The Fairmont Empress has been named the No. 1 City Hotel in Canada in the 2026 World’s Best Awards from Travel + Leisure, marking the second consecutive year the Victoria property has claimed the top spot.
The annual awards are based on reader surveys that evaluate hotels, destinations and travel experiences around the world.
Hotels are rated across categories including rooms, facilities, location, service and dining.
The recognition adds to a growing list of accolades for the historic hotel, which has welcomed guests in Victoria since 1908.
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“It is an honour to be recognized as the #1 City Hotel in Canada by Travel + Leisure readers for a second consecutive year. It is incredibly rewarding to have our valued guests return time and time again, and to vote for us as their hotel of choice once more,” said Dan McGowan, General Manager of Fairmont Empress.
“This achievement reflects the dedication of our staff and our visionary owner, Nat Bosa, whose passion and continual investment ensure Fairmont Empress remains a source of pride for our community and a world-class experience for international travelers. We are deeply grateful to our loyal guests, our supporters, our team, and Mr. Bosa for making this recognition possible.”
Over the past year, the hotel has introduced updates to its food and beverage offerings, including reopening The Bengal as its breakfast restaurant and completing a redesign of Q at the Empress, its restaurant and bar, which now features an updated look for Pacific Northwest-inspired dining and cocktails.
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The property has also undergone significant investment over the past decade. After acquiring the hotel in 2014, owner Nat Bosa led the more than $60-million "Return of the Queen" renovation, completed in 2017. The project restored many of the hotel's historic features while adding modern amenities.
More recently, the hotel introduced its Fairmont Gold experience, offering 88 guest rooms and suites, a private lounge overlooking the harbour and additional guest amenities. According to the hotel, further capital investments are planned.
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