Magic at the Victoria Fairmont Empress: A Storybook Stay on the Canadian Harbor

We started the morning with breakfast at the Fairmont Empress, which is always such a nice way to ease into the day. Coffee, fresh pastries, and something warm before heading out.

From there, we walked the harbor. It’s the best way to take in Victoria. You’ll see boats coming and going, street performers, horse-drawn carriages, and the beautiful British Columbia Parliament Buildings right across the water. It’s one of those places where you don’t need a plan. You just wander, sometimes, even hearing bagpipes playing near the harbor, which just adds to the whole atmosphere.

Before lunch, we popped into a few little shops along the harbor and just took our time exploring.

For lunch, we stopped at Q at the Empress at the hotel. It’s such a great spot right on the water, perfect for something easy like salads, seafood, or a light bite with a view.

After lunch, we went kayaking right in the harbor, which ended up being such a fun highlight. Seeing Victoria from the water with views of the city and the Empress from a completely different perspective made it feel really special.

For dinner, we went to Finn’s Seafood Chops & Cocktails, which is such a great first night spot right on the water. We ordered fresh oysters to start, then salmon and halibut, and of course, a cocktail to go with it. Sitting there with the harbor views is the perfect way to kick off the trip.

At night, walking back and seeing the Empress all lit up is one of those moments that just stays with you.

We started again with breakfast at the hotel, which quickly became part of our routine.

That morning, we headed out for a whale-watching excursion, which is such a great thing to do while you’re here. Seeing orcas, sea lions, and sometimes even humpbacks out on the water is something you won’t forget.

For lunch, we went to Red Fish Blue Fish, which is such a popular spot right on the water. It’s casual but so good. Fish tacos, fish and chips, and fresh seafood are the way to go here.

We grabbed a coffee and sat by the water for a bit, just watching the floatplanes take off and land, it’s one of those simple things that ends up being so relaxing.

Then we visited the Royal BC Museum, which is really well done. You’ll walk through exhibits that bring the region to life, Indigenous culture, recreated streets, and wildlife displays.

We went back to the hotel after and spent time at the pool, which is always a nice reset.

Dinner that night was at Earls Kitchen + Bar. We shared sushi rolls, steak frites, and a fresh salad. It’s a great mix and an easy, fun spot.

We started the day with breakfast at the hotel before heading out.

That morning, we went to Butchart Gardens, and it’s truly stunning. You walk through different garden areas, the Sunken Garden, Rose Garden, and Japanese garden, each one completely different and beautifully maintained.

Afterward, we came back into town and spent the afternoon walking around, popping into shops, and just enjoying the slower pace. We even hopped on one of the little water taxis, which is such a fun and easy way to see the harbor from a different perspective.

This is also the day for afternoon tea at the Fairmont Empress, and it really is something you don’t want to miss. Sitting there with tiered trays of tea sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and beautiful pastries while looking out at the harbor is just such a special experience.

That evening, we made a stop at Irish Times Pub, which has that cozy, lively feel. We ordered fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, and something to drink, it’s just a fun, casual stop.

We started our last day with breakfast at the hotel one more time before heading out.

After breakfast, we took one last walk around the harbor, stopping into a few favorite spots and just soaking in the views one more time. It’s one of those slow, easy mornings you don’t want to rush.

For lunch, we stopped at Murchie’s Tea & Coffee, which is such a great casual spot. Sandwiches, soup, and of course tea make it an easy, relaxed stop. We bought some tea to go.

After lunch, we headed to the ferry to leave, which always feels like such a peaceful way to wrap up the trip.