Two of British Columbia’s best-known hotels have joined forces to introduce a luxury journey combining Victoria’s waterfront heritage with Whistler’s alpine scenery.
The new Sea to Sky Experience connects Fairmont Empress in Victoria with Fairmont Chateau Whistler through a curated itinerary that includes accommodations at both hotels, a scenic seaplane flight, ground transportation, and personalized trip planning.
The experience follows both properties earning first-place honors in the 2026 Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards. Fairmont Empress was named Canada’s No. 1 City Hotel, while Fairmont Chateau Whistler received the title of Canada’s No. 1 Resort.
From Victoria’s Inner Harbour to the Mountains
The journey begins in Victoria, where Fairmont Empress has overlooked the city’s Inner Harbour since 1908. Recognizable for its château-style architecture, the hotel is one of Vancouver Island’s most celebrated landmarks and a National Historic Site of Canada.
Its central waterfront location places guests within walking distance of the British Columbia Parliament Buildings, the Royal BC Museum, Beacon Hill Park, Fisherman’s Wharf, and the shops and restaurants of downtown Victoria.
The hotel is also home to Tea at the Empress, one of Canada’s longest-running and best-known afternoon tea experiences. Served in the Lobby Lounge, the tradition combines house-blended teas, finger sandwiches, pastries, and freshly baked scones in an elegant setting overlooking the harbor.
Travelers interested in exploring more of the city’s tea culture can also consult DRIFT Travel’s guide to iconic afternoon tea experiences in Victoria.
Victoria provides a distinctly coastal beginning to the itinerary. Guests can spend time exploring the harbor, visiting galleries, joining a whale-watching excursion, walking through historic neighborhoods, or discovering the restaurants and independent businesses of Chinatown and Old Town.
A Scenic Seaplane Journey Across British Columbia
Rather than making the trip between Victoria and Whistler entirely by road and ferry, Sea to Sky guests travel aboard a Harbour Air seaplane.
The flight provides aerial views of British Columbia’s islands, channels, forests, coastline, and mountain ranges before arriving at Green Lake in Whistler. Scheduled service and private charter options are available seasonally from May through September.
The seaplane connection turns transportation into one of the central experiences of the trip. Flying directly from the coast to the mountains also reduces the time required to travel between the two destinations, leaving more of the itinerary available for sightseeing and relaxation.
Because scheduled flights are seasonal and weather dependent, travelers should confirm operating dates, baggage restrictions, departure points, and backup transportation arrangements before booking.
Luxury ground transportation in a Cadillac Escalade IQ is also incorporated into the journey through Fairmont Canada’s partnership with Cadillac.
An Alpine Stay at Fairmont Chateau Whistler
After landing at Green Lake, guests continue to Fairmont Chateau Whistler, located at the base of Blackcomb Mountain.
The resort combines château-inspired architecture with direct access to Whistler’s extensive outdoor recreation. During winter, its location is particularly convenient for skiing and snowboarding, while warmer months bring hiking, mountain biking, golf, paddling, and sightseeing.
Summer visitors can ride the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, explore alpine trails, walk or cycle the Valley Trail, visit Lost Lake, or browse the shops and restaurants of Whistler Village. DRIFT Travel’s tips for enjoying Whistler responsibly during summer provide additional guidance for planning outdoor activities and avoiding peak-period crowds.
At the hotel, travelers have access to several restaurants and lounges, a health club, pools, spa and wellness experiences, and the Audain Golf Course, an 18-hole course designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr.
The resort’s slopeside location makes it possible to build an itinerary around outdoor adventure, but guests can just as easily spend their stay enjoying the spa, dining, village atmosphere, and mountain views.
Two Award-Winning Canadian Hotels
The launch follows recognition for both hotels in Travel + Leisure’s annual reader-voted World’s Best Awards.
Fairmont Empress earned the title of Canada’s No. 1 City Hotel for the second consecutive year. Readers evaluate hotels on factors including guest rooms, location, service, dining, and overall experience.
Fairmont Chateau Whistler topped the publication’s 2026 list of Canada’s best resorts, receiving a reader score of 96.8. The property was recognized for its setting at the base of Blackcomb Mountain, ski-in and ski-out access, golf course, and resort amenities. The complete results are available through Travel + Leisure’s 2026 Canadian resort rankings.
Together, the hotels represent two very different sides of British Columbia: one rooted in Victoria’s waterfront history and the other shaped by Whistler’s alpine environment.
Planning the Sea to Sky Experience
The itinerary includes stays at Fairmont Empress and Fairmont Chateau Whistler, a Harbour Air flight between Victoria and Whistler, luxury ground transfers, and trip-planning assistance from Entrée Canada.
The experience can be adapted around cultural attractions, coastal adventures, dining, wellness, or outdoor recreation. That flexibility makes it suitable for a milestone celebration, romantic getaway, extended British Columbia vacation, or luxury long weekend.
Travelers considering the itinerary should note that the direct seaplane component operates from May through September. Those visiting outside this window will need to discuss alternative transportation options with the trip planner.
The route can also be incorporated into a longer Western Canada journey. Visitors might add extra time on Vancouver Island, continue from Whistler to Vancouver along the Sea to Sky Highway, or combine the experience with additional stops in the Canadian Rockies.
More information about the journey and itinerary planning is available from Entrée Canada, with hotel reservations also available directly through Fairmont Empress and Fairmont Chateau Whistler.
