Fort Rodd Hill
by spitball
Outside of Victoria, sits another National Historic Site; Fort Rodd Hill. From 1878 until 1956, a system of artillery positions guarded Victoria and Esquimalt harbour. Originally a link in the worldwide chain of defences for the British Empire, this system evolved into a watchdog for Canada's security and sovereignty of our west coast. Like Canada's east coast defences in Halifax, the "Victoria-Esquimalt Fortress" grew and changed over time to deal with new threats and new technologies. Fort Rodd Hill NHSC represents the national importance of these messages. When you reach the walls of the fort, you come into the Upper Battery, built in 1895-97; it represents the British period of the V-E Fortress (1893-1906).
The single 6" disappearing gun here was identical with two in Lower Battery and three others at Macaulay Point, east of Esquimalt harbour. The walls you first notice have 'holes' or "Loopholes" throughout, these are unique in the entire V-E Fortress in having rearward-facing concrete walls with rifle-slits. The Guardhouse is what you'll pass on entrance, followed by a 7,500-gallon Water Tank that would supply the needs for several days.
There are many original buildings here in generally the same condition they would have been back in the day. Unfortunately VT only permits 5 photo's to accompany our tips, other-wise I could show you even more. If it's possible in the future for VT to increase even more images, I would be happy. (I know they did this recently) I was headed out to see, #1. (Fisgard Lighthouse), and this Fort is right there basically alongside, so that was a two-birder day. I got to learn more than just the lighthouse's history.
check out Inner Harbour....
by anna123
check out Inner Harbour. That's where all the tourists go. The Parliament Building is situated behind the harbour, and the Royal BC Museum, Royal London Wax Museum and the Empress hotels are close by.
There are free guided tours inside the Parliament Buildings. Taking a short afternoon nap on the grassy lawn area in front of the Parliament Buildings.
Walking is the best way to see Victoria
by Carmanah
I feel that the best way to see Victoria is to wander around the city by foot and explore the many streets. Don't be afraid to wander away the harbour area - many of the coolest shops I found were hidden away on Yates, View, Douglas, and Fort Streets. You'll find a lot of independently owned clothing boutiques, antique art shops, excellent used music/book stores, plus many other hidden gems.
Helmcken House Built in 1852,...
by annk
Helmcken House Built in 1852, it is considered to be the oldest house in British Columbia. House has been refurbished but there are displays of original furnishings and medical instruments (was residence of a doctor). Ghost tours are given on Friday & Saturday nights.
Oversize Map Pins give Historic & Cultural Insight
by glabah
You will find a few of these sculptures scattered about the Victoria region. They appear to be huge map pins, but in fact they are reproductions of spindle whorls, which was a device used in the spinning of wool by the First Nations people. More than a simple device, they were considered to be central to the foundation of a coast Salish family.
These sculptures are located at places that are of significant historical and cultural interest to the local First Nations tribes.
As a collection they are called "Signs of Lekwungen".
The particular spot seen in photo 1 is today called Songhees Point, but earlier was known as P'ál∂c'∂s (PAH-lu-tsuss). When infants had learned to walk, their cradle boards were placed at this spot as the waters have unusual spiritual power at this location. Later, it was the site of a small trading settlement for exchange of goods with the new white settlement on the other side of the water.
As seen in photo 2, there is a map available at many of these landmarks. Maps are also available at Victoria City Hall Public Service Center (Douglas Street and Pandora Avenue), Victoria Tourist Information Center (812 Wharf Street), and the Beacon Hill Park Maintenance Yard.
The seven locations of the pins are:
Songhees Point
Site of the South West Bastion of the Hudson's Bay Company Fort
Victoria City Hall
Lower Causeway
Beside the "Lookout" on Beacon Hill
Royal BC Museum
Laurel Point
These markers form a short cultural walk through the central area of Victoria where it is possible to see a few remains of the original culture that dominated this region.
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Antique Wire-Wound Wooden Water Pipe on Display
Small Playground and Tennis Courts in Barnard Park
British home away from home type decorations
Detail of Main Entrance to Art Gallery
