
VICTORIA, BC (July 7, 2026) – Fairmont Empress has been crowned once again as #1 City Hotel in Canada in the 2026 World’s Best Awards by Travel + Leisure®, marking the second consecutive year the magnificent property has earned the top city hotel honour.
The Travel + Leisure's World’s Best Awards recognize the leading hotels, operators, destinations, and travel experiences worldwide, as voted by readers in the magazine’s annual survey. Today, the results confirm travelers’ strong appreciation for excellence across a variety of criteria, including rooms, facilities, location, service, and restaurants, thereby reinforcing the awards as a definitive benchmark for top-tier standards in the travel and hospitality industry.
Since 1908, Fairmont Empress—often referred to as “Canada’s Castle on the Coast”—has remained the crown jewel of the City of Victoria. As a National Historic Site with a distinguished past, architectural grandeur, impressive gardens, refined accommodations, and the iconic Tea at the Empress, the hotel continues to charm local and international guests. Recent accolades further reinforce the hotel's status as a leader in global hospitality and as a premier destination in Canada.
“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.”
In the past year, the hotel has welcomed a new chapter for its dining experiences. The Bengal has reopened as the hotel’s breakfast room, bringing renewed energy to one of Victoria’s most storied spaces. In addition, the hotel’s restaurant and bar has undergone a transformation, with a brand-new look and feel for Q at the Empress—creating an even more elevated setting for Pacific Northwest-inspired dining and signature cocktails.
A pivotal chapter in the hotel’s legacy began in 2014, when Nat Bosa acquired the property. With a grand vision, Bosa spearheaded the remarkable $60+ million ‘Return of the Queen’ renovation, meticulously revitalizing the hotel in 2017 by retaining its heritage while introducing contemporary design and amenities. His ongoing investment in Fairmont Empress was further exemplified by the launch of the new Fairmont Gold experience, which includes 88 elegantly appointed guest rooms and suites, an exclusive lounge over 5,000 square feet with sweeping harbour views, and a host of elevated amenities designed to provide guests with exceptional comfort and sophistication. Additional planned capital investments demonstrate his commitment to making Fairmont Empress a top luxury hotel in the world and a source of pride for the local community.
For more information or to book a stay at Fairmont Empress, visit www.fairmontempress.com