Aliza Bodzin

For a first trip to Victoria, staying somewhere that feels connected to the city makes a meaningful difference. The Fairmont Empress delivers that immediately. From the moment you arrive at the property, you are positioned directly on the Inner Harbour, surrounded by the landmarks, energy, and walkability that define Victoria. I stayed at the Fairmont Empress in September 2025 for a two-night / three-day stay with my mom. Our incredible experience as first-time visitors to Victoria reinforced why this remains my top property recommendation for travelers who want a polished stay that is still warm, relaxed, and centrally located.

Staying at the right airport hotel before an early-morning flight is critical to set the tone for your entire travel day. The right airport hotel removes transfers, buffers delays, and simplifies your morning entirely. When you’re traveling with a pet, those details matter even more. The Fairmont Vancouver Airport, located directly above US departures at YVR, is my favorite airport hotel and one I book without hesitation. Staying here with Leia for the first time exceeded my expectations, from the soundproof rooms to the genuinely thoughtful service.

I’m a firm believer that a trip doesn’t start when you arrive at your destination—it starts the moment you walk out your front door. The entire door-to-door experience matters, especially when you’re traveling with a pet. When I’m heading from Squamish to Vancouver International Airport with my small dog, I want our journey to feel calm, safe, and organized from the very beginning. After trying different airport transfer options, booking through Blacklane is the one that delivers consistently. Their airport transfers are reliable, pet-friendly, and comfortable. This is exactly what you need to set the tone for the rest of your trip.

On my recent mother-daughter getaway to Victoria, we chose to fly with Harbour Air, the world’s largest seaplane airline. I didn’t bring my pet dog on this trip, but part of my goal was to see firsthand whether it would be a good idea to do so in the future. As travelers who prefer to spend more time in the destination than in transit, flying with Harbour Air to and from Victoria was perfect for our trip.

After living in British Columbia for more than three years, I finally visited in early September 2025 for a mother-daughter getaway and loved how easy it was to explore downtown on foot. We stayed at the Fairmont Empress, enjoyed on-property dining, and mixed in a few can’t-miss experiences like the self-guided Parliament tour and an unforgettable ghostly walking tour. Rather than trying to see all of the highlights of Victoria in one trip, we were able to relax and unwind during this trip.

The first hours of any journey often set the tone for the entire experience. Drawing on my own embarkation day experience before a Royal Caribbean cruise to Alaska, I have compiled observations and practical insights from Canada Place in Vancouver, BC to help you understand what to expect on departure day. This guide is designed to equip you with the knowledge and timing details needed to approach embarkation with confidence, ensuring a smooth and well-prepared start to your Alaska cruise.

Since moving to the Vancouver area in 2022, I’ve spent countless days exploring the city with my family and pets. What truly sets Vancouver apart for me are its iconic Fairmont properties, each offering more than just a place to stay for both people and their four-legged companions. After personally visiting and inspecting all four Fairmont Vancouver properties in summer 2025, I’ve witnessed firsthand how each hotel creates a unique experience for guests. No matter where you stay, all four properties will enhance your time in Vancouver, especially for those who love to travel with their pets and families.

Squamish is special to me because I’ve been living here since January 2023. It’s a place where I’ve connected with people and animals from all over the world, nestled between the sea and the sky. With its great proximity to Downtown Vancouver, Horseshoe Bay and Whistler, it is a great destination for a day trip or long weekend.