The Fairmont Empress hotel sits majestically at the cornerstone of Victoria’s sparkling Inner Harbour and and features turn of the century architecture, classic beauty and an unrivalled location on the water. More than 800 people per day come to enjoy afternoon tea, a tradition that commenced when the hotel opened January 20, 1908.

Throughout its history, The Empress has played host to kings, queens and movie stars. In 1919, Edward, Prince of Wales, waltzed into the dawn in the Crystal Ballroom – an event considered by Victorians to be of such importance that almost 50 years later, the obituaries of elderly ladies would appear under headlines such as, ‘Mrs. Thornley-Hall Dies. Prince of Wales Singled Her Out.’

In 1939, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth stayed at The Fairmont Empress as part of their cross Canada Royal Tour. It was the first time in history that reigning monarchs had visited Victoria and stayed at The Fairmont Empress.

Visited the Butchart gardens this morning, still owned and operated by the family….they’ve been in bloom for over 100 years. They blossomed from an idea Jenny Butchart had to beautify the worked out limestone quarry which had supplied her husband’s nearby cement plant. There are themed sections – sunken, Japanese, rose, Italian and Mediterranean. The sunken garden with the Ross fountain was my favourite. 

Then for a floatplane ride over the south of Vancouver Island.

Tonight we are farewelling our tour guide Sinead before heading off on the Alaska cruise tomorrow. She has been great! Fun, informative and super fit!