 15% off our best available rate for stays through December 31, 2026. Plus, Members of Accor ALL Live Limitless save an additional 5%.
There is no better time to visit the Fairmont Empress in beautiful Victoria, BC. This Bed & Breakfast package offers great value with a complimentary breakfast included in our best daily rate. During your visit you can experience a taste of Victoria in The Bengal restaurant or stay in and enjoy breakfast in bed.
Seniors aged 55+ enjoy 20% off with our best available rate. Revel in the majesty of Fairmont Empress and explore downtown Victoria. Within walking distance find historic BC monuments, artisanal shops, beautiful gardens and the sparkling Inner Harbour. Your Castle on the Coast awaits!
For over 100 years, people have been counting on CAA/AAA for special hotel offers, vacation ideas and help with their next holiday. This year, use your CAA/AAA Card to save with Fairmont Hotels & Resorts and create treasured vacation memories with a holiday to Victoria, British Columbia.
Q at the Empress brings you a dining experience shaped by the sea, the season, and the singular character of place. A refined raw bar and signature dishes celebrate the abundance of British Columbia and Vancouver Island's fields and coastal waters.
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**The Veranda is closed for the season** A beautiful patio, in a stunning location. This winter, spend cozy nights on the Veranda, an iconic piece of our hotel's history overlooking breathtaking ocean views of the Inner Victoria Harbour.
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The Bengal returns with breakfast in a refreshed space. Light-filled interiors, original beams, velvet seating, and subtle textures create a warm, modern atmosphere where heritage charm meets contemporary comfort.
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Tucked beside the Bengal Entrance, DASH is a welcoming stop for coffee, pastries and a moment to pause. Named after Queen Victoria’s beloved spaniel, it celebrates the simple pleasure of thoughtful rituals before setting out for the day.
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On your time, in your space Delicious food, delivered right to your room. Choose from an extensive selection of hearty comfort foods, tasty light meals and signature gourmet dishes.
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Expertly crafted cocktails, extensive wine list and refined seasonal dishes celebrate the best of British Columbia and Vancouver Island. Overlooking Victoria’s Inner Harbour, Q at the Empress is the perfect setting to sip, unwind, and take in the moment.
Gather in the iconic Tea Lobby at Fairmont Empress. The Lobby Lounge offers cocktails, wine and spirits from late morning to evening, with live music nightly creating an effortlessly social atmosphere.
Tucked beside the Bengal Entrance, DASH is a refined grab-and-go coffee shop with provisions, offering a moment of ease within the rhythm of the day.
Parking Lot
Details Parking available for an additional fee
Space 305 Parking spaces
Parking type Indoor parking
HOTEL CONTACT
Telephone +1 2503848111
Email theempress@fairmont.com
Experience the timeless tradition of Tea at the Empress, where an elegant assortment of premium loose-leaf teas is paired with warm, freshly baked scones, delicate finger sandwiches, and beautifully crafted pastries and sweets.
Absolutely. Tea at the Empress is more than an afternoon tea—it’s a world-renowned Victoria tradition that draws guests from across Canada and around the globe. Served since the hotel first opened in 1908, the experience welcomes more than 400 guests per day to enjoy freshly baked scones, delicate pastries, premium teas and warm hospitality in the iconic Fairmont Empress. For many travellers, it’s a quintessential part of a visit to Victoria and an experience worth planning a trip around.
Afternoon Tea at Fairmont Empress is an elegant occasion, and guests are encouraged to dress accordingly. Smart, polished attire helps preserve the timeless atmosphere of this celebrated tradition.
We kindly ask that guests refrain from wearing tank tops, beachwear, athleisure wear, flip flops or clothing featuring explicit or offensive graphics. Elegant sandals are welcome, and while hats are generally not permitted, fascinators and traditional tea hats are encouraged. Guests wearing unsuitable attire may be politely declined entry.
Yes. The culinary team at Fairmont Empress can accommodate many common dietary preferences and allergies, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, seafood and shellfish-free, and diabetic-friendly options.
To allow our team time to prepare your Afternoon Tea experience, please share any dietary requirements at least 24 hours before your reservation. For needs not listed above or more complex dietary considerations, we recommend contacting the reservations team in advance to discuss available options.
A credit card is required to secure your Afternoon Tea reservation at Fairmont Empress. There is no fee for cancelling your reservation; however, guests who do not arrive for their scheduled booking will be charged a no-show fee equal to 50% of the price per guest.
