Skip to main content
All loyalty
all-new FirstName LastName
FirstName LastName
all-new

ALL rewards you wherever you go, whatever you do.

BECOME A MEMBER
Life styled your way
all-new

ALL rewards you wherever you go, whatever you do.

BECOME A MEMBER
Sign in

FAIRMONT EMPRESS

Where Modern Meets Iconic

our Story

The Empress story began in the early 1900s when Canadian Pacific Railway had this big dream to build chateau-style hotels across Canada to accommodate their affluent steam and rail clients. Not just any hotels though; they needed to be in iconic locations and in communities that showcased Canada’s breathtaking and diverse landscapes.
1 / 4

1904

Celebrated architect Francis Rattenbury was hired to make this dream a reality in Victoria. Construction began in 1904 and four years later, The Empress Hotel opened on January 20, 1908. The Empress was named after Queen Victoria, who during the last decade of her reign, was also the Empress of India.

1908

The city of Victoria grew up around the stunning Empress hotel, which has been at the social and business centre of this city since it opened. Weddings, anniversaries, galas and special events: If it is important, significant or needs to be memorable, it likely takes place in this building.

1912

The second addition to the Empress, the south wing, was completed in 1912. Several rooms wider than the north wing, it marked the first major departure from Rattenbury's design (Canadian Pacific Archive NS. 16385)

1960-1980

Over the decades, there have been three major renovations. In the 1960s, Operation Teacup was a $4 Million renovation that saved this Grande Dame from being demolished. The $45 Million Royal Restoration in the 1980s uncovered the magnificent stain-glass ceiling of the Palm Court.

Witness History Unfold

We invite you to stay with us and discover this iconic city retreat where contrast meets distinction, opulence blends harmoniously with the understated and fabled history meshes with contemporary affairs.

Since 1908

The hotel has served England’s most beloved ritual to famed royalty, celebrities and guests from all over the world. Tea is served on elegant Royal China reproduced from original china gifted to the hotel by King George VI in 1939.

Awards

Steeped in history and grandeur, Fairmont Empress has been a beacon of luxury and excellence since its inception in 1908.

  • 2026 - #1 Best City Hotel in Canada – Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards

  • 2026 - Best Historic Hotel in the Americas by Historic Hotels Worldwide®

  • 2026 - Historic Hotel's Worldwide - Top 25 Most Magnificent Gardens in the World

  • 2025 - Travel + Leisure’s Top 500 List

  • 2025 - #2 Hotel in Western Canada in Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards

  • 2025 - Forbes Recommended List

  • 2025 - #1 Best City Hotel in Canada – Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards

  • 2025 - Michelin One Key Hotel

  • 2025 - Best Historic Hotel in the Americas – Historic Hotels Worldwide®

  • 2025 - Green Key Global Certified & Double Green Key Certified – Green Key Meetings

  • 2024 - #2 Best City Hotel in Canada – Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards

our commitmentto the future

At Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, our commitment to the future is rooted in a deep respect for our environment, communities, and guests. We are dedicated to pioneering sustainable practices across our properties, from reducing our carbon footprint to supporting local cultures and economies.

Sustainable Responsibility

Sustainable responsibility is at the core of everything we do at Fairmont Hotels & Resorts. We believe that luxury and sustainability can coexist harmoniously, and we are committed to leading the hospitality industry in environmental stewardship. From energy-efficient operations to waste reduction initiatives and eco-conscious guest experiences, we continuously seek ways to reduce our impact.

Our Food Mindset

In all that we do, we think of you. Our culinary offerings feature exciting menus that include carefully chosen regional ingredients, dishes created through strong partnerships with local farmers and artisans. For your next meeting or event, know that our cuisine features sustainably sourced seafood, traditionally raised meats and a wide variety of artisanal offerings.