VICTORIA, BC (February 9, 2026) – The wait is officially over. One of Victoria’s most beloved spaces is welcoming guests once again, ushering in a new era for a storied location inside Fairmont Empress. The Bengal has reopened as the hotel’s breakfast room, marking chapter one of an evolving vision—one where history and contemporary refinement come together to create a renewed sense of place.

Long known as The Bengal Lounge, the space has been woven into the social fabric of the City of Victoria for generations. Originally opened in 1912 as the ‘Reading & Writing Room’ following the hotel’s grand extension, it evolved in 1954 into the Coronet Lounge—the city’s first cocktail lounge of its kind—creating a new era of social gathering. From milestone celebrations to quiet conversations, it has long served as a place that felt both intimate and special. Now, The Bengal returns with renewed energy, inviting guests to rediscover a room that has grown and transformed alongside the city it serves.

“The Bengal has always been an integral part of The Empress and a place that holds real meaning for our community, and we’re incredibly proud to officially open once again,” said General Manager Dan McGowan. “We’re reintroducing this iconic space in a way that feels both familiar and new, with the intent to create an unforgettable experience for the guest of today. We cannot wait for people to experience it now and for everything that’s still to come as the space continues to evolve.”

Originally celebrated for its rich heritage architecture—defined by beams, pilasters, and intricate carvings—the new Bengal is a loving homage to its past while embracing a brighter, more inclusive setting. The heritage-style beams remain as anchors to history, while plush velvet seating, cane textures, and a lighter, organic palette soften the room and create a seamless connection to the gardens just outside. The result is an atmosphere that feels elegant, welcoming, and unmistakably The Bengal.

Every morning, The Bengal is ready to welcome hotel guests and locals alike for breakfast from 6:30am to 11:00am. Serving dishes inspired by the breakfast menu at Q at the Empress, along with feature items that give a subtle nod to the former lounge, including dishes inspired by the Mango Lassi Chia Pudding and the Bengal Tartine. Click here to review the menu.

The Bengal is also available for dinner while Q at the Empress undergoes renovations. Reservations are available and walk-ins welcomed based on availability.

Looking ahead, the reopening of The Bengal is only the beginning of its transformation. Once renovations at Q at the Empress are complete, the space will become Victoria’s largest private dining room, offering an exceptional and opulent setting for memorable gatherings, celebrations, and special occasions. Having served as a venue for private events since 2016, The Bengal is uniquely positioned for this next evolution.

Harrison Hot Springs, BC – February 5, 2026 — True Key Hotels & Resorts is pleased to announce the appointment of Nicole Curdie as its new General Manager at Harrison Beach Hotel, marking an exciting milestone in her fourth year with the property.

Nicole has been an integral part of the Harrison Beach Hotel team since joining the organization and has served as Guest Services Manager for the past two years. In this role, she played a key part in elevating guest experiences, strengthening operational systems, and supporting team development. Her promotion reflects her strong leadership, dedication, and deep understanding of the hotel’s operations.

A graduate of University of the Fraser Valley, Nicole earned her degree in Hospitality and Event Management in 2020, building a strong academic foundation to complement her hands-on industry experience.

As a lifelong resident of the Harrison Hot Springs area, Nicole brings valuable local insight and community connection to her leadership role. Her knowledge of the region, combined with her passion for hospitality, allows her to create meaningful and memorable experiences for guests while strengthening relationships with local partners.

Known for her calm, team-focused leadership style and commitment to operational excellence, Nicole is dedicated to fostering a positive workplace culture and driving continued success at Harrison Beach Hotel.

“We are thrilled to see Nicole step into this role,” said Michael Anderson, True Key’s President & CEO, “Her professionalism, local roots, and strong leadership make her an excellent fit to guide the hotel into its next chapter.”

Nicole looks forward to continuing to enhance the guest experience while supporting her team and strengthening the hotel’s reputation as a premier destination in Harrison Hot Springs.

Edmonton, AB (02/04/2026) — Travelers passing through Edmonton International Airport (YEG) will get a taste of the Canadian Rockies, as Tourism Jasper announces the installation of a full-scale Jasper-inspired cozy cabin experience in partnership with Edmonton International Airport and Knotty Pine Cabins.

The cabin activation at YEG is an experiential installation to mimic the feeling of being in one of Jasper’s iconic cozy cabins. Located at Gate 16, the installation will offer passengers an immersive introduction to Jasper’s rugged landscapes, rich history, and warm mountain-town hospitality.

The activation features a scaled replica of a traditional Jasper cabin, inviting travelers to step inside and experience the cozy, rustic charm synonymous with the destination. Interior elements include a fireplace, rustic wood and leather furnishings, soft lighting, Hudson’s Bay blankets, and historic photographs highlighting Jasper’s storied past — from royal visits to legendary celebrity guests.

“We are honoured to have built the cabin for this installation with the quality and craftsmanship that Knotty Pine Cabins is known for,” said Alana Comartin, co-owner at Knotty Pine Cabins. “The cabin reflects Jasper’s warmth and character within the airport experience.”

Outside the cabin, travellers can relax into a classic red Adirondack chair while waiting for their flight. Visitors to the cabin are invited to take photos and share them on social media using #MyJasper.

“The cabin experience is about offering passengers a place to relax and unwind in a cozy Jasper cabin before they board their plane,” said Tyler Riopel, CEO of Tourism Jasper. “We want people to feel the warmth, hospitality, and sense of adventure that define Jasper - even if they’re just passing through the airport.”

Designed as a 3–5 year activation, the cabin will be refreshed seasonally and future additions to the cabin will include interactive elements such as QR codes linking to travel inspiration, cabin accommodations, and trip-planning resources. In addition to seasonal changes to the cabin, there will be a contest to win a Jasper getaway with cabin accommodation, activities, and flights for two.

For Edmonton International Airport, the activation offers a distinctive enhancement to the passenger experience while supporting tourism in Jasper and reinforcing YEG’s role as an innovative, experience-driven gateway.

“Partnerships like this bring destinations to life in our terminal and reinforce YEG’s role as a gateway to extraordinary experiences across Alberta and the Canadian Rockies,” says Myron Keehn, President & CEO of Edmonton International Airport. “By working closely with tourism partners like Tourism Jasper, we’re able to spark inspiration, support regional tourism and connect travellers to the places and stories that make our province so compelling.”

The Jasper Cabin Experience at YEG will serve as a compelling invitation to venture beyond the terminal into the heart of Jasper National Park.

February 3, 2026 (Vancouver, BC) - , in partnership with Beam Suntory, present , a limited-time cocktail and listening lounge pop-up that brings together Japanese-inspired cuisine, elevated cocktails, and immersive sound. Launching February 5, HIBIKI invites guests into an intimate, thoughtfully-designed space where the art of listening is as important as the art of drinking and dining.

Inspired by the Japanese concept of hibiki – meaning resonance or echo – this pop-up encourages guests to slow down and engage fully with the experience, enjoying curated music selections alongside a focused menu rooted in Japanese ingredients and technique.

The food program highlights classic preparations interpreted with precision, including Chicken Karaage finished with Sancho pepper and sesame tare; Nasu Dengaku, featuring roasted Japanese eggplant glazed with sweet miso; and Scallop Kobujime, a delicate konbu-cured scallop crudo accented with yuzu kosho and lemon ponzu.

At the bar, Japanese spirits take centre stage. Signature drinks include the crisp Toki Highball, the Roku Sour with matcha and yuzu, and the umami-forward Dirty Hakutini, blending Haku vodka and sake. Each drink is crafted to harmonize with the lounge’s curated soundscape, enhancing the sensory experience.

Music plays a central role at HIBIKI, with Suntory Sessions featuring live DJ performances every Friday and Saturday starting at 7:00 p.m. Guest DJs include Kyprios, Vinyl Richie, Nick Bike, and Flipout, delivering vinyl-forward sets that span soulful, eclectic, and timeless sounds. The full schedule can be found or on Fairmont Hotel Vancouver’s page.

HIBIKI puts a fresh spin on the classic cocktail lounge, blending Japanese craftsmanship, thoughtful hospitality, and carefully-curated sound into one immersive experience. Designed for those who appreciate detail and discovery, the pop-up offers a new way to experience Fairmont Hotel Vancouver – where music, cocktails, and atmosphere come together in easy, natural rhythm.

HIBIKI primarily operates on a first-come, first-seated basis, with released in limited quantities.