Empress Hotel

The Fairmont Empress, historically known as The Empress, is a landmark hotel located at 721 Government Street in downtown Victoria, British Columbia. Situated directly across from the city's scenic Inner Harbour, the property occupies a prominent position bounded by Humboldt and Belleville Streets. Construction on the hotel began in 1904 under the development of the Canadian Pacific Railway, with the establishment officially opening its doors to the public on January 20, 1908. Designed by the renowned architect Francis Rattenbury, the building stands eight stories tall and features a distinctive Châteauesque architectural style, characterized by elegant gables, spires, and Gothic-inspired details that define its grand appearance.

Recognized as one of Canada's premier grand railway hotels, the structure holds significant historical value and was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in January 1981. Since its inception, the hotel has undergone two major expansions between 1910 and 1928 to accommodate growing demand. In recent years, the property experienced a comprehensive restoration project between 2015 and 2017, costing over sixty million dollars to preserve its heritage features while modernizing facilities. This meticulous renovation was commemorated in June 2017, ensuring the building remains a pristine example of early twentieth-century luxury hospitality.

Currently, the hotel is owned by Bosa Development and operated by Fairmont Hotels and Resorts. It functions as a vibrant hub for tourism and events, offering 412 guest rooms, including 52 suites, and housing four distinct restaurants. The property is physically connected to the Victoria Conference Centre via a conservatory added in 1989, allowing the hotel to provide extensive catering services for large gatherings. Today, the Fairmont Empress continues to serve as a symbol of Victorian elegance and a central fixture in the cultural landscape of British Columbia's capital city.