British Columbia
Victorian Christmas at the Grand Empress
Program No. 18099RJ
Wondrous festive lights illuminate Victoria and the Inner Harbour! Celebrate at the Fairmont Empress, enjoy a festive light display at the Butchart Gardens and tea at the Empress.
Enroll with Confidence
We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. Learn more
Protecting the Environment
We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
800-454-5768
Select your type of room
Price will update based on selection
Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.
DATES
& starting prices
PRICES
DATES
& starting prices
PRICES
Not seeing the date you're looking for?
To be notified if dates of this program become available, click the button below.
This date is available to book as a private experience for your group!
5 days
4 nights
10 meals
4B 2L 4D
2
Christmas Traditions, History of Afternoon Tea
Victoria, BC
3
Afternoon Tea, Free Time, Festive Christmas Dinner
Victoria, BC
5
Program Concludes
Victoria, BC
At a Glance
Revel in the spirit of the season amid the history and ambiance of charming Victoria and the opulent, turn-of-the-century Empress Hotel. Presentations and field trips and traditional singalongs as you immerse yourself in authentic Victorian Holiday spirit as you stroll the historic streets of Victoria and learn of Canadian holiday traditions. On Christmas morning, immerse yourself in holiday atmosphere as carolers wander the hotel halls.
Activity Level
Easy Going
Easy walking on relatively flat terrain; some stairs and uneven terrain.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Witness the magical holiday transformation of magnificent Butchart Gardens with a display of thousands of twinkling lights.
- Be regaled with true accounts of how Christmas was celebrated during the days of Fort Victoria and the gold-rush era.
- Take part in one of Victoria’s grandest traditions — afternoon tea at the Empress — and top off Christmas Day with a festive dinner.
General Notes
Christmas dinner dress code is semi-formal, with a jacket and tie requested for gentlemen. Max of 90 participants, divided into groups for activities.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
John Adams
John Adams is the author of “Old Square-Toes and His Lady: The Life of James and Amelia Douglas.” Part historian and part storyteller, John has turned a passion for the past into a long career in history. His family-owned business, Discover the Past, provides a variety of historical educational programs for the community. His natural, lively, humorous and clear style makes his presentations both informative and memorable.
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
John Adams
View biography
John Adams is the author of “Old Square-Toes and His Lady: The Life of James and Amelia Douglas.” Part historian and part storyteller, John has turned a passion for the past into a long career in history. His family-owned business, Discover the Past, provides a variety of historical educational programs for the community. His natural, lively, humorous and clear style makes his presentations both informative and memorable.
Chris Adams
View biography
Chris was raised in Victoria and attended the University of Victoria where he received his BA in history. Chris spent many years of his early adult life in the UK and received a diploma in human ecology from Strathclyde University in Glasgow. He and his wife now live in Victoria with their two children. Chris is a historian, storyteller and interpretive leader. In his spare time, he is a hard-working urban farmer, tending flocks of chickens, ducks and quail, along with many hives of bees.
Isabelle Maheux
View biography
Isabelle Maxeux has two decades of experience in the travel industry. Her skills and personality have given Isabelle the opportunity to lead participants around the world. Originally from Québec, she now calls Vancouver Island home. Fluent in French and English, she enjoys languages and is currently learning Spanish. When Isabelle is not traveling, she enjoys exploring the outdoors with her family and teaching them about local flora and fauna.
Suggested Reading List
(12 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Victorian Christmas at the Grand Empress
Program Number: 18099
Canada, Images of the Land
From the country's expansive prairies and forests to its magnificent coastline, the 200-plus images in this oversized photo book capture the sublime and staggeringly diverse landscape of Canada.
Moon Vancouver and Victoria, Including Whistler and Vancouver Island
A no-nonsense practical guide in the Moon series, jam-packed not only with travel necessities (hotels, restaurants, sights), but also with a good overview of history, flora and fauna and geology.
Tea Sommelier
A gorgeous, coffee-table introduction to the wide world of tea, its rituals, jargon, health benefits and varieties, brimming with gorgeous full- and double-page photographs and 20 tea-infused recipes.
Eyewitness Top Ten Vancouver & Victoria
A compact, illustrated guide in the popular series, featuring favorite attractions in Vancouver and Victoria.
Bachelor Brothers' Bed and Breakfast
Lake Woebegone goes British Columbian in this humorous slip of a novel about an unconventional Vancouver B&B, which features twin bookworm brothers, a talking parrot and a motley crew of hotel guests.
Victoria, A History in Photographs
The story of Victoria, British Columbia from its days as a mining colony to its development into a city. Nearly 150 archival photographs are organized together with a short text.
The Raven Steals the Light
A classic collection of 10 Haida myths and legends with accompanying black and white etchings by Vancouver artist Bill Reid. These stories capture the storytelling traditions of the Haida.
Christmas Stories
These choice selections, in an Everyman's pocket edition, celebrate Christmas with short fiction that includes Elizabeth Bowen's Green Holly, Dancing Dan's Christmas by Damon Runyon, A Christmas Memory by Truman Capote, Willa Cather's The Burglar's Choice, and works by Charles Dickens, Leo Tolstoy, John Updike, Alice Monroe, John Cheever, Grace Paley, and others.
A Traveller's History of Canada
An admirably concise march through Canadian history by Robert Bothwell, who has also written "Canada and Quebec: One Country, Two Histories." Compact, easy-to-read and covering from prehistoric times to today, it's a useful introduction to the country, designed specifically for travelers.
Myths and Legends of the Pacific Northwest
LITERATURE, 1997, PAPERBACK, 204 PAGES
First published in 1910 and with a new introduction by Jay Miller, this book collects the oral traditions of the Klamath, Nez Perce, Modoc, Chinook and other tribes of the Pacific Northwest. Presented here with 52 photographs, the stories reveal myths and traditions of the creation of the universe, rebirth of the salmon and, most interestingly, the formation of noted geographical features of the territory. It's a wonderful introduction to the traditional mindset and importance of the land to Native Americans of the region. (PNW17, $14.95)
The West Beyond the West, A History of British Columbia
PAPER, 834 PAGES, $32.95
A general history of the Canadian province from the 18th century to the mid-1990s. (Item no. CND116)
Northwest Coast Indian Art: An Analysis of Form
An in-depth analysis of the form, shape and texture of the art of the Northwest Coast Indians by an artist, teacher and expert in the field, illustrated throughout.
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
5 days
4 nights
What's Included
10 meals (
4B, 2L, 4D
)
3 expert-led lectures
4 expert-led field trips
An experienced Group Leader
4 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
Check-in, Registration, Welcome Dinner, Orientation
Location:
Victoria, BC
Meals:
D
Stay:
The Fairmont Empress Hotel
Activity Note
Participants are encouraged to arrive a day or two before the program starts to be able to spend a little more time enjoying the city. The hotel offers reasonable rates on extra nights, and also on room upgrades. Hotel check-in available from 4:00 p.m. Remember to bring your nametag (sent previously).
Afternoon:
Program Registration: 4:00 p.m. After you check in and have your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar table to register with the program staff, get any updated information, and confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please locate your Group Leader and let them know you have arrived.
Dinner:
In a private room at the hotel.
Evening:
Orientation: 7:30 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. We will learn from the Group Leader and a series of local experts who will give lectures and lead field trips. Program-related travel will be via private motorcoach unless noted otherwise. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/current conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Day
2
Christmas Traditions, History of Afternoon Tea
Location:
Victoria, BC
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
The Fairmont Empress Hotel
Activity Note
You will be going outdoors today. Please dress warmly for winter weather. Getting on/off a motorcoach. Standing at museum.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
At the hotel with a local expert, we’ll discover Christmas traditions and learn about the fascinating ways Christmas was celebrated in Victoria, from the days of Fort Victoria to the present day. Following the presentation, we will embark on an exploration by coach of Victoria’s iconic landmarks and neighborhoods.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
After lunch we will visit the Royal British Columbia Museum. Through unique galleries, the Museum showcases the human and natural history of British Columbia and temporary exhibits from other countries and cultures. Authentic artifacts and specimens are displayed in highly realistic settings, giving visitors the experience of another time and place. We’ll then head back to our hotel to learn about the rich background of the tradition of afternoon tea during a special presentation. This time-honored tradition will be explained as well as an explanation of the tea trade throughout the world, and the various kinds of teas and their health benefits.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure. Enjoy classic Christmas carols in the Lobby Lounge, or cuddle up on the verandah with a hot beverage and a warm blanket. Game activities are also available in a private room at the hotel.
Day
3
Afternoon Tea, Free Time, Festive Christmas Dinner
Location:
Victoria, BC
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
The Fairmont Empress Hotel
Activity Note
Leisurely Christmas day. Walking and other free time activities according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Free time. Take a walk by the waterfront, or enjoy Christmas morning church services nearby. The historic Empress Hotel Library is a great location to enjoy a peaceful Christmas morning as well.
Lunch:
We’ll enjoy the Festive Afternoon Tea at the Fairmont Empress. Savor an array of gourmet finger sandwiches and delicate pastries, and sip the original blend of “The Empress Tea.” With its chic ambience, lovely moldings, and polished hardwood floors, this is truly an exceptional experience for everyone!
Afternoon:
Free time. Enjoy any other sites in Victoria you may want to explore on your own, before meeting for Christmas dinner.
Dinner:
In the magnificent Shaughnessy Ballroom, beautifully decorated for the festive season. In appreciation of this special occasion, this event has a semi-formal dress code with a jacket and tie requested for gentlemen; women typically wear short or long, cocktail-style dresses or pantsuits. Cash bar available.
Evening:
At leisure. End the evening on a cozy Christmas note in Q Bar and enjoy the beautiful view of the Inner Harbor, watch the lights on the yachts as they bob in the water, or find a warm spot around the fireplace.
Day
4
History of Butchart, Beacon Hill Park, Butchart Gardens
Location:
Victoria, BC
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
The Fairmont Empress Hotel
Activity Note
You will be enjoying outdoor activities today. Please dress warmly for winter weather. Getting on/off a motorcoach. Walking/standing for 3 hours on walk and at gardens.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
At the hotel, a presentation by a local historian will cover the history of Butchart Gardens. We will learn about the initial idea of the gardens to the process of its creation from 1904 to present day. We will learn about the Butchart family and how the gardens have been passed on through the generations. Following our presentation we will divide into groups for a walking exploration of Beacon Hill Park. We will stroll the grounds and enjoy the stands of Arbutus, Douglas fir, Western Red Cedar, birch, maple as well as the endangered Garry Oak trees. We may even spot the 11 meter long moss lady.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
We will depart by motorcoach for the renowned Butchart Gardens and enjoy a scenic ride on our way to the gardens. The Gardens boast fifty-five acres of wonderful floral display, meandering paths and expansive lawns. Truly one of the loveliest corners in the world, the gardens are always in season. They are particularly intriguing during the holiday season, when tens of thousands of colored lights combine with evergreen swags and wreaths of holly and winter berries to line walkways and festoon lamp posts in the gardens. The ever-popular Twelve Days of Christmas displays are tucked away within The Gardens, and a recreational skating rink creates a truly spectacular winter wonderland.
Dinner:
At Butchart Gardens. Share your favorite experiences and enjoy camaraderie with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
Evening:
Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.
Day
5
Program Concludes
Location:
Victoria, BC
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Hotel check-out by 11:00 a.m.
Breakfast:
At the hotel. This concludes our program.
Morning:
If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
Please select a day to update the map
Map details are not available for this location.
MEALS
10 Meals
4 Breakfasts
2 Lunches
4 Dinners
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
- Dec 23, 2024 - Dec 27, 2024
- Dec 23, 2025 - Dec 27, 2025
Participant Reviews
Based on 8 Reviews
Sort By:
The Empress is a fabulous and enchanting place to spend Christmas, and Group Leader Isabelle made it seem like a happy family gathering.
— Review left January 15, 2024
Celebrating the Christmas holidays at the Empress Hotel in Victoria was lovely, and fun too. The program leaders led us through a captivating & charming time.
— Review left January 9, 2024
Great way to spend the holiday.
— Review left December 28, 2023
A Christmas like no other!
— Review left January 12, 2020
Spend a great holiday in a beautiful city at a fabulous hotel that really knows how to celebrate the season!
— Review left January 11, 2020
A relaxing, enjoyable get-a-way during Christmas.
— Review left January 9, 2020
Christmas in Victoria at the Empress Hotel is a magical, magnificent, delightful experience -- a once in a life-time event, to be remembered for a lifetime.
— Review left January 2, 2020
This is a wonderful way to spend Christmas. You learn a little, and get to meet welcoming people.
— Review left January 3, 2019
