Few landmarks are as closely tied to Victoria as the Empress Hotel. Overlooking the Inner Harbour, this iconic building has been part of the city’s waterfront for more than a century and remains one of the most recognizable sights on Vancouver Island. Whether you’re arriving by harbour ferry, strolling Government Street, visiting the Legislature, or exploring downtown for the first time, chances are you’ll find yourself standing in front of the Empress at some point during your trip. Today, the Empress is much more than a hotel. It is a historic landmark, architectural treasure, dining destination, cultural icon, and one of the defining features of Victoria’s skyline. From Afternoon Tea and waterfront dining to its fascinating history and beautiful harbourfront setting, the Empress offers visitors a unique way to experience the city. If you’re planning a trip to Victoria, the Empress deserves a place on your itinerary. Pair your visit with a stay in one of EMR Vacation Rentals’ professionally managed homes and enjoy easy access to the Inner Harbour, downtown attractions, and everything Greater Victoria has to offer.

Quick Look: Visiting the Empress

The History of the Empress Hotel

Built to Welcome the World to Victoria

The story of the Empress begins long before its doors opened in 1908. During the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, the Canadian Pacific Railway was expanding its influence across Canada through an ambitious network of grand hotels. These properties were designed to encourage tourism, support rail travel, and showcase some of the country’s most important destinations. Victoria was a natural fit for the project. As British Columbia’s capital city and a growing port on Canada’s west coast, it was already attracting visitors arriving by steamship and rail. The CPR envisioned a landmark hotel that would greet travellers arriving at the Inner Harbour and reinforce Victoria’s reputation as one of Canada’s premier destinations. The project was awarded to Francis M. Rattenbury, the British architect responsible for the nearby Parliament Buildings. Rattenbury selected a prominent site overlooking the Inner Harbour, creating a dramatic visual pairing between the two buildings that still defines downtown Victoria today. Construction began in 1904 and was completed four years later. From the moment it opened, the Empress became a symbol of Victoria’s ambitions and one of the most impressive buildings on Canada’s west coast.

Art, Architecture, and Design

A Distinctly Canadian Landmark

The Empress is often described as one of Canada’s finest examples of Château-style architecture. Inspired by the grand castles and manor houses of Europe, the design combines elements of Tudor, Gothic, Baronial, and Edwardian architecture into a uniquely Canadian expression. Steep rooflines, dormer windows, prominent chimneys, and asymmetrical forms give the building its unmistakable silhouette. While many visitors simply admire the structure from the harbour, the building itself represents an important chapter in the evolution of Canadian architecture. The Château style became closely associated with Canada’s great railway hotels, and the Empress remains one of the most recognizable examples of the movement. Its design helped establish a distinctly Canadian architectural identity that blended European influences with the scale and ambition of a growing nation.

Inside the Empress

The interior of the Empress was designed to impress. Early interiors featured rich materials, classical detailing, soaring coffered ceilings, and elegant public spaces that reflected the prestige of the era. Over the years, many of these historic details have been carefully preserved and restored. Visitors can still appreciate the craftsmanship found throughout the building, from decorative woodwork and stained glass to the grand public rooms that have welcomed guests for generations.

A National Historic Site

In 1981, the Empress was designated a National Historic Site of Canada, recognizing its significance both architecturally and historically. The designation reflects the building’s importance as one of Canada’s most influential railway hotels and one of the finest examples of the Château style. It also acknowledges the role the Empress has played in shaping Victoria’s identity for more than a century. Today, the building remains one of the city’s most important heritage landmarks and continues to serve as a visual reminder of Victoria’s place in Canadian history.

Famous Visitors Through the Years

Few buildings in Victoria have welcomed as many notable visitors as the Empress. Over the decades, royalty, politicians, artists, entertainers, and world leaders have all passed through its doors. In 1919, the Prince of Wales reportedly danced in the Crystal Ballroom. King George VI and Princess Elizabeth attended a luncheon at the hotel during their 1939 visit to Canada. Other famous guests have included author Rudyard Kipling, actress Shirley Temple, Princess Margaret, Rita Hayworth, and numerous contemporary performers and public figures.

Ghost Stories and Legends

With more than a century of history, it is perhaps no surprise that the Empress has developed a reputation for ghost stories and unexplained sightings. Local legends suggest that Francis Rattenbury still wanders the halls, while stories of a mysterious woman who disappears near an elevator and a maid dressed in 1920s clothing continue to circulate among staff and visitors. Whether you believe the tales or not, the Empress has become one of Victoria’s most famous haunted landmarks and remains a popular stop on many local ghost tours.

Saving the Empress

Despite its importance, the Empress nearly faced a very different fate. By the mid-twentieth century, the building had fallen into significant disrepair. Changing travel habits and decades of wear had left the structure in poor condition, and at one point demolition was seriously considered. Fortunately, preservation efforts prevailed. Beginning in the 1960s, a series of restoration projects helped save the building and restore its historic character. Additional renovations throughout the 1980s and early 2000s further preserved important architectural features while updating the property for modern use. One of the most significant restoration efforts took place between 2014 and 2017, when a major renovation carefully restored historic details, updated public spaces, and ensured the building would remain an important part of Victoria’s future. The Empress visitors see today is the result of decades of preservation work and a community commitment to protecting one of the city’s most treasured landmarks.

The Empress and Victoria’s Inner Harbour

The Empress and Victoria’s Inner Harbour are inseparable. Together with the Parliament Buildings, the hotel creates one of the most recognizable waterfront scenes in Canada. For more than a century, visitors arriving in Victoria have been greeted by the sight of the Empress overlooking the harbour, creating an unforgettable first impression of the city. Its location places it at the heart of downtown Victoria, within easy walking distance of many of the city’s most popular attractions. The Royal BC Museum, Government Street, Beacon Hill Park, Fisherman’s Wharf, and numerous restaurants, galleries, and shops are all nearby. What makes the Empress particularly special is how seamlessly it connects to the surrounding city. Visitors can spend an entire day exploring downtown before returning to the harbour to admire the building from a different perspective as the light changes throughout the day. For many people, no visit to Victoria feels complete without spending time in the Inner Harbour and taking in the view of the Empress rising above the waterfront.

The Gardens and Grounds

While much of the attention naturally focuses on the building itself, the surrounding gardens and grounds are an important part of the Empress experience. Carefully maintained landscaping softens the edges of the historic structure and creates beautiful viewing areas throughout the year. Seasonal flowers add colour to the harbourfront, while mature plantings help frame some of the best photo opportunities in downtown Victoria. The grounds also provide a unique perspective on the building’s architecture. Walking around the property allows visitors to appreciate the scale of the structure, its distinctive rooflines, and the relationship between the hotel and the harbour. Spring and summer are particularly beautiful when flowers are in bloom, but the grounds remain a pleasant place to visit throughout the year.

Afternoon Tea at the Empress

Few traditions are more closely associated with the Empress than Afternoon Tea. For generations, visitors have gathered in the hotel’s elegant tea room to enjoy one of Victoria’s most enduring experiences. Rooted in British traditions and influenced by the city’s colonial history, Afternoon Tea has become a defining part of the Empress story. Part of its appeal is the setting itself. Overlooking the Inner Harbour, the experience combines history, atmosphere, and hospitality in a way that feels uniquely Victoria. Visitors often choose Afternoon Tea to celebrate special occasions, mark milestones, or simply enjoy a leisurely afternoon in one of the city’s most historic spaces. Guests can expect a traditional tea service featuring a selection of teas accompanied by pastries, savouries, and freshly baked scones. While the menu evolves over time, the emphasis remains on creating a relaxed and memorable experience that connects visitors with one of Victoria’s most cherished traditions. Reservations are highly recommended, particularly during peak travel seasons.

Dining at the Empress

While Afternoon Tea may be the hotel’s most famous culinary experience, the Empress has also become an important dining destination for both visitors and locals.

Q at the Empress

Q at the Empress focuses on Pacific Northwest cuisine and draws inspiration from Vancouver Island’s farms, waters, and surrounding landscapes. The atmosphere strikes a balance between refined and approachable, making it a popular choice for special occasions, celebrations, and memorable dinners overlooking Victoria’s most famous waterfront.

Q Bar

Q Bar offers a more relaxed experience while maintaining the character and history that visitors expect from the Empress. Its location near the heart of the hotel makes it a natural gathering place for locals and visitors looking to enjoy cocktails, wine, or light fare after a day spent exploring downtown Victoria.

The Veranda

Few dining experiences in Victoria rival the setting of The Veranda. Located along the harbourfront, this seasonal space provides exceptional views of the Inner Harbour and creates one of the city’s most enjoyable places to sit outdoors. Whether you’re stopping in for a drink, a casual meal, or simply to enjoy the waterfront atmosphere, the Veranda offers a distinctly Victoria experience.

The Bengal Lounge

The Bengal Lounge has long been part of the Empress story and remains one of the property’s most recognizable gathering spaces. Rich in history and character, it reflects a different era of travel while continuing to attract visitors interested in experiencing one of the hotel’s most enduring traditions.

Willow Stream Spa at the Empress

For visitors seeking relaxation, Willow Stream Spa at the Empress has become one of Victoria’s most recognized wellness destinations. Open to both hotel guests and day visitors, the spa offers a peaceful retreat from the activity of downtown Victoria. Treatments range from massages and facials to wellness-focused experiences designed to help visitors unwind during their stay in the city. Many visitors choose to combine a spa appointment with Afternoon Tea, dining, or a day spent exploring the Inner Harbour, creating a well-rounded Victoria experience that balances sightseeing with relaxation.

Visiting the Empress Today

One of the biggest misconceptions about the Empress is that you need to stay overnight to enjoy it. In reality, many of the building’s most popular experiences are available to day visitors. Whether you’re interested in Afternoon Tea, dining, wellness treatments, photography, architecture, or simply exploring the harbourfront, there are countless ways to experience the property without booking a room. The Empress is worth visiting in every season. Spring and summer bring flowers and bustling harbour activity, while fall and winter offer a quieter atmosphere that highlights the building’s historic character. If you’re visiting for the first time, consider combining your stop with a walk through the Inner Harbour, a visit to the Royal BC Museum, or an afternoon exploring Government Street.

A Flexible Downtown Victoria Itinerary Featuring the Empress

Where to Stay in Victoria

The Empress may be one of Victoria’s most famous landmarks, but it is only one part of what makes the city such a rewarding destination. From waterfront walks and historic neighbourhoods to museums, restaurants, and outdoor adventures, there is much more to discover throughout Greater Victoria. EMR Vacation Rentals offers professionally managed vacation rentals and furnished stays throughout Victoria and Vancouver Island, providing guests with comfortable, well-located accommodations that make it easy to explore the region at their own pace. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, an extended stay, or a longer Vancouver Island adventure, EMR Vacation Rentals offers a comfortable home base close to the attractions, experiences, and landmarks that make Victoria unforgettable. Find your perfect home base with EMR Vacation Rentals and experience Victoria at your own pace.