Victoria Museums

The Royal British Columbia Museum and Imax Theatre is a tremendously popular site. Summer of 2004 brings the "Eternal Egypt" exhibit for several months, as if the permanent displays are not enough! West Coast habitat and history can be experienced in a re-created mining shaft, a First Nations village, realistic city streets from the 1800's and even a cannery complete with fish-cleaning counters. The Maritime Museum is a fitting exhibit to see in our oceanfront city, and while you're at it, visit the home of one of our famous artists, Emily Carr. Helmcken House, the oldest in BC. Craigdarrach Castle, Point Ellice House, and Hatley Castle will provide interest with their re-created scenes and furnishings. Make time for the BC Aviation Museum and our Parliament Buildings, and then start on the outdoors adventures, but come home to Lord Nelson to relax in between. Sit in the garden courtyard and sip on something cool before setting out on more adventures.

 

CRAIGDARROCH CASTLE

1050 Joan Cres. 250-592-5323 Craigdarroch Castle website

Craigdarroch Castle is a beautiful historic Victorian-era mansion, built in the 1890s by wealthy BC coal baron Robert Dunsmuir. It is furnished lavishly in the 1890s-1900s period. Step back in time and experience the life and times of the very rich and famous.

CRAIGFLOWER MANOR AND SCHOOLHOUSE

Craigflower at Admirals Rd. 250-383-4627 Craigflower Manor and Schoolhouse website

One of Vancouver Island's first farming communities, established in 1853, the Kosapsom people still harvest shellfish, salmon and herring from the tidal waters that separate the Manor from the Schoolhouse. The original Georgian Manor house, still stands amid fields and gardens, and across the bridge you'll find the oldest schoolhouse in B.C.

 

EMILY CARR HOUSE

207 Government St. 250-383-5843 Emily Carr House website

Emily Carr is highly regarded throughout the world as one of Canada's greatest and most loved artists. She painted both the landscape and native villages of Western Canada in a unique and modern style.

 

HATLEY CASTLE MUSEUM

Royal Roads University 2005 Sooke Rd 250-391-2600 Hately Castle Museum website

The museum houses artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of the site from the days when the property was a Coastal Salish Indian burial site to the present time when it is home to the campus of Royal Roads University. The outbuildings and grounds and gardens were a part of the James and Laura Dunsmuir's Hatley Park Estate, Royal Roads Military College and Royal Roads University.

 

HELMCKEN HOUSE

Elliot Square. 250-361-0021 Helmcken House website

Dr John Sebastian Helmcken helped negotiate the entry of British Columbia into Canada, as a province. The oldest house in British Columbia on its original site, and surrounded by all the attractions and activity around Victoria's Inner Harbour, Helmcken House offers you a fascinating glimpse into the way life was lived over a hundred years ago. One of the most intriguing collections you'll be able to examine at Helmcken is the good doctor's original 19th century medical kit.

HERTZBERG INSTITUTE OF ASTROPHYSICS

5071 W.Saanich Rd.250-363-8262 Hertzberg Institute of Astrophysics website

See the stars at this awesome astronomy lab. Tour the 1.8 metre Plaskett Telescope, interactive exhibits, theatre shows in a planetarium

MARITIME MUSEUM

28 Bastion Square. Maritime Museum website

Sir Francis Drake's connection with the West Coast is on display, along with a chair made from one of the wrecks from the Spanish fleet in the famous Armada of 1588! Be sure to inspect the navigational instruments that made the exploration and survey of the west coast possible, used by the great map and chart makers Captain James Cook and Captain George Vancouver, also well represented in the exhibits.

NAVAL AND MARITIME MUSEUM

Esquimalt Harbour Naval and Maritime Museum website

The museum houses thousands of photographs and documents, histories of Canadian naval vessels, navigation charts and biographies of important leaders in the Royal Canadian Navy. Exhibits are recreated, showing submarine life, war-rooms, etc.

 

POINT ELLICE HOUSE AND GARDEN

2616 Pleasant St. 250-380-6506 Point Ellice House and Garden website

In 1867, many among Victoria's social elite gathered here. Now it's where the 'locals' go to enjoy Afternoon Tea! And just as British Navy officers and other guests could do over a hundred years ago, you can still be dropped off at the dock by the little harbour ferry. Of course, you can arrive by land as well!