 Chemainus Mural, Peter Langer photo In addition to British Columbia legislative buildings in Victoria, the Vancouver Island region features several other notable architectural structures. Also located in Victoria are architect, Francis Rattenberg's Farimont Empress Hotel, and Craigdarroch Castle. In Nanaimo, are Saunders Bridge (Bungy Jump Bridge), and the Bastion, the oldest remaining, free-standing Hudson's Bay Company fort on the continent.
Learn more about Vancouver Island's Buildings, Bridges & StructuresBritish Columbia Legislative Buildings
Fairmont Empress Hotel
Craigdarroch Castle
Bastion
Saunders Bridge
 British Columbia Legislative Buildings dominate the architectural landscape of Victoria's Inner Harbour. Designed by renowned architect Francis Rattenbury in the 1890s, the buildings are visually spectacular both outside and inside. Gold and silver leaf, murals, ornate plaster details, and wood mouldings ornament the richly-hued walls and ceilings. Visitors also encounter solid marble columns, statuary, stained glass, as well as unique architectural flourishes. Be sure to also take time to appreciate the beauty of the grounds, which feature flower gardens, fountains, statues, and exhilarating views of the harbour and mountains. Tours are available Monday through Friday.
 Architect, Francis Rattenbury tended to blend various architectural styles in his buildings; the Fairmont Empress Hotel, built in 1908, is no exception. Domed polygon turrets draw on classical influences, while Tudor arches in the lobby give that part of the hotel an Elizabethan feel. The picturesque broken roofline is dotted with Gothic dormers, while the 475 guest rooms are decorated in Edwardian-Victorian vintage style.
 Experience Edwardian-era luxury at Craigdarroch Castle, former home of local coal baron Robert Dunsmuir. Built in the 1890s, its design mixes Jacobean, Scottish Baronial, and French Gothic elements. Interesting exterior details include heavy stonework, a castellated roofline and 35 iron-braced chimneys. Inside, Scotch Granite columns, decorative tiling, stained glass, oak staircases, and mahogany fireplaces complement the rich furnishings and draperies.
Located in downtown Nanaimo, the Bastion is the oldest free-standing Hudson's Bay Company fort in North America. A curious, octagonal building of three floors, it was constructed in 1852 without the use of nails, using instead 20cm/8in squared cedar timbers that were notched and then fitted together with dowels. This French-Canadian construction method was called "poteau sur sole" (post on sill). Nicknamed "Bungy Jump Bridge," the steel, 66m/217ft Saunders Bridge spans the Nanaimo River in a classic arch style. It was the first bridge in North America custom built for bungy jumping and rises approximately 44m/143ft above water level. Three types of jumps are popular here: the "bungy jump," the "ultimate swing," and the "flying fox." Saunders Bridge is located in Nanaimo, a 1.5hr drive north from Victoria via Hwy 1.
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