Vancouver Island Things To Do

U'mista Cultural Centre

The U'mista Cultural Centre brings the heritage of the First Nations people of Alert Bay to life through exhibits, films and live traditional dance performances.

The main permanent exhibit, "The Potlatch Collection," is housed in a ceremonial Big House. It displays potlatch regalia, such as masks and copper implements, confiscated by the government in 1922 and not returned to the Kwakwaka'wakw First Nations until 1980.

Quw'utsun' Cultural & Conference Centre

The Quw'utsun Cultural Centre in Duncan brings the heritage of the Cowichan people to life through live demonstrations, hands-on activities and a moving multi-media presentation of their oral history.

Thunderbird Park

The totem poles of Thunderbird Park have been a popular attraction in Victoria for more than 60 years. It's a rare treat to view so much large-scale Aboriginal art in one place.

Poles of varying sizes populate the lawn around Mungo Martin House, a traditional longhouse. Aside from the pole at its entryway, the poles are replicas of the ones first erected there in 1940.   

Royal British Columbia Museum

The First People's Gallery is one of three permanent exhibits at The Royal British Columbia Museum.

In it, you can trace the history of BC's Aboriginal peoples through art; artifacts such as ancient totems; portraits; and masks, including those representing powerful creatures in Kwakwaka'wakw mythology. You can also view the interior of a still-in-use longhouse.

Chinatown

During Gold Rush days, half the population of Victoria was Chinese. Today, a small but vibrant community still exists in Victoria's Chinatown. 

It contains architectural oddities and attractions such as the narrowest street in Canada as well as the ornate and colourful Gate of Harmonious Interest.