With an exciting history that dates back to as early as 1778, it is no surprise that Vancouver Island is full of historical experiences that can bring you right back to the days of yore. Whether you are a history buff or just interested in where today’s island culture came from, there is a museum, lighthouse, centre, heritage site or artwork that tells a story of the area’s past.
From Indigenous heritage to industrial growth and colonial legacies, dedicated researchers, historians, and the people who work at the organizations to preserve our past, have laboured tirelessly to hold onto valuable relics and educate us about what our ancestors’ lives were like.
If you are looking to get a glimpse into Vancouver Island’s intriguing and sorted past, check out these “must-see” locations.
Royal BC Museum
The definitive collection of island history can be found at the Royal BC Museum in downtown Victoria. This is a must-see for an immersive experience of both Indigenous and European histories, from ancient times to the present. royalbcmuseum.bc.ca
Craigdarroch Castle
You’ll see a glimpse of colonial wealth at Craigdarroch Castle located just outside downtown Victoria. Built by coal magnate Robert Dunsmuir, this Victorian-era mansion shows off the opulence of the island’s industrial barons. thecastle.ca
Fort Rodd Hill & Fisgard Lighthouse
Explore the coastal artillery sites on Fort Rodd Hill, with bunkers and gun batteries that once protected Victoria’s harbour. On this site, you’ll also find the Fisgard Lighthouse that has been around since 1860 and still stands as an important part of Vancouver Island’s Maritime history. Enjoy recorded guided tours and activities of all kinds at this site located in Colwood, just outside of Victoria. parks.canada.ca/lhn-nhs/bc/fortroddhill
Hatley Park National Historic Site
View Edwardian elegance with garden beauty at the Hatley Park National Historic Site in Colwood—just outside of Victoria. Tour the mansion that was once home to the Dunsmuir family and leave lots of time to stroll through its beautiful gardens. hatleypark.ca
CFB Esquimalt Naval & Military Museum
CFB Esquimalt is the home of Canada’s Pacific Fleet. You’ll experience important naval history at the Esquimalt Naval and Military Museum. Explore Esquimalt’s long-standing naval tradition, with exhibits detailing its role from the 19th Century to today. navalandmilitarymuseum.org
Quw’utsun’ Cultural Centre
Located on the lands of the Cowichan Tribes, the Quw’utsun’ Cultural Centre is truly an immersive Indigenous experience. Learn about the traditions, art and history of the Cowichan Tribes, the largest Indigenous group on Vancouver Island. Explore exhibits, enjoy a traditional salmon barbecue and witness live performances of Cowichan songs and dances. cowichantribes.com
Chemainus Murals
Chemainus is considered Canada’s Mural Capital! Take a self-guided walking tour of the town’s murals, which depict the town’s logging history, Indigenous culture and life as an industrial town. There are over 60 art installations located all throughout Chemainus. muraltown.com
Kinsol Trestle
The Kinsol Trestle, located in the Cowichan Valley, is one of the largest wooden trestles in the world. Originally built for the railway in 1920, it’s now part of the Cowichan Valley Trail, offering stunning views and a glimpse into early 20th-Century engineering. cvrd.ca/1379/Kinsol-Trestle
Hand of Man Museum
The Hand of Man Museum is a unique collection of natural and human history. Located in Maple Bay, just outside of Duncan, this museum was founded by artist and collector Jim Shockey. It’s a fascinating mix of artifacts, taxidermy, fossils and cultural relics from around the world, offering an eclectic view of humanity’s connection to nature. Visitors can explore exhibits ranging from First Nations artifacts to fossils from prehistoric times, making it a popular stop for those interested in the intersection of natural and human history. handofmanmuseum.com
Nanaimo Museum & Nanaimo Bastion
Coal mining and cultural history are some of the top exhibits at the Nanaimo Museum, located in Downtown Nanaimo. Learn about the town’s coal-mining past, local Indigenous culture and the lives of settlers who were an important part of Nanaimo’s development. You’ll also be able to see the Nanaimo Bastion, a fort of the fur trade and coal mining era that was built by the Hudson’s Bay Company in 1853. nanaimomuseum.ca
Cumberland Museum
The Cumberland Museum is a showcase of coal mining heritage and labour history. This museum in Cumberland highlights the coal industry’s impact on the town and the early labour movements that emerged from the community. cumberlandmuseum.ca
Yuquot National Historic Site
Located on Nootka Sound, Yuquot National Historic Site is considered the first contact site. Also known as Friendly Cove, this site marks where Captain James Cook first met the Nuu-chah-nulth people in 1778. pc.gc.ca
U’mista Cultural Centre
The U’mista Cultural Centre in Alert Bay is where you will find Potlatch regalia and cultural resilience. The centre showcases a collection of potlatch regalia that was confiscated during the colonial-era ban on potlatches, providing a powerful narrative of Indigenous resistance and cultural preservation. umista.ca
