Vancouver Island has a rich and diverse history and heritage.
Vancouver Island First Nations have lived here for thousands of years, and their culture and traditions are still a strong influence on many areas. European settlement did not begin until the early 18th century, but their history can be seen today in stately mansions, castles and other architectural monuments.
National Historic Sites on Vancouver Island celebrate the area’s rich natural resources: fishing, forestry and logging are industries that helped build the island.
Be sure to visit the area’s many museums. They range from an eclectic mix of funky arts and artifacts, First Nations culture to whaling, maritime, forstry and even dinosaurs.
Many Visitor Centres offer brochures and information highlighting local historic sites.
Learn more about Vancouver Island’s Culture and History, Museums, and Aboriginal & Cultural experiences.
Aboriginal History
Northern Vancouver Island is rich in First Nations history and culture. The U’Mista Cultural Centre in Alert Bay is famous for its potlatch ceremonies and the celebration of Kwakwaka’wakw culture.
The Quw’utsun’ people are the largest tribe in British Columbia and have inhabited southern Vancouver Island for over 4500 years. The Quw’utsun’ Cultural Centre in Duncan highlights the history of the Cowichan peoples. Visitors enjoy live dancing and demonstrations, learn the culture and history and feast on freshly barbequed salmon on the banks of the Cowichan River.
Historic Buildings and Structures
The Bastion is the oldest building in Nanaimo. A curious, octagonal building of three floors, it was constructed in 1852 without the use of nails, using instead squared cedar timbers that were notched and fitted together with dowels. In a noisy salute to its history as a Hudson's Bay Company fort, a canon is fired daily at noon.
A wide range of historic buildings and structures can be found in Victoria including the famous Empress Hotel, Craigdarroch Castle, BC’s Parliament Buildings and many early 19th century Edwardian houses.
Fishing History
Vancouver Island is home to two National Historic Sites that celebrate fishing and logging, two industries that were instrumental in the development of many of Vancouver Islands’ communities.
The rich fishing traditions on Vancouver Island are brought to life at the Marine Heritage Centre in Campbell River, where the wooden fishing vessel BCP 45 – immortalized on the back of the Canadian 5 dollar bill – is on permanent display.
Logging and Foresty
The history of logging runs deep on Vancouver Island industry, and its history is well represented at the McLean Mill in Port Alberni. This site boasts the only steam-operated sawmill in Canada as well as restored logging equipment, a steam donkey, assorted heavy machinery and even a historic theatre company.
For a unique experience ride a restored 1929 Baldwin steam locomotive from Port Alberni to the McLean Mill. This scenic 35-minute rail trip winds through the town and surrounding forest and features scheduled stops at a local winery. While touring the mill site visit the blacksmith shop to forge your own piece of wrought iron, or attend a show from the site’s resident troupe of interpretive actors, the Tin Pants Theatre Company.
Historic Routes and Places
The West Coast Trail is one of the world’s top hiking routes. Originally designed as a telegraph route and lifesaving trail, the West Coast Trail is now a rugged and challenging hiking route that draws travelers from around the world.
Situated in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve on the west coast of Vancouver Island, this rugged shoreline trail stretches 75 km/47 mi between Port Renfrew and Bamfield. Originally named the Dominion Lifesaving Trail, the route saved hundreds of lives from the treacherous stretch of coastline known as the “Graveyard of the Pacific”.
Historic Settlements
While searching for the Northwest Passage in 1778, British explorer James Cook made landfall at Yuquot (Friendly Cove) on Nootka Island and became the first European to visit what is now British Columbia.
In 1789 Spain established a fort in Friendly Cove in an attempt to gain sovereignty of the area. The only Spanish settlement in Canada, it was abandoned in 1795 but the many Spanish names on the islands, bays and inlets are testament to the area’s early international history.
Today visitors to Gold River (89 km/ 50 mi west of Campbell River) can board the small coastal freighter MV Uchuck III and enjoy spectacular scenery and wildlife viewing on a day trip to this historic meeting place. Friendly Cove is also the start or end point of the Nootka Island Trail, one of Vancouver Island’s best hiking trips.
Fort Rodd Hill is an artillery fort built in the 1890s to defend Victoria and the Esquimault Naval Base, and has been completely restored. Fisgard Lighthouse was the first permanent lighthouse erected on Canada's west coast.
Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse is a 25min drive, west of downtown Victoria via Hwy 1A.