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Royal British Columbia Museumspacer
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Victoria Aboriginal & Cultural

Totem Pole
Totem Pole,
JF Bergeron photo
The establishment of Fort Victoria in 1843 may have marked European settlement on this southern tip of Vancouver Island but Aboriginals have inhabited this area for thousands of years. Through the ages, the Coast Salish people of southern Vancouver Island have shared knowledge by gathering together and telling stories – just as Victoria’s museums do today.

Victoria’s Asian influence continues to thrive in North America’s second oldest Chinatown. European tradition is marked by decorative English gardens and a collection of afternoon tea houses. Victoria celebrates its history and culture through numerous festivals and events.

First Nations Art and Culture

To experience Aboriginal culture in the open air, visit Thunderbird Park’s totems. For a comprehensive account of human activity on Vancouver Island over thousands of years, visit the Royal British Columbia Museum depicting Aboriginal, Asian and European influences.

Take an interpretive tour onboard an Aboriginal whaling canoe from downtown Victoria or Sidney via traditional routes and territories. Art galleries and shops along Government Street and Chinatown offer unique native art, Chinese and European collectibles. Watch or take part in many of the festivals and events such as the annual Victoria Dragon Boat Festival and Chinese New Year.

Learn More About These Aboriginal & Cultural Attractions in Victoria:

Thunderbird Park
Chinatown
Cultural Tours
Aboriginal Art
Cultural Events

Practical Points

Some locations are open seasonally or by appointment only; always check operating hours in advance.
Artifacts and regalia have historical and cultural significance. Do not touch items unless you have been given permission to do so by a knowledgeable guide or local.

Highlights


Totem Poles in Thunderbird Park


Stroll through thickets of totem poles and around a traditional longhouse still in regular use. Poles of varying sizes populate the lawn around Mungo Martin House, a traditional longhouse named after the native artist.

North America’s Second Oldest Chinatown

During Gold Rush days, half the population of Victoria was Chinese. Walk through Fan Tan Alley, Canada’s narrowest street at just 0.9 m (3 ft) wide: locked gates once led to dwellings filled with gambling halls and opium dens. Today it is home to trendy shops and restaurants. Admire the 11.5-m (38-ft) Gate of Harmonious Interest, marking the entrance to Chinatown. Stroll along Fisgard Street where sidewalks are packed with local and exotic produce, Asian wares and galleries display unique pieces.

Cultural Tours

One of the best ways to gain insight into Victoria’s Aboriginal history and culture is to take a guided interpretive tour. Learn first-hand from Coast Salish elders about indigenous plants and local areas of interest while sightseeing and wildlife watching or taking in Aboriginal ceremonies and performances.

Visitors can paddle a replica dug-out canoe while tour guides narrate an excursion from Sidney around the Southern Gulf islands to ancient tribal sites and shell middens or ride in a traditional whaling canoe through a fjiord to temperate rainforests.

Aboriginal Art

Victoria offers plenty of chances to admire and purchase native art pieces such as masks, Cowichan sweaters, jewellery and totems. Government Street and Fort Street contain several shops and galleries.

Emily Carr, best known for her paintings of Vancouver Island's rainforests and totemic Aboriginal sculptures, is located near downtown Victoria and more of her work is on permanent display at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria.

Cultural Events


The Victoria Dragon Boat Festival combines culture with sport celebrating Asian history. Held each August along Victoria’s Inner Harbour, thousands of paddlers compete and spectators can enjoy a variety of cultural entertainment by local and international performers.

Chinese New Year is a 15-day celebration in February centred around Victoria’s Chinatown. Walk through Chinese lanterns, sample tea and try the traditional Lion dance.
 

Highlights


Aboriginal & Cultural
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Visitor Centres 

Main address  

1. Royal BC Museum - Victoria

Order Free Insider's GuideProperty Logo 675 Belleville St
Victoria, British Columbia
V8W 9W2

Prepare to be amazed. British Columbia’s past, present and future are alive at the Royal BC Museum. Unique galleries showcase the human and natural history of our province and temporary exhibits from other countries and cultures. Authentic artifacts and specimens are displayed in highly realistic settings. From fossilized palm trees to satellite imagery, from Woolly Mammoth to webcam, experience British Columbia as it was and as it is now. Stroll through Old Town's main wood-cobbled street and enjoy its shops, cinema and railway station. Visit a ceremonial Big House, see totem poles from various First Nations and an impressive selection of masks.

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