Fairmont Empress
721 Government Street, Victoria, BC V8W 1W5
250-384-8111 | Website
The rooms at special BCIEW rates at the Fairmont Empress ($279 for a Fairmont room and $319 for a Deluxe room) are now fully booked for the nights of June 23 to June 28, 2023.
Conference attendees who still require accommodation can email us at conference@bccie.bc.ca with the following details:
- Full name
- Check-in and check-out dates
By providing us with this information, you will be placed on the waitlist for the Fairmont Empress and receive further details regarding an alternative hotel option nearby with a preferential BCIEW rate.
How to Get There
In alignment with our commitment to environmental sustainability at our conference, we encourage you to consider your chosen method of transportation to Victoria, and how it impacts your carbon footprint. Where possible, avoid air-travel and instead opt to carpool, walk-on the ferry, and take public transportation. Victoria’s downtown core is very walkable, so when you are exploring the city, consider walking or cycling rather than jumping in a car.
Driving Directions
The Fairmont Empress is located beside the Waterfront Center office building at the intersection of Howe, Canada Place Way, Cordova and Burrard Streets, approximately two blocks from the Business/Financial District, downtown and shopping. A covered walkway connects the hotel to Convention Center and Cruise Ship Terminal.
From BC Ferries Swartz Bay Terminal
If you are arriving via BC Ferries Swartz Bay terminal, you will automatically join Highway 17 as you drive off the ferry. Stay on Highway 17 for approximately 33km until you reach Downtown Victoria. Highway 17 will turn into Blanchard Street, which will turn into Belleville Street. Turn right onto Government Street and you will arrive at the Fairmont Empress. The trip will take approximately 30-40 minutes.
From Seattle, Washington (U.S./Canada border)
The Seattle to Victoria Clipper ferry ride connects the United States with Vancouver Island. The Victoria Clipper ferry ride to Victoria takes 2 hours and 45 minutes, traveling direct between Pier 69 in downtown Seattle and the Belleville Terminal in downtown Victoria’s Inner Harbor.
Air Travel Directions
Victoria International Airport
Victoria International Airport (YYJ) is located approximately 30 minutes drive from the Fairmont Empress. There are several rental car companies located at the airport. Alternatively, there is a shuttle service, run by Lucky to Go shuttle.
If you are driving from the airport, simply follow signs for “Victoria.” The airport is located just off of Highway 17, which will take you directly into the heart of Downtown Victoria and to the Fairmont Empress.
Float Plane
The Harbour Air and Kenmore Air float plane terminal in Victoria is located across the street from the Fairmont Empress, along the Inner Harbour. The terminal is located approximately a five-minute walk away.