Victoria is known for its Christmas celebrations, the whole of downtown lights up for the season and The Fairmont Empress is always the heart of the festivities. This year, the iconic hotel is adding a new festive feature with the addition of a skating rink on the hotel’s front lawn overlooking Victoria Harbour.
From November 20, 2014 until mid-January 2015, the approximately 60’ x 90’ covered rink will offer public skating 5pm to 9pm on weekdays and 12pm to 9pm on weekends.
The new hotel owners, Nat and Flora Bosa, are presenting the rink as an early Christmas gift to the residents and visitors to Victoria as part of the hotel renovation plan that is being developed. “The holidays are always a special time for our team at The Fairmont Empress and our new skating rink will add to the magic,” explains Don Fennerty, general manager of the hotel. “We hope that everyone will make it part of their tradition and drop by for a skate.”
The Fairmont Empress encourages Skate ‘n Date nights and Family Skate afternoon as some of the ways to enjoy the tradition of winter skating. The hotel also plans special seasonal festivities include Sunday Skates with Santa, and Christmas Eve Skating with the Elves, hot cocoa and cider. For groups there are Office Skates, Holiday Parties on Ice, and Break + Skate meeting options.
The cost to skate is $10 per person, $5 for children aged 10 and under, and skate rentals are available at $5 per pair. For more information on special group prices and private parties, call The Fairmont Empress at +1.250.995.3668 or visit The Fairmont Empress online .