More than a century after opening its doors on Victoria’s picturesque Inner Harbour, the iconic Fairmont Empress continues to reinvent itself while preserving the timeless elegance that has made it one of Canada’s most celebrated hotels. Recent enhancements throughout the landmark property include the reopening of the historic Bengal as a breakfast destination, an elevated Fairmont Gold experience with additional guestrooms and an impressive private lounge, and recent renovations to Q at the Empress that further modernize the hotel’s culinary offerings.
The Fairmont Empress has long been the centerpiece of Victoria’s waterfront, blending Edwardian architecture with contemporary comforts. Whether guests arrive for a romantic weekend, a wellness escape, or a culinary getaway, the hotel continues to offer one of the city’s most complete luxury experiences.
One of the property’s newest additions is the return of The Bengal, a storied space that has welcomed generations of visitors in different forms throughout its history. Today, the beautifully restored room has been transformed into the hotel’s dedicated breakfast venue housing exposed beams, plush seating, and abundant natural light. The refreshed setting is sophisticated without losing its sense of history. Breakfast features many of the morning favorites previously served at Q at the Empress, along with signature dishes inspired by the room’s colorful past, creating a fresh way to begin the day before exploring Victoria.
Guests seeking an elevated stay should reserve one of the Fairmont Gold accommodations. Often described as a hotel within the hotel, the premium experience includes 22 additional guestrooms and suites along with access to an exclusive lounge that has become one of the property’s standout features. Designed by HBA San Francisco, the sophisticated space incorporates original 1908 architectural elements, including exposed brick, steel beams, and restored fireplaces, while introducing warm contemporary furnishings, stellar harbor views and intimate seating areas.
The refreshed Fairmont Gold guest rooms continue the refined aesthetic with calming neutral palettes, plush beds, spacious marble bathrooms featuring rainfall showers, sitting areas, espresso and tea stations, and many rooms overlooking the Inner Harbour.
The private Fairmont Gold Lounge provides an extensive complimentary breakfast featuring artisan breads, smoked salmon, cheeses, fresh fruit, rotating hot selections, fresh juices, and specialty coffees prepared with self-service espresso machines. Throughout the afternoon, guests can visit for snacks, beverages, evening canapés, desserts, and an honor bar, often making the lounge an ideal place to unwind after sightseeing. Cozy reading corners, harbor-view seating, and an outdoor terrace create a peaceful retreat above the bustle of downtown Victoria.
Dining remains one of the defining experiences at the Fairmont Empress. Q at the Empress just finished an extensive renovation of both its restaurant and bar, with a menu emphasizing regional seafood, seasonal produce, locally raised meats, and herbs harvested from the hotel’s gardens. The adjacent bar remains one of Victoria’s favorite gathering places, particularly for cocktails crafted with the hotel’s signature Empress 1908 Gin, whose vibrant botanical profile has become synonymous with the property.
No visit to the Fairmont Empress is complete without experiencing its legendary Afternoon Tea, a tradition that has welcomed royalty, celebrities, and travelers for more than 100 years. Served in an elegant setting overlooking the harbor, the tea features delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones accompanied by clotted cream and lemon curd, handcrafted pastries, and premium loose-leaf teas. Many ingredients are sourced from the hotel’s rooftop herb and lavender gardens and on-site bee hives.
Beyond dining, the hotel continues to distinguish itself as a wellness destination. The Fairmont Spa offers an extensive menu of massages, facials, and body treatments designed to complement a relaxing stay. Guests also enjoy access to Victoria’s largest indoor hotel pool, along with whirlpools overlooking the beautifully landscaped Fairmont gardens.
From its beautifully restored public spaces to its expanded Fairmont Gold accommodations and evolving culinary program, the Fairmont Empress demonstrates that historic hotels can continue to evolve while remaining true to their heritage. For travelers planning a visit to British Columbia’s capital, the latest enhancements offer even more reasons to experience one of Canada’s most iconic luxury destinations.
