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.

Published by Kristen Edmunds | REALTOR® & Associate Broker | Calgary & Southern Alberta

Saturday: Expanding Leadership in a Room Steeped in History

Saturday began with another inspiring session in the Library at the Fairmont Empress — a room that’s seen over a century of conversations between world leaders, authors, diplomats, and visionaries. Originally a private reading and meeting space for VIP guests, the Library was designed to embody the same grace and intellectual power Queen Victoria was known for. Sitting in that space, surrounded by strong, driven women, I couldn’t help but feel the weight of history — and the rising sense of our own.

We explored themes of visibility, authority, and embodiment — not as buzzwords, but as lived experiences. How we lead. How we show up. How we soften. This retreat wasn’t about doing more. It was about being more — with less hustle and more clarity. With structure to anchor us, but space to rise.

Sunset Views & Supper at Vista 18

After a full day of digging deep into identity and leadership, we wrapped up the evening at Vista 18, a rooftop restaurant at the Chateau Victoria Hotel & Suites. The panoramic view of the city and harbour at sunset was nothing short of stunning.

We talked about life, business, and everything in between — laughing over perfectly grilled steaks and clinking glasses filled with sparkling non-alcoholic rosé wine. There’s something powerful about good food and great company after a day of soul work. It’s like everything settles in a little deeper.

And I couldn’t help but take a moment to appreciate how far I’ve come: from running non-stop in my business, to making space for this kind of reflection and connection. Being able to pause, take in the view, and truly enjoy it? That’s the kind of wealth I’m building now — the kind that nourishes more than just the bank account.

Reflection

I went to Victoria expecting strategy and structure. I got that — and so much more. I left Saturday feeling a little taller, a little softer, and a lot more aligned. Not because everything was perfect, but because I let myself be fully present in the process. And that shift? That’s where leadership lives.

To be continued…

Let’s Stay Connected

If you're navigating a season of change — buying, selling, or realigning your lifestyle with what matters most — I'd love to support you. I specialize in helping clients in Calgary and Southern Alberta make smart, strategic real estate moves with heart and clarity.
📩 Reach out any time, or follow me on Instagram @kristenedmunds.realestate

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…

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.

A behind-the-scenes look at my transformative weekend in Victoria blending real estate leadership, personal growth, and a little west coast magic
By Kristen Edmunds | REALTOR® & Associate Broker | Calgary & Southern Alberta

Thursday: Touching Down in Victoria

There’s something magical about flying over the Rockies and landing on the coast — you feel it the moment you step off the plane. I arrived in Victoria on Thursday afternoon, excited for the weekend but also ready to slow down. The last few months have been full speed ahead, and this retreat felt like the perfect time to pause, recharge, and reflect.

I checked into the Hotel Grand Pacific, right along the harbour. My room had a stunning Harbourview, and I just stood there for a moment taking it all in. The ocean breeze, distant seaplanes, and gentle hum of the city—it was the kind of reset I didn’t realize I needed.

That afternoon, I met up with Brenda and Kiara, two fellow real estate leaders (and now, real friends). We had lunch at Steamship Grill & Bar, right across from my hotel. It was one of those slow, scenic lunches filled with great food, easy laughter, and a gorgeous view of the Harbour.

After that, the three of us spent the afternoon wandering around downtown Victoria on foot. We didn’t have a set plan—we just explored. Historic buildings, tucked-away alleys, waterfront paths... we covered a lot of ground. It wasn’t until later that we learned we’d missed a few iconic spots — places we were just a block or two away from, or right across the street. That became a bit of a theme: sometimes the best experiences are just out of view, waiting for you to take one more step.

That evening, we each headed back to our hotel rooms—feet sore, hearts full, and ready for what the next day would bring.

This Retreat Was About More Than Business

For me, this wasn’t just another real estate event. It was a line in the sand — a moment of saying: I want to lead differently. I want to build a business that feels good, not just looks good. One that leaves room for strategy and soul.

I joined The Elevated Mastermind because I wanted to grow—not just as a REALTOR®, but as a business owner and a human. What I didn’t expect was how personal that growth would feel. This weekend wasn’t just about real estate—it was about realignment, clarity, confidence, and courage.

And over the next few blog posts, I’ll share more. You'll get an inside look at:

• What this mastermind taught me about leadership, visibility, and values

• Why I’m making intentional changes to how I run my business in Calgary and beyond

• Hidden gems you’ll want to check out if you’re ever in Victoria

• And how all of this ties back to helping my clients make smart, future-focused real estate decisions

This isn’t just a travel recap. It’s the start of something new. And I’m so glad you’re here for it.

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 help clients across Calgary and Southern Alberta buy and sell with strategy, heart, and ease.

Want to chat or follow along behind the scenes? Come say hi on Instagram @kristenedmunds.realestate.