Categories: Travel

Canada’s best city hotel is in B.C. and it’s considered a historic site

Photo via Shutterstock

Heading to the Island this summer? Victoria’s award-winning Fairmont Empress has just sealed the deal on another accolade: the best City Hotel in Canada. Awarded by Travel + Leisure in the 2025 World’s Best Awards, the title recognizes the very best luxury travel experiences across the globe. And the Fairmont Empress has achieved this without sacrificing its heritage value.

Canada’s Castle on the Coast

A designated National Historic Site, the iconic hotel dates all the way back to 1904, when construction began.

“Built for the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR), the Empress Hotel is one of a series of Chateau-style hotels built by Canadian railway companies in the early 20th century,” explains Parks Canada. Popular with the travelling public for their elaborate decor and comfortable elegance, these hotels quickly became national symbols of quality accommodation.”

Today, the historic property is known as “Canada’s Castle on the Coast,” recognized for more than its Chateau-style architecture. Its beautiful views of the Inner Harbour make it a standout stay, as does its premium guest experience. In 2017, the hotel underwent a whopping $60M renovation, followed by an upgrade to Fairmont Gold in 2023.

As one T+L reader put it: “visually, it’s one of the most stunning hotels anywhere, and the staff is second to none.”

About the award

Every year, Travel + Leisure readers vote for their favourite resorts, hotels, destinations, and global experiences. This year’s ranking was compiled through the responses of over 180,000 participants and 657,000 votes, making this win even more notable.

“It is beyond rewarding to know that so many of our valued guests voted us as their hotel of choice in the World’s Best Awards,” shares Dan McGowan, general manager of Fairmont Empress. “This achievement is a testament to the dedication of our staff and our visionary owner, Nat Bosa, whose passion and continual investment ensure Fairmont Empress remains a source of pride for our community and beacon for travellers worldwide.”

“The Leading Lady”

To celebrate its new accolade, the hotel is introducing a new regal cocktail named “The Leading Lady.” The aptly-named beverage will be crafted with Empress 1908 Indigo Gin, Absolut Elyx, and Lillet.

It looks like the Fairmont Empress’ legacy lives on as one of Canada’s most storied, beloved hotels.

Perhaps it’s time to book your stay.