Weekends are meant for exploring
Fairmont Empress is your ideal starting point to explore all Vancouver Island has to offer
New to the Island? Check out these weekend activities
Explore old-growth rain forests, hike to snowcapped mountains, stroll on sandy beaches, chase waterfalls, kayak on the ocean, or fall in love with a vibrant city. Vancouver Island has it all and sometimes you need a weekend to experience what this island truly has to offer.
What’s your adventure style?
Craft Brewery Hop
Explore your new home. Victoria is a vibrant city with hundreds of restaurants, pubs and cafes. Victoria has one of the largest Craft Breweries per capita in Canada. With a selection of both tasting rooms and brew pubs there is something for everyone.
Surf in Tofino
Tofino is a small coastal village at the western edge of Vancouver Island. About a 5 hour drive from Victoria or short Harbour Air flight. Deemed Canada’s surf capital, this secluded village has a laid-back vibe with endless opportunities for exploring the rugged coastal landscape.
Hike & Camp in Strathcona Park
British Columbia's oldest provincial park is a must-see destination on Vancouver Island. With over 250,000 hectares of rugged mountains, snow-capped peaks, shallow rivers, impressive waterfalls, stunning lakes, and an abundance of wildlife, Strathcona Provincial Park is home to some of the best hikes on Vancouver Island!
Get Educated
The Royal BC Museum, Maritime Museum of Victoria, Greater Victoria Art Gallery, BC Aviation Museum, The Bateman Gallery, The Avenue Gallery, Centre of the Universe, Legacy Art Gallery, the list goes on. Victoria has some of the most interesting and fascinating museums dedicated to history, nature and arts. It is also a city with the most amazing and interesting art galleries, featuring art work from different times and places.
Ski & Snowboard
Ready to explore your new surroundings? The largest island off the west coast of North America, Vancouver Island is located next to the mainland coast of British Columbia and the north shore of Washington State's Olympic Peninsula.
Explore the Southern Gulf Islands
Explore Victoria’s culinary scene. Our chefs take full advantage of our bountiful surroundings - you can expect food and drinks that are uniquely west coast: diverse, fresh, flavourful and local. Choose from hundreds of restaurants, bistros, bars, breweries, cafés, produce markets and food festivals.
Golf
Victoria is also the gateway to the Vancouver Island Golf Trail—a 250-kilometre-long network of 14 scenic courses. For both beginners and experts, Victoria offers golf experiences with some of the best vistas on earth.
Statues & Landmarks
Discover Victoria’s iconic landmarks (including your workplace!). As the oldest city in the Pacific Northwest, Victoria is an incredible place to learn and explore
For the Comic Lovers & Gamers
As a hub of innovation and exploring new frontiers, Victoria prides itself it being an open, inspired and welcoming community.
Stay in the City
On July 21, 1871, British Columbia became the sixth province of the Dominion of Canada and Victoria was proclaimed the Capital City. Learn more about your local surroundings with a little bit of inside knowledge of Victoria’s rich culture, history and a few fun facts.
Spa Day
Sometimes after a busy week, you need to take some me-time. Victoria' has an abundance of amazing day and wellness spas. Including our own Willow Stream Spa (receive employee discounts too!)
Explore the Gardens
With a long growing season, mild temperatures, and a healthy amount of rainfall, British Columbia is a gardener’s paradise.