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Best Boutique Hotels in Victoria, Canada: Stay near Inner Harbour

Victoria is filled with charming historic neighbourhoods, beautiful parks and a thriving food and art scene. During my last visit, I loved exploring the historic houses and gardens in the Rockland area, especially Craigdarroch Castle. This is a great area to visit. But I wouldn’t stay in this area as there’s a lot more going on in downtown Victoria and James Bay.

If you’re looking for a place to stay that’s both stylish and unique, I recommend checking out one of Victoria’s luxury boutique hotels or a historic hotel.

Fairmont Empress Hotel on the Inner Harbour and the parliament.
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Boutique Hotels in Victoria BC

Victoria, BC is known for its beautiful historic neighbourhoods and vibrant culture. Some popular areas to visit include the Inner Harbour, home to many restaurants, shops, and attractions, and the Oak Bay neighbourhood, known for its upscale boutiques and charming seaside atmosphere.

If you’re visiting Victoria, the best area to stay in would depend on your interests, but the Inner Harbour and James Bay neighbourhood are central and convenient for tourists.

Unfortunately, there isn’t much in the way of independent boutique hotels in Victoria, but there are some great places to stay nonetheless.

Top Pick
Fairmont Empress Hotel

Address: 721 Government Street, Victoria, Canada

The Fairmont Empress is a luxurious and iconic hotel located in the heart of the city. It’s just steps away from the Inner Harbour and not far from the bustling streets of downtown Victoria. The building is recognised as a National Historic Site and recently underwent a high-end renovation. Many of the rooms feature stunning views of the harbour or the hotel’s lush, manicured gardens.

Features:

  • Large, comfortable rooms with sitting areas.
  • Rooms with views of the Inner Harbour, city skyline or garden.
  • Modern gym, heated swimming pool and award-winning spa.
  • Iconic British-style afternoon tea is available.
  • Restaurant featuring Pacific Northwest cuisine.
  • Exceptional service, as you would expect of a grand hotel.

Sustainability:

  • Independently certified sustainable initiatives.
  • Food waste is minimised and unavoidable waste is composted.
  • Onsite honey hives.
  • Locally-sourced sustainable food is served in the restaurant.
  • Food waste reduction measures are in place.
  • BMW bikes are available for rent for exploring the city and nature trails.

Pros: The Fairmont is an iconic historic hotel situated in the heart of Victoria, near the Inner Harbour and many of the city’s top attractions. This stunning hotel is known for its grand Edwardian architecture and its elegant, old-world charm.

Cons: This hotel is part of the large Accor hotel group, so it’s not a boutique hotel but a large luxury hotel. I recommend staying here because it’s so much better than anywhere else and it’s not unreasonably priced for what you get. I recommend a smaller hotel below.

Check Availability

Location of Fairmont Empress


In my opinion, this is the top boutique hotel in Victoria, BC. However, if you’re looking for something in a different location or a cheaper hotel, you might also enjoy my next best pick.

Next Best

Hotel Rialto
Address: 653 Pandora Avenue, Victoria, Canada.
Hotel Rialto is a small, independently-owned boutique hotel located in downtown Victoria, BC. Rooms feature charming vintage-inspired decor and views of the harbour or the city skyline. The hotel has a rooftop patio with panoramic views of the city. If you’re looking for a stylish and uniquely-decorated place to stay during your visit to Victoria, Hotel Rialto is an excellent choice.

Get ready to explore the stunning natural beauty and diverse culture of the region with my comprehensive guide to unique places to visit in BC, Canada’s most breathtaking province.

Victoria’s tourist office has a website that is a valuable resource for visitors to the city. The website provides information on attractions, events, and activities in Victoria and recommendations for accommodation, dining, and transportation.

Responsible Travel Tips

Many of us are increasingly concerned about climate change and sustainability.

Here are some ideas for how people can travel more responsibly in Victoria, Canada:

  1. Stay in hotels that use renewable energy sources whenever possible.
  2. Reduce food waste by carefully planning meals and snacks, and purchasing locally-grown and organic products.
  3. Limit consumerism by only buying what you need or choosing secondhand or locally-made items rather than new. Consider if you really need new clothes for your trip and whether shopping is essential while you’re there.
  4. Choose a sustainable diet that includes plenty of plant-based foods and locally-sourced ingredients.
  5. Consider alternative modes of transportation, such as biking, walking, or using public transportation, to reduce your carbon footprint. This is easy to do in Victoria if you’re able-bodied. Many of the sites and attractions are within walking distance of central Victoria.
  6. Support the local community by staying in locally-owned accommodations, eating at locally-owned restaurants, and purchasing products from local businesses. Victoria has a lot to offer visitors in terms of unique businesses that are locally owned.

Please share your sustainability tips in the comments.

If you have questions or want to leave a hotel review, please do so in the comments.

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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. This post contains affiliate links to hotels in Victoria, Canada. This means I get a small commission from any bookings at no extra cost to you.

Written by:
Andrea Anastasakis
Last updated:
January 9, 2023
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Filed Under: Canada

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Find cool and unique places to stay around the world with these travel guides. From my home country Australia to Asia, the United States, Canada and across Europe. Andrea Anastasakis

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