Welcome to
Canada’s Castle on the Coast

The heart & soul of the city.

Fairmont Empress opened its doors on January 20, 1908. Designed by architect Francis Rattenbury and commissioned and owned by Canadian Pacific Rail and Steam Co. (later CP Hotels), the Empress Hotel has been welcoming guests from around the world ever since! For the past 115 years, this grand lady has played host to royalty, celebrities, millions of hotel guests and incredible colleagues from around the globe.

Just a short float plane ride away from the mainland’s city of Vancouver. Victoria’s sunny climate — Canada’s mildest — means any time of year is pleasant. Fairmont Empress is the perfect setting to ignite an exciting career in hospitality.

Fairmont Empress Exterior Golden Hour.jpg

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“There is a certain magic that cannot be replicated when you walk into our Castle on the Coast. The music playing in the lounge, the food and grandeur of this beautiful hotel by the ocean is a highlight for the senses. The storied history and team members that all work together to make our guests feel heart warmed is why I love coming to work at the Empress each day”

— Alex Thorne, Director of Operations

Colleague Committees & Programs

Diversity & Inclusion

Our goal is to make you feel at home. We believe that what you celebrate, share and value outside of the workplace is equally as important to be celebrated in the workplace. We are thrilled to continue our engaging conversations on how we can create and share a culture of inclusivity.

Our mission statement: “We believe there is strength in unity, and power in diversity. What that means is a culture of inclusion that welcomes everyone from different experiences, regardless of race, gender or background.”

Heartist Recognition

The Heartist Recognition Committee serves as an internal “hub” for service delivery to both our internal and external Guests. The Committee continually looks for opportunities to improve the level of Guest service within the Hotel. The Heartist of the month Committee and its members have the ability to make positive changes in the Hotel, which will impact both our Guests and our Colleagues. The Committee also assists in organizing Colleague functions and gathers information and feedback from Colleagues regarding Heartist nominations for Heartist of the Month and Leader of the Month. The Committee meets a minimum of ten times per year and is comprised of hourly and management Employees.

Health & Safety

RiiSE Committee

Community Involvement

Your safety is our number one priority! Our dedicated Occupational Health & Safety Committee, formed of your peers and leaders, meets monthly to discuss all things Health & Safety. Committee members are involved in accident investigation and prevention programs and ensuring that all departments comply with health and safety legislation. Members will also identify potential safety hazards as well as develop and implement Colleague incentive programs to prevent accidents. The committee meets regularly at least once a month and consists of a minimum of six members, of which half are non-management Colleagues.

Our mission is to protect you against work-related injuries and illness through on-going education, training, and communication

The Empress RiiSE Committee is responsible for representing and promoting equality in the workplace. We are responsible for Hotel recognition of International Days of Equality including International Women’s Day and International Men’s Day. RiiSE members are also expected to act as advocates or advisors to those in need of support if they feel they are suffering discrimination in the workplace. The committee holds networking, wellness and educational events as well as organizing activities each quarter.

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is making a difference in the communities in which we work and live. Many of our colleagues give of themselves by volunteering their time to the various non-profit organizations in their respective communities. We encourage all of our colleagues to get involved within Fairmont Empress and in the greater community. Our participation produces a positive and meaningful effect with benefits for all. Here are just some examples of how we have been involved in the Greater Victoria area: