Ever wondered what an iconic stay at Victoria BC's Empress hotel is like, come with us on this royal experience where Kids Rule The Castle.
Photo Credit: @jessicajoyphotography
With baby arriving next month, we wanted to make a special trip to celebrate the closing of this chapter in our lives, the one where we're not yet outnumbered by snack gobbling, skinned kneed boys with ferocious appetites and a penchant for spreading legos around the house like confetti.
Photo Credit: @jessicajoyphotography
We wanted to take some time to really pour our attention and affection into these two before a newborn demands most of it for the first couple of months. Remembering how much they loved the ferry ride during our Sunshine Coast loop, and wanting to experience something none of us had before, we headed to Victoria, BC for an epic stay at The Empress Hotel's Kids Rule the Castle Experience.
Photo Credit: @jessicajoyphotography
The ferry ride is like crossing the moat to your beautiful fortress. We love gazing out at the passing gulf islands and ocean homes, scanning the waters for pods of orcas that frequent this area. The kids rooms on the BC Ferries are now open so the boys enjoy running around in the painted rooms. The ferry ride is definitely a special part of the whole experience for all of us.
Photo Credit: @jessicajoyphotography
As we enter the 110 year old Empress Hotel we are greeted by Winston the hotel dog, a loyal greeter of all who enter. The boys are delighted at his gentle sniffs and lazy nudges. We take a moment to appreciate the 60 million dollar renovation The Empress underwent that resulted in several prestigious awards and accolades from Conde Nast, National Geographic, and Travel + Leisure.
Photo Credit: @jessicajoyphotography
In our room, we've entered a magical space. Awaiting the boys is an Empress tent and two Winston stuffies, milk and chocolate cookies, all with an indescribable view of Victoria’s inner harbor.
Photo Credit: @jessicajoyphotography
The ornate details juxtaposed with the modern features of this room compliment each other beautifully, we truly feel like we've entered our royal suite. I can see the parliament building from our king-sized bed and the boys revel in the huge size of the room by chasing each other around.
Photo Credit: @jessicajoyphotography
Our first experience on the itinerary is an aerial tour with Harbour Air. We board the plane a mere 5 minute walk from our hotel steps. Our pilot gives us a safety briefing as well as a list of amazing sights we'll be able to witness from up above such as Butchart Gardens, the new Vancouver Island Observatory, and stunning views of the twisting coastline.
Photo Credit: @jessicajoyphotography
We all stare fervently out our windows, glued to the sights below as we experience Victoria in a way that demands to be a bucket list item for those who haven't seen Victoria as the birds do.
Photo Credit: @jessicajoyphotography
Dining at The Empress is an experience in and of itself. With delicious choices on the Kids Rule the Castle menu, we enjoy a peaceful West Coast-style breakfast as a family with such attentive service.
Photo Credit: @jessicajoyphotography
Victoria presents many opportunities to enjoy the natural world and we embark on a whale watching excursion with Eagle Wing Tours to see if we can commune with some local orcas. Eagle Wing Tours has been Trip Advisor’s number one suggestion for things to do since 2007!
Photo Credit: @jessicajoyphotography
Our guides share their knowledge and experience with us, telling us all about transient vs local whales. Soon, we happen across a family of five striking orcas hunting together. As we marvel at these animals, the first orcas we’ve ever seen, one decides to give us a rare treat and sticks his head right out of the water in a behaviour called spyhopping. We cut the engines so that we can hear the distinctive sound of the blowhole as they move together as a unit.
Photo Credit: @jessicajoyphotography
Returning to Fisherman’s wharf, we grab lunch and head for some local boutique shopping. Our first stop is the newly opened location of Ecologyst, a company that is passionate about lowering the footprint of fashion.
Photo Credit: @jessicajoyphotography
We enter the renovated warehouse that’s oozing character with whitewashed brick. Located inside is the retail space where you can peruse the new styles like the carefree tee as well as the favourite classics like the Sitka Heavyweight Tee.
Photo Credit: @jessicajoyphotography
Behind the retail you can watch the clothes being sewn right before your eyes. Behind the brick wall is where online orders are packaged and shipped, a studio for advertising and creative content, the cutting room and high up in the loft is the headquarters. This is truly a brand centered around community in all aspects of the supply chain, a way to successfully challenge the status quo of the industry.
Photo Credit: @jessicajoyphotography
Next we head to Amelia Lee Boutique, another location passionate about consciously supporting positive initiatives in fashion and retail such as fair wages, family owned businesses and local vendors. The owner is a boss babe mama with impeccable taste in sourcing her brands from Turtledove London to Urban Walls.
Photo Credit: @jessicajoyphotography
She tours us around her amazing store, her eye for design is evident. We stock up on essentials for our new baby, organic sleepers, adorable prints, and Native sandals for our little adventurers. Shop both stores online if you’re not planning a trip to Victoria soon.
Photo Credit: @jessicajoyphotography
We’re all about experiencing everything new when we travel and when we dine, so off we go to enjoy dinner at The Empress Hotel’s Veranda restaurant.
Photo Credit: @jessicajoyphotography
The view alone here is worthy of mention, one of the most stunning spots we’ve ever enjoyed a meal. We surprise the boys with an appetizer of charcoal spiced popcorn and olives marinated in preserved lemon, herbs, garlic and chilli. The cocktail list here is very renowned including the mocktails with each drink more beautiful than the last.
Photo Credit: @jessicajoyphotography
The Empress Hotel’s location allows for close proximity to many amazing shops and eateries. Victoria is bikeable year round due to its mild climate and you can take the hotel’s BMW bikes for a spin through the many spectacular oceanside trails. We also loved exploring the hotel grounds which are impeccably manicured.
Photo Credit: @jessicajoyphotography
The pool at The Empress is impressive. Saunas, a hot tub, a kids pool, and a regular swimming pool give everyone somewhere to relax. Laying poolside in lounge chairs in your robes will keep you basking here all day.
Photo Credit: @jessicajoyphotography
Our final experience is an undeniable bucket list item, high tea, which is enjoyed by over 80,000 guests per year. This event is steeped in the royal tradition of ordering tea and small decadent treats to eat to to be enjoyed with friends and began in the early-mid 1800s. Guests have been enjoying this grand experience since the hotel first opened in 1908. As I sit and marvel at the scene around me I feel like I’m now a little part of that history forever.
Photo Credit: @jessicajoyphotography
With the boys in their matching Deux Par Deux and anticipatory smiles, I’m praying they behave as we enter the grand tea room with live piano and fancy teapots. I am relieved to see other children enjoying this experience like little royals.
Photo Credit: @jessicajoyphotography
It seems that the boys can sense the special environment that we’re in and the experience we’re about to have as they sit quietly in their chairs, excited for the fruit tea we order them and ecstatic when their very own culinary trays arrive with a selection of finger sandwiches, teddy bear macarons, mini fritters, homemade cherry gummies and more.
Photo Credit: @jessicajoyphotography
Jake and I enjoy a steaming pot of creamy Earl Grey and nibble on raspberry opera cake, again enjoying the views of the harbour and becoming lost in the exquisite piano playing. I will not soon be forgetting the feeling of this moment.
Photo Credit: @jessicajoyphotography
When we find it time to say goodbye to Winston, our view, and this exquisite city, I’m already making a mental list of bucket list items for next time. This is a city I long to return to annually, to embrace its charm all over again.
Photo Credit: @jessicajoyphotography
Share with us your favourite spots in Victoria, BC on Instagram @loewenlifestyle and view our trip in detail in my highlights! We’re always happy to answer questions and take suggestions from you! A special thank you to The Empress Hotel for making this experience unforgettable for our family and to Kelowna Photographer @jessicajoyphotography for documenting our adventures!
