Heritage and Culture

Victoria and Vancouver Island take pride in their Native and British heritage and culture. Only the Aboriginal people made their home along the coasts of Vancouver Island until 1843, when they were joined by the Hudson’s Bay Company, who established a fort on what is now Victoria’s Bastion Square. The British settlers arrived and began building a city of refined architecture and cultural sophistication.

More than a century later, Victorians are still dedicated to maintaining the city’s heritage and quality of life. The heart of historic Victoria radiates from the Inner Harbour. Take a downtown walking tour that will take you past heritage buildings and historic sites.For arts and culture, visit any of Victoria’s exceptional museums, galleries or theatres, many of which are housed in heritage buildings themselves. Other heritage and cultural tours around the city or across the Island are also available and introduce the visitor to a rich history.

Today, Victoria is home to people of many different origins, cultural traditions, languages and religions and it welcomes them all. Cultural associations representing various ethnicities celebrate their heritage and introduce their customs to Victoria. Through events, festivals and holidays, Victoria and Vancouver Island experience a taste of the world right in their own backyard.