Located in close vicinity to each other stand two of western Canada’s most remarkable buildings: The Empress Hotel and the British Columbia Parliament Building. If you’re coming to Victoria this winter, take the time to visit one or both of these architectural marvels. Don’t hesitate to ask our friendly and helpful staff for directions to these nearby buildings.
The Empress Hotel was designed by Francis Rattenbury for Canadian Pacific Hotels as the terminus hotel for Canada Pacific’s steamship line. Although originally planned as a travel hotel for the wealthy, eventually, as Vancouver eclipsed Victoria as a departure point for international travel, the hotel remade itself as a tourist destination in the salubrious climate of southern Vancouver Island. The hotel resembles many hotels of its era found in other Canadian cities designed in the Edwardian Chateau style. A fine treat is to take afternoon tea at the empress, which costs only $60!
After seeing the empress head only a few steps south to the British Columbia Parliament buildings. This stately yet idiosyncratic neo-baroque building offers free tours year round. Interesting sights are a statue of Queen Victoria on the front lawn as well as a gilded statue of British colonial explorer George Vancouver atop the highest dome of the building. For information about visiting the parliament buildings, click here.
Welcome to Victoria BC, our province’s capital city with a small town feel. If you’re coming to Victoria to see some of its fine architectural sites this holiday season, book a room at the BEST WESTERN Inner Harbour Hotel in Victoria. We’re located just a stone’s throw away from the Empress and the B.C. Parliament. We look forward to welcoming you at our spacious and comfortable Victoria hotel this winter.
