I've heard much about having Tea at the Empress and would like to do so. Is there a "dress code" and what exactly do they require...."Smart casual wear" here in the Midwest can be VERY casual.

I think the Victoria definition of "smart casual wear" just means no jeans, no running shoes, and no t-shirts with beer brands printed on them

Dress code aside, if you are planning to have tea at the Empress and you know the day you are going to be in Victoria you just might want to make your reservation now. If I remeber right it on certain days it books up fast.

Tea at the Empress is a must do. It has been years since I've been but I remember people wearing more "smart" than "casual" wear. This doesn't mean that you have to dress to the nines and not many people would wear suits, etc. but use your discretion. I would err on the side of over dressing rather than under dressing.

I was in Victoria a few weeks ago and was advised by our hotel that the Empress is actually quite dressy for High Tea. Since we were going to spend a day at the Burchart Gardens, it was recommended to us to take an afternoon tea in the gardens. The High Tea was delightful and the prices were significantly less than at the Empress.

I have been here recently. I found the price high, the quality fair, the service poor. Definitely not on a par with The Plaza in NY or Fortnum & Mason's in London. Only go there if you have never had a REAL HIGH TEA.