Fairmont Empress Activities

We recently asked our fans on Facebook to tell us what their favourite thing to do was while visiting Fairmont Empress. There was a resounding agreement that Afternoon Tea was a must-do as well as dinner at The Bengal Lounge and a visit to the luxurious Willow Stream Spa. But, did you know there are many other activities to do while visiting the hotel? We’ve put together a list of ten things to try for the next time you’re at the iconic Fairmont Empress hotel.

1. Get your nails done at the Willow Stream Spa
   Treat yourself, or bring a friend to have your nails done in the nail boutique at Willow Stream Spa. With five pedicure stations and three manicure stations, the boutique offers a tranquil setting ideal for treating yourself! Call 250 995 4650 to make a reservation.
2. Tour the hotel
   Partake in a 90 minute tour of Fairmont Empress and learn about the history of the building including: how the building was built on water, the fascinating story of Francis Rattenbury, the hotel’s eventful history as a world-renowned landmark and so much more. Call 250 389 2727 to reserve your spot.
3. Take a dip in the pool
   Fairmont Empress’ Fitness Centre is open seven days a week, 24 hours a day and includes an indoor heated swimming pool , a whirlpool and a children’s wading pool. A perfect way to start your day!
4. See the bees
   ­­Fairmont Empress has been harvesting onsite honey since 2011. The hotel currently has four hives, including the observation hive with 300,000 bees. The hotel jars the honey, offered for sale in the Fairmont Store onsite. The hotel has also partnered with a local brewery, Hoyne Brewing Company, to produce Summer Haze Honey Hefe wheat ale, served on The Veranda and Bengal Lounge. See the bees in the Centennial Garden!
5. Explore the city with Fairmont Empress’ BMW bikes
   Fairmont President’s Club members have access to the BMW cruise bicycles – the perfect way to explore beautiful Victoria. Please see our Concierge Desk for information and availability for the bicycles.
6. Picnic on the lawn
   Try something different for lunch and order a picnic basket to-go! Choose from three different options including the ‘Empress Lunch to Go (for one)’, the ‘ Whale Watcher Picnic Basket (for two)’ and ‘Among the Flowers Picnic Basket (for two)’. Please allow two hours for preparation. Call 250 384 8111 to place your order.
7. Live music in The Bengal Lounge
   Did you know that the Bengal Lounge has live music from talented local artists Thursday to Sunday evenings? Robbie Aylesworth, the Chris Millington Band and Lust Life are just a few of the incredible artists taking the stage in Victoria's favourite lounge.
8. Royal Tea
   Of course everyone should experience the delight of attending Afternoon Tea at Fairmont Empress. Enhance your visit with the “Royal Tea” – an additional tier of four local Salt Spring Island cheeses, a glass of tawny port and warm, fresh honey harvested from the honeycomb of Chef’s honey garden. Please call Dining Reservations at 250 389 2727 to reserve your spot.
9. Group Therapy at the Willow Stream Spa
   What do you get when you combine your best friends, a spa treatment, a glass of wine and an appetizer in a world famous location?  You've got Group Therapy - including your choice of a 60 minute Relaxation Massage or 60 minute Customized Deep Cleansing Facial and a glass of red or white wine and a light appetizer in our Bengal Lounge. Advanced reservations are recommended and must be booked with groups of 3 or more. Call 250 995 4650 for more information.
10. Don’t forget about the kids!
    Kids love coming to the fabled Castle on the Coast. Our “Kids Rule the Castle Victoria Family Travel Package” begins with a scavenger hunt around the hotel. Find the honeybees, explorer the city and end with an in-room movie complete with refreshments. Kids love Afternoon Tea and Fairmont Empress has tailored this special event to suit the tastes of our tiniest guests. Call Dining Reservations to reserve for Afternoon Tea at 250 389 2727.