The Empress Hotel

This impressive, Edwardian hotel was built in Victoria on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, from 1904 to 1908. Yes, it took four years to build. Originally it was meant to be a stopover point for the Canadian Pacific's steamship line, but they ceased passenger service to Victoria a few years later. So, in the 1920's it was remarketed as a tourist destination.

From its very beginning, many famous people have walked through its doors. For example, in 1919, Edward, the Prince of Wales, is reported to have waltzed in the Crystal Ballroom until dawn. Shirley Temple's parents brought her here for a getaway. In 1939, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth attended a luncheon there hosted by the Provincial Government. 

For many years, The Empress didn't have a sign. When one was put up, one of the workmen expressed what many residents felt. "Anyone who doesn't know this is The Empress shouldn't be staying here." In 1989, the hotel received a major renovation. Although some additional amenities were added, every effort was made to restore it to its original splendor.

Today visitors can still be served a traditional English afternoon tea in the Tea Room. It seats more than 800 guests daily during summers, when they serve tea sandwiches, scones with preserves and clotted cream, and, of course, tea. Afternoon tea will cost around 60 Canadian dollars per person, and reservations need to be made over a week ahead. People go to The Empress to experience the luxury, elegance, and charm of a by-gone era.

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