During prohibition, Discovery Island, which is the closest island to the 49th parallel, was the most popular and profitable island for Canadian rum runners.
This verdant isle was born of a combination of First Nations and European history, and is home to some of the most enchanting heritage buildings and museums in the province’s capital, Victoria. A population boom from the gold rush helped form Vancouver Island, a region with magnificent Aboriginal heritage, British traditions and diverse eco-systems.
Visitors call the Museum at Campbell River 'a gem of a place'. Perched on a hill overlooking Discovery Passage & located conveniently on the Island Hwy in Campbell River on Vancouver Island, the Museum houses a fine collection of permanent exhibits that represent the unique culture & history of Northern Vancouver Island. Highlights include First Nations carvings & artifacts, the history of the logging & salmon fishing industries & interactive exhibits that especially intrigue young...
Built in 1912, this schoolhouse is now a public art gallery highlighting West Coast culture. It features resident artists’ studios, where artists work in a variety of mediums. Visitors can watch the artists at work & discuss their techniques. The craft of 150 artisans is beautifully displayed in the gift shop. Music On Sunday: concert-goers enjoy an eclectic range of musical genres in an intimate gallery setting with a weekly fall/winter & monthly spring/summer series....
Welcome to Milner Gardens & Woodland, a seaside estate garden in the natural coastal Douglas Fir woodland of Qualicum Beach. Experience the magic of 24 hectares of woodland and 4 hectares of garden surrounding a heritage house. Stroll the winding pathways and magical surroundings of an ancient coastal Douglas fir forest. Enjoy a traditional Afternoon tea service in the historic Milner House, while you contemplate the history of the house where Queen Elizabeth once stayed.
The McLean "Steam" Sawmill is the only steam-operated sawmill in Canada. You can experience the excitement of steam, as the sawmill cuts wood for demonstration and sale. The "Tin Pants Theatre" troupe will entertain you with stage shows at the Nikkei Theatre and show you around the site as if you were just starting work at the mill. You'll see the old original buildings and lots of restored logging equipment around the site including a...
Enjoy a visit to historic Providence Farm, a 160 ha (400 ac) therapeutic organic farm in the Cowichan Valley. Pick up a free farm map & experience a self-guided tour to meet the people who are dedicated to restoring the spirit & skills of those with mental & physical challenges. Therapeutic riding participants & visitors alike enjoy the meandering trails through the fields & forested lands. Shop in our farm store & nursery for your...
St. Ann’s Academy is an enduring legacy of women’s and Francophone history in British Columbia. Built between 1871 and 1910 as a school and convent for the Sisters of St. Ann, and now provincially owned, the restored building and grounds await your visit! Follow the grand staircase to the historic interiors and learn about school life at St. Ann’s. Take a moment to reflect in the golden light of the 1858 chapel, Victoria’s original Catholic...
Explore an underground magazine complex, look down the barrels of century-old coast artillery guns and enjoy spectacular views of Esquimalt Harbour and Juan de Fuca Strait. Only 14 kilometers from downtown Victoria, Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Light-house National Historic Sites offer one of the world’s best preserved coast artillery forts and Canada’s oldest west coast lighthouse.
Craigflower Farmhouse (1856) third oldest house in British Columbia, and Craigflower School (1855) oldest schoolhouse in western Canada represent the beginnings of pioneer settlement in the province. With beautiful restored interiors looking like the day the family moved in, Craigflower is preserved and presented by The Land Conservancy of British Columbia. Guided tours and living history programs feature hands-on activities for all ages. Experience Victorian school classes, lawn games, woodworking and field-to-table presentations linking heritage...
Built in 1861, this house was the O’Reilly family home for three generations. Over 10,000 artifacts are displayed, giving us a picture of family life in the 1890-1920 period. Gardens originally planted in the 1880s are currently being restored.
Come and experience the splendour of Hatley Park, Canada's largest and most diverse national historic site, just 20 minutes from downtown Victoria. Experience the breathtaking beauty of our immaculate formal gardens carefully organized into garden rooms (Japanese, Rose, and Italian) recreational spaces (croquet lawn, terrace lawn), agricultural zones and surrounding forest. At the heart of Hatley Park is a magnificent Baronial-style castle built in 1908 by former British Columbia Premier and Lieutenant Governor, James Dunsmuir.
Created in 1946 by Prince & Princess Abkhazi, Abkhazi Garden is a heritage garden famous for its majestic trees & dramatic site. Stay for lunch or afternoon tea in the original home & visit our Shop in the Garden.
We welcome you to explore Emily Carr House, birthplace of one of Canada’s most renowned creative figures. This painstakingly restored Victorian villa is the wellspring for celebrated artist and author Emily Carr. In her spirit our People’s Gallery often features exhibitions of contemporary art. Prints of Emily’s paintings are always on display along with books available for purchase in our gift shop.
Designated as one of Canada's National Historic Sites, this Victorian Castle is a legendary tourist attraction. Visit us today! Victoria’s legendary landmark! Experience the lifestyles of the rich & powerful at the end of the 19th century. Craigdarroch Castle historic house museum is a "must see" on your visit to Victoria, B. C. The wealthy Dunsmuir family saga and the mansion they built is a key piece of British Columbia's history. Completed in 1890,...
Established in 1904, this world-renowned garden occupies 22 ha (55 ac) with stunning floral displays. The gardens feature great dining with casual & more formal dining using many local products & an extensive BC wine list. Enjoy afternoon tea year-round complete with lovely views. The Seed & Gift shop carries many local artists’ creations. Summer offers evening entertainment, Saturday night fireworks & eco-friendly electrically-operated boat tours of surrounding waters including historic landmarks of cement...
