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CHINATOWN. This 6-block area is the oldest Chinatown settlement in North America, having been founded in 1858. Narrow Fan Tan Alley (just four feet wide at each end), is historically important as the center of 19th century Chinatown's legal opium industry. Now it is a great place to pick up exotic herbs and vegetables, luxurious silks and delicate paper lanterns. Be sure to view the beautiful Gate of Harmonious Interest, composed of Taiwanese tiles and decorative panels.
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ROCKLAND / FAIRFIELD. Craigdarroch is Gaelic for "rocky oak place" and this Victorian mansion does afford beautiful views of the Olympic Peninsula. After he worked his way up from indentured servitude to be the richest man in British Columbia, Robert Dunsmuir built this 4-story, 39-room home for his wife. Completed in 1890, Dunsmuir never got to see the stone turrets, Persian carpets, stained glass windows and intricate woodwork in their final state – he passed away in 1889 before the house was finished. Self-guided tours take one hour, and visitors should be prepared to climb stairs since there are no elevators or ramps.
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VIEW ROYAL. This early farming community was organized by a subsidiary of the Hudson's Bay Company to transform the area into a permanent settlement and to reduce the need for imports from abroad. Established in 1853 along the Victoria Gorge Waterway on the lands of the Kosapsom Nation, ancient artifacts have been found dating back 2500 years. The Georgian manor house was built in 1856 and is decorated to teach about the life of its residents circa 1860. The adjacent school is the oldest standing school building in western Canada. Youngsters enjoy the reenactments of the educational process during the Victorian age.
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JAMES BAY. Born in 1871, she called her family's house in Victoria home until leaving at age 17 to study painting in the United States and Europe. She returned to Victoria in 1913 and her love of nature and animals led her to remote corners of British Columbia where she drew inspiration from the wilderness and native people. Carr started writing later in life and published her award-winning novel "Klee Wyck" in 1941. She produced several other best sellers before her death in 1945. The house displays many of the Carr's own possessions, and one room, known as the "People's Gallery," is dedicated to showing works of Canadian artists.
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LANGFORD. Fisgard Lighthouse has been in operation since 1873, though the beacon is now automated. Several floors in the restored lighthouse recount the tales of its keepers, and the over 2000 shipwrecks that have given this area its nickname, "The Graveyard of the Pacific." Fort Rodd Hill is so close that the shock from the coastal artillery's guns once blew out all of the lighthouse's windows. The fort was constructed in the 1890s and historic film footage and artifacts bring its storied past back to life. Thanks to beautiful mountain views and tidal pools for the young ones to explore, this is a great place to have a picnic after a morning of sightseeing.
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Market Square
560 Johnson St, Victoria, BC V8W 3C6 · 250-386-2441
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DOWNTOWN. One of Victoria's best shopping spots has a history of its own. Built during the late 19th century, this three-level building was where sailors, lumberjacks and whalers went looking for fun on their days off. Now you will find more than 45 shops specializing in everything from exotic teas, to camping goods, to souvenir t-shirts. The non-shoppers in your group will be happy to participate in Market Square's frequent live festivals, held in the central courtyard.
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DOWNTOWN. Crafted by skilled artisans this historic marvel of stone, marble, mosaic and stained glass was designed by Francis Rattenbury and built in 1898. The Parliament buildings are complete with beautiful grounds, sculptures and fountains. During parliamentary sessions, the public is welcome to sit in the gallery and watch the legislature at work. Otherwise, the 30-minute informative tours are suggested.
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NORTH VICTORIA. Built in 1862, Point Ellice House was the O'Reilly family home until 1977. This Italianate villa overlooks Upper Harbour and the Gorge Waterway. To enhance the romance of your visit, arrive by water on the Victoria Harbour Ferry. Take an audio tour of the house to see Western Canada's largest collection of Victorian furnishings. Sir John McDonald, the first Prime Minister of Canada, once dined here, and after you enjoy afternoon tea served in the garden, you will have had the same honor!
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DOWNTOWN. When the first section of this building was constructed in 1871, it was the tallest masonry structure in the city, and pre-dated Victoria's incorporation. St. Ann's served as the area's first Roman Catholic Church, and it has been a girl's school and convent. Today the restored building mostly houses government offices, but the chapel, built in 1858, is still open for public viewing.
Our Sightseeing category provides a feast for the eyes. Why? Because most all of our selections are famous places that you can view and take pictures of to show everyone back home. Landmarks, sculptures, historic homes, historic districts, cemeteries, water fountains, and statues are just a hint of the sights we've selected.
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