Helmcken House, Victoria

This is the oldest house on Vancouver Island, it was built in 1852 for pioneer physician and politician Dr. John Helmcken. It's worth seeing for its furniture and artifacts from the 19th century. Audio tapes are included in the admission with actors talking the part of Helmcken and his family. Personally I felt like if being in a old western movie!!

Dr. John Sebastian Helmcken was a lucky man! He married Governor General James Douglas's daughter in the 1850s, and with that marriage came a piece of prime real estate in Victoria's Inner Harbour! Helmcken House is one of the oldest houses in Victoria to still stand on its original site, which today is in the grounds just beside the Royal BC Museum (behind Thunderbird Park). It's free to view the house from the outside, or you can enter by donation (suggestion $5). Entrance is free if you visit the museum that day (show your ticket). The house is open from 12.00 to 4.00 pm daily during the summer, with very limited hours in the off-season. Inside you'll find the Doctor's collection of medical tools, personal items and family photos.