Q AT THE FAIRMONT EMPRESS

Q at the Empress serves contemporary Pacific Northwest cuisine, Q Bar is a classy spot for a nightcap (accompanied by live music every evening), and the Veranda offers signature cocktails, shareable plates, and s'mores on a terrace overlooking the water. But the pièce de résistance is the Empress afternoon tea, a tradition since 1908. Yes, it’s pricey and old-fashioned, but it's also a whole lot of fun—and I’m in love with their signature Rose Congou Loose Leaf Tea, which you can also bring home by the (very heavy) bag.

Candlelight dances beneath a carved mahogany ceiling at the Fairmont Empress hotel's flagship restaurant, where one of the two gracious rooms has expansive harbor views. The classically influenced Pacific Northwest menu changes seasonally but might feature such appetizers as Angus beef tartare or caramelized scallops and pork. Mains, featuring sustainably sourced meat and seafood, might include roasted Haida Gwaii halibut or butter-poached venison tenderloin.

Indulge in the epitome of sophistication at Q, located in the iconic Fairmont Empress in Victoria’s picturesque Inner Harbour. This upscale lounge seamlessly combines modern elegance with refined Victorian charm, and offers an extensive drink menu, curated by skilled mixologists and somalliers, features signature cocktails and premium vintages. Whether you’re unwinding after a day of exploring downtown Victoria and enjoying the stunning views of the Inner Harbour or looking for a great place for a Q promises a luxurious setting to savor exquisite libations in close proximity to Fairmont Empress’s timeless grandeur.

One of our favourite places for a refreshing sipper is the swish Q Bar at the Fairmont Empress, especially in summer when the scene spills out onto the hotel’s sweeping veranda. Now the bar team has released a new menu that celebrates all the flowers that bloom around town, with drinks like the Rose Petal Punch (Campari, brandy, rose petal tea, strawberries, honey, lemon, cloves, sparkling water), which you can order by the glass or the pitcher. But we’re even more excited about The Last Train to Paris, a luxuriously modern take on the classic Sidecar.

Truly, there is no more iconic experience in Victoria than taking tea at the Fairmont Empress Hotel. This grand old dame of Victorian architecture, with its lovely rose gardens and elegant public rooms, is a must-visit no matter what, but it’s so much better to enjoy it from the plush, rose-and-cream Tea Lobby with a pot of Empress Blend tea and a tiered tray of little sandwiches and teensy baked goods. Be sure to reserve your spot well ahead of time, especially during the busy summer months.

Who wouldn’t love to visit a tropical garden filled with over 3,000 butterflies and exotic plants?. Trekaroo families love the Butterfly Gardens and the chance to see butterflies up close, learn about their life cycles, and also visit with the fish, ducks, lizards, and many other animals at the garden. If you visit this garden in connection with a trip to Butchart Garden with Cruise Victoria Sightseeing tour or with a visit to the Victoria Bug Zoo, you can receive discounts on admission.

The Library at the Fairmont Empress in Victoria, BC, offers an intimate and elegant setting for small wedding ceremonies. Accommodating up to 30 guests for a seated banquet or 40 for a standing reception, this 784-square-foot room exudes historic charm with its original wood paneling, hardwood floors, and a working fireplace. Large windows provide stunning views of the Inner Harbour and the Parliament Buildings, creating a picturesque backdrop for your special day.

The Fairmont Empress is a must-see for anyone visiting Victoria, and Q Bar at the Empress, with its big and beautiful Warhol-style portraits of Queen Victoria, is a must-try. Grab a stool at the bar or sink into a comfy couch while listening to the live music performances. Try a number of its expertly crafted cocktails from its artisan bartenders, and make sure you taste the purple gin, The Fairmont Empress’ handcrafted spirit: Empress 1908.

No trip to Vancouver Island would be complete without a stop at the Lobby Lounge for the famed Tea at the Empress, which has been running since the hotel opened in 1908. Each of the luxury teas—from the Bella Coola Organic to the Kyushu Japan Sencha—is ethically sourced and traceable. Plus, the ingredients for all the dainty treats (think cucumber sandwiches, prawn salad and freshly baked raisin scones) are purchased from local suppliers.

Serving a classic breakfast during the week and a refined brunch menu on weekends, Q at the Empress offers a sophisticated farm-to-table twist on the most important meal of the day. Between a blueberry smoothie bowl garnished with a watermelon popsicle, banana bread French toast or a duck confit benedict, you’ll be able to taste the local ingredients and care they put into each dish. Image by @leilalikes

website | get directions | price in CAD: ~$95/adult, $52/kid 5-12 | best for: an excuse to visit one of Victoria’s fanciest hotels. Ask anyone where to get afternoon tea in Victoria and chances are they’ll recommend the Fairmont Empress Hotel. Fairmont is known for hosting lavish teas at many of their properties around the globe, and its Victoria location is no exception.

Have little prince and princesses who appreciate the finer things in life?. Treat your pint-sized travelers to the chance to live like royalty for the day during afternoon tea at the Fairmont Empress. A luxurious splurge, the kiddos will delight in the chance to dress up in their finest duds, tiaras optional, and feast on yummy bites from a specially crafted kids’ menu.

While tea at the Fairmont Empress has been regarded as the epitome of Victorian class in the British Columbia capital, it was given a facelift in 2017. The Lobby Lounge, the site of this iconic ritual, was remodeled in 2017. The classic elegance was given a sophisticated update that gives it an ethereal feel while still retaining the building’s original architecture.

Tea at the Empress is a such a special, Victoria experience. Entering the tea room feels as though you’ve stepped into another era. A piano player accompanies you as you sip your perfectly steeped teas, (after much deliberating we opted for the Queen’s favourite and a delicious Sencha) and nibble on tiny sandwiches, warm Empress scones and delicious pastries.

Circling back to the Inner Harbour it's time for a traditional Victoria activity: Tea at the Empress at the Fairmont Empress Hotel. Fun fact: this building was also designed by the ‘presenting to be Canadian architect’ Francis Rattenbury!. Another fun fact: during the summer months, the Empress serves more afternoon tea than most hotels in London!

Eat Christmas dinner in the historic hotel with the Q At The Empress four-course sit down dinner. The dinner starts with a chestnut and parsnip velouté followed by main course options including slow cooked turkey, beef tenderloin, salmon, or mushroom fricassée. For dessert, choose between eggnog and ivoire panna cotta or mont blanc.

For a taste of Victoria’s British heritage, afternoon tea at the Fairmont Empress Hotel is a quintessential experience. This elegant hotel has been serving tea since 1908, offering a selection of fine teas, elegant sandwiches and pastries. The experience is both a nod to the city’s colonial past and a delightful culinary treat.

It’s a beautiful tradition, but taking a toddler here isn’t likely to end up in a good time for anyone. Too expensive ($95/pp, as of summer 2023), too many breakable items, and too many diners sitting nearby. Even the Fairmont Empress notes that its “Prince and Princess Tea for Children” starts at age 5 ($52 per child).

This is a great place to go if you’re looking for a lively atmosphere and plenty of nightlife options. With a fresh and contemporary interior, Q bar is perfect for grabbing a drink with friends or having a relaxing night out. Serving Pacific Northwest cuisine, the menu features local and sustainable ingredients.

Minding one’s manners is just as important as choosing the right restaurant when it comes to date-night success,” the OpenTable team says. “Being rude to servers, frequent texting at the table, excessive drinking and chewing with an open mouth are all dinner-date deal-breakers for British Columbians.

And it's especially great at the Fairmont Empress hotel, a stately brick Edwardian frequented by royalty, where traditional English afternoon tea is served in the elegant dining room. Skip breakfast so you can fit in all the pastries, finger sandwiches, and flaky scones with clotted cream and jam.

Q at the Empress is located in the most storied room in Victoria, in the stunning Empress Hotel. They focus on Pacific Northwest cuisine based on regional ingredients sourced from partnerships with local farmers and artisans. It has also been listed as one of the best cocktail bars in Canada.

The Q at the Empress Hotel is the most well known for visitors in the city looking to sit somewhere pretty while imbibing in a drink. A major plus is that that their cocktails are very good. You’re hard pressed not to order something made from their pretty purple Empress Gin.

The Fairmont Empress is an iconic building located right in the inner harbour of Victoria. A visit to the famed tea room at the grandiose hotel has become almost synonymous with a trip to Victoria and is high on most people’s bucket list.

From seasonally inspired menus celebrating Pacific Northwest cuisine to luxury dining experiences in Victora that will satisfy any craving, see what our chefs are preparing just for you.

Complete your evening with drinks at Q Bar at the Empress, a stylish lounge offering craft cocktails and scenic vistas of the Inner Harbour. Toast to a day well spent in Victoria.

I love the contrast of colors, it blended well with the detailed architecture. I especially loved the charcuterie board, I love the bresaola. It was lean, tender and savory.

If you want to be fancy, The Empress is naturally your choice. However, Abkhazi Garden is more affordable and in my opinion a more pleasant experience.

The pool was dreamy and the entire hotel smelled so good: like an old, old house–a clean smell of old wood and freshly vacuumed wool carpets.

For over 100 years, the Empress’ elegant Lobby Lounge has been the place to visit for an authentic British tea and pastry experience.