Sunday was one of those days that reminded me to slow down and simply be.

The morning started gently. I ordered room service and allowed myself to ease into the day without an agenda. After a few intense days of connection, growth, and masterminding, it felt good to just breathe and exist for a while.

Later that morning, Kiara, Shelby, and I boarded a water taxi for a tour of the Gorge. Our “captain,” Buzz, was a quirky and entertaining storyteller who made the entire experience memorable. He cracked jokes the whole time but also shared fascinating bits of local history as we glided through the calm waters of Victoria’s Inner Harbour and surrounding inlet.

Buzz dropped us off at Fisherman’s Wharf, where we explored the colourful floating homes and vibrant food stalls. On his recommendation, we stopped for lunch—and I was thrilled to find a dedicated gluten-free section. That meant I could actually enjoy halibut and chips without worry. Delicious and inclusive? Yes, please.

After lunch, we returned to the Fairmont so Kiara could grab her bags and head home. Then Shelby and I moved into my new room—a stunning corner suite at the Empress with two full walls of windows, one overlooking the bustling harbour and the other framing downtown Victoria. It felt luxurious and grounding all at once—a physical reflection of the space I’m stepping into, personally and professionally.

With no plans and plenty of daylight left, Shelby and I went exploring. We walked to Chinatown so I could show her Fan Tan Alley, and then continued all the way to Craigdarroch Castle, admiring the architecture and lush greenery. From there, we strolled to the Government House gardens, where the rose garden was in full bloom and the entire space felt peaceful and timeless.

Next, we wandered south toward the ocean and watched as parasailers danced through the sky, floating effortlessly with the wind. It was one of those moments that made us pause—beautifully still and awe-inspiring.

We ended up in Beacon Hill Park, where peacocks, ducks, and locals filled the space with life. We paid a visit to the Moss Lady, wandered the paths, and took in the beauty of this massive green space before Shelby left to catch her flight home.

But the day didn’t end there.

As the sun dipped lower, I boarded a whale watching tour with Eagle Wings—something I’d been looking forward to for days. And it did not disappoint. We first spotted a pod of orcas, sleek and graceful as they sliced through the water. Then—completely unexpectedly—we encountered a pair of humpback whales. Watching them surface and dive was absolutely magical. It’s hard to describe what it feels like to witness creatures that powerful and majestic in the wild… but “grateful” comes close.

I returned to the harbour after dark, walking back to the hotel through quiet, lamp-lit streets. Victoria at night is something else—peaceful, historic, a little romantic. Back in my room, I sank into bed feeling incredibly full—of experience, of awe, of life.

And while it felt like a perfect finale… I still had one more day in Victoria.

Related Topics:

• Saturday in Victoria: Leadership Lessons & Ocean Views

• Slow Mornings, Sweet Endings: My Final Day in Victoria

Kristen Edmunds is a Calgary-area REALTOR® and Associate Broker with KIC Realty, specializing in acreages, luxury homes, and smart buy/sell strategies. With expertise in rural properties (water wells, septic, equestrian facilities) and a client-obsessed approach, Kristen helps buyers and sellers achieve their real estate goals with confidence and ease.

Friday morning, Brenda and Kiara came by to check out my room (I was still soaking in the harbour views) before we walked over together to the Fairmont Empress, where we’d be staying for the rest of the retreat.

Let me just say — changing hotels with a backpack and a water bottle clipped to it made me feel like a schoolgirl on a field trip, especially with my little loafers on. We had a good laugh about it, but in that moment, it felt symbolic. I was arriving not just physically but mentally, ready to learn, to stretch, and to grow.

Walking into the Fairmont felt like stepping into a new version of myself — one that was ready to take up space, make bold moves, and lead with intention.

Our mastermind sessions that day were held in the iconic Library at the Fairmont Empress — a room steeped in over a century of history. Originally created as a private reading and meeting room for VIP guests, it’s hosted royalty, authors, world leaders, and visionaries since the hotel opened in 1908. Queen Victoria herself, known for her intellectual presence and quiet authority, embodied the energy of this space — and being there, surrounded by powerhouse women, felt incredibly aligned. It was a reminder that leadership doesn’t always have to be loud to be powerful.

Our conversations inside that library were deep, raw, and beautifully expansive. We talked about alignment, vision, and releasing the narratives that no longer serve us. Phones and laptops were tucked away. We were fully present, fully human — laughing, crying, and connecting on a level that went far beyond business.

Later in the day, our coach Elise Montgomery treated us to High Tea at the Fairmont. It was elegant, yes — the tea towers, the linens, the view — but more than that, it was intentional. Elise encouraged us to simply receive. As women, and especially as leaders, we're often the ones pouring into others. Sitting down and letting someone else pour the tea was symbolic of the deeper work we were doing: softening, surrendering, and remembering that we’re allowed to be held, too.

After tea, Nancy Ball, a local luxury real estate agent, graciously gave us a private tour of three stunning multi-million-dollar homes in the area. Each property offered something different — thoughtful design, coastal elegance, and the kind of inspiration that sparks new vision. Nancy then took a few of us over to the Oak Bay Beach Hotel, where we shared a meal at The Snug, their cozy ocean-view restaurant. It was the perfect place to pause, breathe, and take in just how expansive this retreat was becoming — not just in what we were learning, but in how we were feeling.

To be continued…

Related Topics:

• Elevated Reflections: A Real Estate Mastermind Retreat in Victoria, BC

• Saturday in Victoria: Leadership Lessons & Ocean Views

• Sunday in Victoria: Water Taxis, Rose Gardens & Whale Watching

Let’s Stay Connected

If you’re someone who values clarity, connection, and confidence in your real estate journey — I’d love to work with you. I specialize in helping clients across Calgary and Southern Alberta buy and sell with strategy, heart, and ease. Reach out anytime, or follow my journey on Instagram @kristenedmunds.realestate.

Kristen Edmunds is a Calgary-area REALTOR® and Associate Broker with KIC Realty, specializing in acreages, luxury homes, and smart buy/sell strategies. With expertise in rural properties (water wells, septic, equestrian facilities) and a client-obsessed approach, Kristen helps buyers and sellers achieve their real estate goals with confidence and ease.