Victoria Landmarks and Monuments

(Victoria, British Columbia - BC, Canada)

The many varied landmarks of Victoria include a number of famous structures and monuments known throughout British Columbia. Particularly famous are the Victoria Parliament Buildings, which stand directly opposite the Inner Harbour and dating as far back as 1898.

Other hard-to-miss landmarks in Victoria include the Emily Carr House, Bastion Square, and the very imposing and iconic Fairmont Empress Hotel. The Government House is also worth a look and dominates much of Rockland Avenue, while Craigdarroch Castle is a reminder of the extravagance and opulent landmarks that considerable amounts of money could create in the late 19th century.

Fairmont Empress Hotel

Address: 721 Government Street, Victoria, V8W 1W5, British Columbia (BC), Canada, CA
Tel: +1 250 384 8111
A very iconic landmark in Victoria, which has widely become associated with the city, the Fairmont Empress Hotel stands proudly on the waterfront across from the Inner Harbour, where it is often referred to as simply 'The Empress'. Built around 100 years ago, in 1908, the Fairmont Empress Hotel is actually the city's oldest hotel and contains a staggering 477 guestrooms, four restaurants and charming courtyard gardens, being known for its Edwardian-style afternoon teas. Past guests have included Rudyard Kipling, and even King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, who once stayed here in 1939.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free, charge for accommodation

Emily Carr House

Address: 207 Government Street, Victoria, British Columbia (BC), Canada, CA
Tel: +1 250 383 5843
The Emily Carr House has long been one of the city's most-loved landmarks and resides on Government Street, being just a short stroll from both Beacon Hill Park and also the Inner Harbour. This famous house is actually the birth place of the very famous Canadian artist and author, Emily Carr, and contains a selection of her works, including many paintings and even some of her literature. Each year in spring, the Emily Carr Festival of the Arts is staged here in April and May.
Open hours: late May to mid-October, daily - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts for seniors, students and families

Inner Harbour

Address: Inner Harbour, Victoria, Canada, CA
During the summer months, the Inner Harbour is buzzing with life and vibrance. Many street entertainers and buskers regularly perform around the Inner Harbour, whilst close by, floating planes are regularly landing and taking off, so there is always something to see. The Inner Harbour provides an important focal point for the city and is a part of the much larger Victoria Harbour, being surrounded by a number of large and imposing structures, such as the waterfront Empress Hotel and the Blue Bridge.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Parliament / Legislative Buildings

Address: Belleville Street, Victoria, British Columbia (BC), Canada, CA
Tel: +1 250 387 3046
At the very top of the Parliament Buildings, a large dome dominates the building and is crowded by a statue of famed British navigator, Captain George Vancouver. Interestingly, Victoria's majestic Parliament Buildings were designed by architect Francis Rattenbury, who was also responsible for a number of other landmarks in the city, such as the Greek-inspired Royal London Wax Museum and also the Empress Hotel. Be sure to check out the lower rotunda and its beautiful paintings, which represent scenes from Canada's history, or come back at night, when the building are illuminate to great effect.
Open hours: daily - 08:30 to 17:00, free guide tours during the summer months
Admission: free

Bastion Square

Address: Bastion Square, Wharf Street, Victoria, British Columbia (BC), Canada, CA
Located on Wharf Street and sandwiched between both Fort Street and Yates Street, Bastion Square is actually where Fort Victoria on stood, home of the city's former courthouse, prison and even its gallows. Recently redeveloped is a big way, Bastion Square is an appealing and social place for an afternoon stroll, and many people can be found sitting here, simply enjoy a spot of people watching. The square itself is referred to locally as the very heart of the Old Town.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Fisherman's Wharf / Scenic Marine Drive

Address: Laurel Point, Inner Harbour, Victoria, British Columbia (BC), Canada, CA
The western side of the Inner Harbour is home to the popular landmark that is the Victoria Fisherman's Wharf. Standing alongside Laurel Point, Fisherman's Wharf is often a busy spot, with the comings and goings of local fishing boats and pleasure boats providing plenty of interest. An impressive mixture of decorated house boats can be found moored here, while the adjacent green is ideal for picnickers. From Fisherman's Wharf, the Scenic Marine Drive is an especially picturesque route, which leads you past the Strait of Juan, where you will pass a number of beaches along the way.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Government House

Address: 1401 Rockland Avenue, Victoria, British Columbia (BC), Canada, CA
Tel: +1 250 387 2080
Now serving as a National Historic Landmark, the Government House in Victoria serves as the official residence of the British Columbia's Lieutenant Governors, and has done so for around 150 years. Once known as Cary Castle, the Government House of today is known for its spectacular gardens and much as its grand architecture. Originally laid out in 1911, the gardens were redesigned in the 1950s, and features stone fountains, rose borders, sloping lawns and themed garden spaces, such as the British Columbia Native Plant Garden, the Dorothy Lam Orchard and the very pretty Cottage Garden.
Open hours: daily - dawn to dusk
Admission: free

Craigdarroch Castle

Address: 1050 Joan Crescent, Victoria, British Columbia (BC), Canada, CA
Tel: +1 250 592 5323
Close to Fort Street and Government House, Craigdarroch Castle is a rather magnificent and showy mansion, with no less than four storeys. Built during the mid-1880s by wealthy coal millionaire Robert Dunsmuir, Craigdarroch Castle resembles a castle fortress in its appearance, hence the name. Open to members of the public, Craigdarroch Castle contains around 40 different rooms, filled with priceless antiquities, and almost 20 individual fireplaces.
Open hours: daily, May to September - 09:00 to 19:00; October to April - 10:00 to 16:30
Admission: charge, discounts for students and children