Victoria, the capital city of British Columbia, located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, boasts a rich tapestry of history and culture that spans thousands of years. Long before European explorers set foot on these shores, the area was home to Coast Salish peoples, whose presence dates back over 10,000 years. The region’s European history began in 1778 when Captain James Cook became the first European to land on Vancouver Island, setting in motion a series of events that would shape the future of this picturesque coastal city.
The establishment of Fort Victoria in 1843 by the Hudson’s Bay Company marked a turning point in the area’s development. Initially serving as a trading post and supply depot for the fur trade, Victoria quickly grew in prominence, especially after the discovery of gold along the Fraser River in 1858. This gold rush transformed the small settlement into a busy center of commerce, attracting thousands of prospectors from around the world.
As Victoria evolved from a colonial outpost to the capital of British Columbia, it retained much of its Victorian-era charm while embracing modernity.
Museums in Victoria, B.C.
Today, the city’s museums serve as guardians of this diverse heritage, offering visitors the opportunity to explore the multifaceted story of Victoria and its surroundings. From natural history and indigenous culture to maritime adventures and artistic expressions, these institutions provide windows into the past and present of this captivating corner of the Pacific Northwest
Let’s take a look a British Columbia’s story told through its museums (in alphabetical order):
Art Gallery of Greater Victoria
The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria has more than 15,000 pieces of art on exhibit, primarily coming from from Asia, Europe and North America. Rotating and temporary exhibits feature both local and international artists, providing new perspectives on contemporary art practices. Plus, there are beautiful gardens for a peaceful respite.
Exhibits include a life-sized dollhouse from England, an authentic Shinto shrine from Japan, and an impressive Emily Carr exhibit (a Canadian artisst inspired by the art of First Nations people).
AGGV is a must-see destination for its diverse collection of artworks, including historical Canadian and Indigenous pieces, as well as contemporary installations and sculptures.
Details: 1040 Moss St., Victoria, BC | Official Website (This is about a6 miles from downtown Victoria. The #71 bus route from Victoria to Sydney has a stop in front of the museum.)
BC Aviation Museum
As one of Canada’s best aviation museums, this is a must-see for anyone interested in the journey of flight. From the early days of bush flying to the technological marvels of the jet age, the museum encapsulates British Columbia’s rich aviation history.
The Museum is divided into two hangars and houses a display area, a classroom, a restoration workshop, and a gift shop. Uniforms, medals, and models are among the historical civilian and military artifacts on display. The museum displays aircraft, and volunteers are constantly working to restore new acquisitions.
The museum’s main attraction is its vintage aircraft collection, which includes an exact replica of the 1917 Hoffar H-1, the first successful aircraft designed, built, and flown entirely in British Columbia. There are displays of the biplanes of the early twentieth century to the sleek jet fighters of the present day. The museum also proudly displays military aircraft used by the Canadian Air Force during various conflicts, providing a vivid reminder of the sacrifices made by servicemen and women.
Details: 1910 Norseman Rd, North Saanich, BC V8L 5V5 | Official Website
Canadian Scottish Regimental Museum
The Canadian Scottish Regiment (Princess Mary’s) Regimental Museum is dedicated to educating serving soldiers, Regimental family members, and the general public about the Regiment’s history. The museum serves as the focal point for displaying and collecting Regimental artifacts, managing Regimental archives, and disseminating information about the Regiment’s history and heritage, as well as its contributions to the community.
The collection contains items related to the Canadian army, with a focus on the 16th Battalion (Canadian 21Scottish) and the Canadian Scottish Regiment. The collection is divided into six series. These collections contain ephemeral items (programs, pamphlets, menus, Christmas cards, souvenir orders, and a poster), journals and scrapbooks, newspaper clippings, maps, photographs, and publications.
Details: Bay Street Armoury, Victoria, BC | Official Website
CFB Esquimalt Naval & Military Museum
The Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Esquimalt Naval & Military Museum is located at Naden on Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt in Victoria. The museum’s historic buildings, workshop, exhibits, and displays are part of a network of sites designated as an historic district of national significance (2006) by the Historic Sites and Monuments Board. This collection of sites represent the evolution of British and Canadian naval defense over more than a century.
The museum exhibits highlight the four military groups that have had an impact on Canadian history, as well as exhibits on Military Police service, and the contributions and achievements of First Nations people.
The collection includes Royal Navy uniforms and weapons, mock-ups of a sailor’s mess and sleeping quarters, and a Nazi flag from the U-boat that torpedoed the HMCS Esquimalt, the last Canadian ship sunk during WWII.
Details: 5 Naden St., Victoria, BC | Official Website
Maritime Museum of British Columbia
Learn about the maritime history of the province through the exhibits and films at the Maritime Museum of British Columbia. Here you can see exhibits featuring the grand ocean liners and ships of the explorers of the 20th century.
Within its vast collection of approximately 35,000 artifacts, the MMBC proudly displays 800 ship models and a diverse range of items related to British Columbia’s maritime legacy. The collection is features three notable historical vessels:
- Tilikum, a 38-foot cedar canoe that sailed from Vancouver Island to London in 1901, showcasing indigenous seafaring skills and traditions
- Trekka, a 20.5-foot sailboat from Victoria, renowned as the smallest yacht to circumnavigate the world (1954), symbolizing the sailing community’s determination and adventure
- Dorothy, a locally built fantail cutter from 1897, currently undergoing restoration
On an oddity note, the museum has a replica of the HMS Temeraire built out of beef and chicken bones. I pause to ask “why?”
Visitors can also access a comprehensive reference library with 6,000 volumes,and an archival collection that includes records from local ship-owning and shipbuilding companies, logbooks, naval records, ship plans, maps and charts, a variety of artwork,
and approximately 36,000 photographs.
Details: 744 Douglas St., Victoria, BC | Official Website
Miniature World
More than 80 miniature displays of battle scenes, the solar system, fancy dress balls from the 1700’s, fairy tale displays, and more are on display at Miniature World. The broad themes of the displays will resonate with all ages.
Some notable exhibits include the Great Canadian Railway (one of the largest model railroads in the world), the largest dollhouse in the world, and the smallest operational sawmill.
Details: 649 Humboldt St, Victoria, BC | Official Website
Royal BC Museum
One of Canada’s top museums, the Royal BC Museum has award-winning exhibits on natural and cultural history of the province from prehistoric times to the present. This is my favorite museum in Victoria, and one of the best museums I’ve visited.
The Natural History section of the museum features large displays of forests and ocean beaches, complete with sounds and also life-size stuffed animals. There is a wealth of educational material to read and a few games to play to help you to learn more about the exhibit. In this section of the museum there is a nearly perfectly preserved woolly mammoth! It’s one of my favorite exhibits.
The human history department aims to represent British Columbia’s cultural, social, and economic history. The Royal BC Museum has been collecting anthropological artifacts since its founding in 1886, and many artifacts from the human history department are now being returned to First Nations groups as part of repatriation efforts.
The First Peoples Gallery on the third floor houses a large collection of First Nations artifacts, many of which are from the Haida people. The First Peoples Gallery houses a village model, as well as native totem poles, garb, and masks (including Kwakwaka’wakw ceremonial masks created by Chief Nakap’ankam (Mungo Martin).
Notably, the gallery houses the long house of Chief Kwakwabalasami (Jonathan Hunt), a Kwakwaka’wakw leader from Tsaxis (Fort Rupert). His son and grandsons carved the house and its surroundings. An exhibit of artist Bill Reid’s argillite carvings is also on view.
Details: 675 Belleville St., Victoria, BC | Official Website
Getting to Victoria, B.C.
With easy connections from around the world, consider Seattle, Washington, or Vancouver, B.C., as your starting points for travel to Victoria.
By Air: Alaska Airlines and Air Canada have flights into Victoria International Airport (YYJ). The airport, however, is about 45 minutes from downtown Victoria, so it may not be the most convenient choice unless you are renting a car to explore the rest of Vancourver Island. Kenmore Air flies small float planes from Seattle’s Lake Union to Victoria’s Inner Harbour, which provides a stunning view and experience.
By Car: There’s no bridge over to Vancouver Island, so visiting by car is going to invovle a car ferry service. You’ll want to check the BC Ferries schedule to determine the best routing for you if you’re traveling from Canada. The Black Ball Ferry runs from Port Angeles to Victoria, if you’re leaving from Washington State.
By Water: The best way to visit Vancouver Island, in my opinion, is by water. And of the water choices, the easiest is to take the Victoria Clipper between Seattle and Victoria. This foot-passenger high-speed catamaran takes just under three hours, and offers three classes of service (Economy, Vista, Comfort). It’s nice to sit and relax, avoiding the throngs at an airport, and the views are pretty spectacular, too. On my fall trip on the Clipper, we spotted whale! Clipper prices vary based on class of service and time of year, but is reasonably priced to make Victoria an easy getaway weekend destination from Seattle.
Where to Stay in Victoria, BC
Victoria is a great destination for a weekend (or weekdays) getaway. There’s plenty to do and see, as well as eat and drink, so it’s just a matter of planning and getting it on your schedule.
Here are three recommendations about where to stay in the heart of the city.
Inn at Laurel Point – Located within walking distance of the Clipper terminal, this independently owned waterfront property has bright and modern rooms overlooking the harbor, and large bathrooms are large, with L’Occitane amenities. There is a restaurant and coffee bar on property. It’s about a 15 minute walk from the hotel to downtown Victoria. I stayed here on my most recent visit to Victoria and love both the hotel and the location. More info here.
The Empress – This historic hotel is a Fairmont property, often best known for it’s high tea. Like all historic hotels, the rooms are somewhat smaller, and there are are some unusual nooks and crannies; all part of the experience of staying in a property that resembles a castle. Walking distance to downtown. More info here.
Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort – This modern coastal hotel is a Delta Hotel property, with a waterfront location that’s a short stroll to downtown Victoria. Resort amenities include outdoor tennis courts, indoor squash and racketball courts, indoor pool, and a day spa. Seasonal bike rentals make it easy to explore other parts of the island. More info here.
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