Spring Seascape

Crown jewel of the Pacific Northwest, Victoria’s eclectic inner harbour, blossoming food and beverage possibilities and proximity to some of the most stunning coastal waters on the continent make it an ultimate mid-spring getaway. —Rachel Johnston

stay. After recently undergoing a multimillion-dollar renovation, the historic Fairmont Empress Hotel is more epic than ever while still retaining the charm intended by original architect Francis Rattenbury back in 1908 (don’t worry—the hallways are still wide enough for two ladies to walk side-by-side in hoop skirts!). As you enter the lobby, gaze up and be dazzled by the ethereal chandelier, formed with 250,000 tiny crystal beads. Splurge and request a room on the Fairmont Gold level, which grants you exclusive perks and access to the best views in the city on the lounge terrace.

sea. Zip over to nearby Sooke for the afternoon and visit local legend and founder of Seaflora Wild Organic Seaweed Skincare Diane Bernard (a.k.a. the Seaweed Lady). Tours can be arranged via the Empress and include an educational foraging excursion along the shores of the pristine Salish Sea. Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife including mama and baby seals and diving birds.

spa. Discover what all the seaweed-fuss is about with a Salish Sea Vitality Facial at the Fairmont Empress Willow Stream Spa. Designed around Seaflora’s hand-harvested, sustainable and mineral-packed seaweed skin-care products, the exclusive and luxurious treatment will rehydrate and repair problematic areas, leaving you mermaid-ready for your evening affairs.

savour. Meander along the awe-inspiring waterfront at dusk to OLO—an intimate eatery in historic Chinatown serving up local fare rooted in the bountiful coastal region, where unique wood ribbon light fixtures feature next to local art, wood seating and arched windows. Go for the turnip and pear salad with mustard dress to start, then sink into a sablefish cheek drizzled with smoked butter next to pickled seaweed (notice a theme here?). Complete with a sake poached apple alongside rice gelato.

sip. Catch the sunset on the Fairmont Gold terrace, overlooking the harbour. Ask for a pour of Empress 1908 Gin—blue-hued and crafted exclusively for the hotel by a local distiller. After mixing with tonic, watch it turn a delightful shade of pink to match the cherry blossom sky. Time for one more? Keep the gin train running with another 1908 cocktail in the hotel’s Q Bar. Decked out in Andy Warhol-esque Queen Victoria art pieces, statement lighting and royal purple accents, the wow factor is huge here.