Fairmont Empress

Our Story

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