Victoria, a charming city on Vancouver Island off the Western Coast of Canada, is steeped with timeless traditions, from spectacular gardens and unique Victorian era architecture to the clip-clop of horse and buggy through downtown streets.  From ocean bound whale watching adventures, golfing year round at one of Victoria's finest golf courses, to fabulous shopping and a true Afternoon Tea experience, Victoria has it all.  In the heart of this romantic setting, nestled within Victoria's Inner Harbor, the world famous Fairmont Empress awaits you.

Art Gallery of Victoria
Featuring west coast artists and an Emily Carr exhibit.

BC Forestry Museum
Get back to nature and enjoy 100 acres of BC forest heritage. Explore numerous exhibits, demonstrations and historical collections.

Butchart Gardens
Butchart Gardens is 130 acres of horticulture beauty.  Summer at the Gardens bring ravishing floral splendor and the added attractions of nightly summer musical entertainment, magnificent night illuminations and a glorious Saturday night Fireworks display.  Christmas brings sparkle and glisten with all the marvelous lights and sounds of the holiday season.  A gift shop, visitor services and two restaurants are also on site. Located 45 minutes from the hotel.

Butterfly Garden
Butterfly Garden is a lush, indoor tropical garden where flowers always bloom and butterflies flutter about.

Craigdarroch Castle
Set in the historic Rockland neighborhood, Craigdarroch Castle was built between 1887 and 1890, as a lavish residence for Robert Dunsmuir and his family. The mansion features the best collection of residential stained and leaded glass on the West Coast, magnificent woodwork and period furnishings.

Crystal Gardens
From the exotic to the serene, stop by and admire the unique plants and animals in this historic conservatory. Study the bats, dance with butterflies, or try standing on one leg with the pink flamingos.

Fort Rodd Hill
Step inside Canada's oldest West Coast Lighthouse and take a look at the colorful displays that tell the stories of ships wrecked and lives saved.

Horticulture Centre of the Pacific
Come visit the beauty of 110 acres of property, gardens and splendor.

Legislature Building
Free tours are offered during the week. Visitors will be walked through the Legislature Buildings and given history and details on Canada's legislature.

Maritime Museum
For the sailor in everyone, this historic building offers an important pictorial and model exhibit of the Canadian west coast's maritime history. Located a short stroll up Government Street.

Mineral World
Explore the world of minerals. Visitors can purchase a scratch patch and fill their bags with gems or pan for fool's gold.

Miniature World
The Greatest Little Show on Earth!  See the Little people's Wonderful World of Smallness.  Special effects in lighting, sound and animation are added to create this miniaturized extravaganza that continues to thrill and delight the young and young at heart.

Royal BC Museum
Rated one of the best in North America, this facility offers an incredible learning experience of the natural history of British Columbia. The Ice Age, First Nations and Early Settlement displays provide valuable insight into our past.
 

Royal London Wax Museum
Just around Victoria Inner Harbour from The Fairmont Empress, located across the street from the Parliament Buildings, is the home of many of the world's most famous faces. Leave your disbelief at the door and join the ageles, timeless world of wax.

Undersea Garden
See the wonders of the ocean without getting wet. Dive shows every 30 minutes, starting at 10:30 a.m. and ending at 8:30 p.m.

Victoria Bug Zoo, 1107 Wharf Street
Educational and lots of fun for all ages. 

Alternate shopping areas
Other shopping areas are available within walking distance from The Fairmont Empress. The Victoria Eaton Centre and Market Square are both great for shopping.

Vicoria Eaton Centre 
Victoria's largest downtown mall with stores such as Aldo, Levi's Store, Tabi, Eatons and many more. 

Market Square
More than 45 specialty stores and restaurants offering original and off-beat shopping and dining in an eclectic old Town setting.