Fairmont Empress Named One of Western Canada’s Top Three Hotels

VICTORIA, BC (October 6, 2026) – Fairmont Empress has been named one of the top three hotels in Western Canada in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards.

This recognition places the iconic property amongst Canada’s most celebrated hotels. Fairmont Empress continues to impress travelers worldwide with its storied history, renowned Tea at the Empress, elevated Fairmont Gold offering, and ongoing investment in the guest experience. Recent enhancements in the past year include the newly reimagined Q at the Empress and the reopening of The Bengal.

The City of Victoria has also been named the world’s best small city, a distinction that celebrates the destination and complements the hotel’s recognition. For the full list of winners, click here.

“We’re proud to be recognized among the top three hotels in Western Canada,” said General Manager Dan McGowan. “Fairmont Empress and the City of Victoria are inseparable parts of the guest experience. The city’s recognition as the world’s best small city speaks to the remarkable destination around us, and our team is proud to help bring that experience to life. When Victoria’s character and beauty converge with the hospitality of Fairmont Empress, something truly special happens.” The Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards are among the travel industry’s longest-running reader-voted recognitions. Readers rate hotels on service, design, location, food and beverage, and overall experience.This year, more than 798,867 reader survey responses about global travel experiences informed the awards program.

This recognition adds to Fairmont Empress’s growing list of accolades. The hotel was named #1 City Hotel in Canada in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards for two consecutive years and recently received a Michelin Key for the third consecutive year. A pivotal chapter in the hotel’s modern legacy began in 2014, when Nat Bosa purchased the property. Under his vision, the hotel underwent the $60-million-plus “Return of the Queen” renovation, completed in 2017, revitalizing the property while preserving its heritage and introducing contemporary design and amenities. Continuous improvements included the Fairmont Gold experience, with 88 guest rooms and suites, an exclusive lounge overlooking the harbour, and elevated amenities, as well as the Harbour View Terrace, introduced in 2024.

The hotel’s Humboldt Wing is currently under renovation to further enhance guest rooms and the overall guest experience. These ongoing improvements demonstrate Mr. Bosa’s commitment to maintaining Fairmont Empress as a leading luxury hotel and a source of pride for the local community.

To learn more about Fairmont Empress or stay up to date on the latest developments, visit:
https://www.fairmont-empress.com/.

Media enquiries and further information:

Lisa McPhail
Director of Public Relations
Fairmont Empress
T: 778 679 5049
E: [email protected]