Aboriginal Experiences
Parliament Buildings, Victoria (Rohan Zanzibar/Tourism Victoria 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 museums in Victoria do today.
For a comprehensive account of human activity on Vancouver Island over thousands of years, spend a day at the Royal BC Museum immersed in the human and natural history of British Columbia, including a dramatically-lit gallery of Aboriginal masks and a ceremonial big house. Visit Thunderbird Park to see colourful carved totem poles outdoors and stop by galleries and shops along Government Street to browse for Aboriginal artwork.
Outside of Victoria, there are many more Aboriginal experiences on Vancouver Island.
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Totem Poles in Thunderbird Park
At Thunderbird Park (located next to the Royal BC Museum), 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.
Aboriginal Art
Victoria offers plenty of chances to admire and purchase Aboriginal art pieces such as masks, Cowichan sweaters, jewellery and totems. Government Street and Fort Street contain several shops and galleries.
The home of Emily Carr, an artist best known for her paintings of Vancouver Island's rainforests and totemic Aboriginal sculptures, is a National Historic Site of Canada located near downtown Victoria. Her work is on permanent display at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria.
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.
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.
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Landsea Tours offers daily scheduled half-day & full-day mini-coach sightseeing excursions to include Vancouver, Victoria, Whistler & more - maximum of 24 guests. See it all: Stanley Park, Chinatown, Gastown, Granville Island Market, Alaska cruise ships, Capilano Suspension Bridge, Grouse Mountain & Butchart Gardens. Combine a Victoria tour with whale watching or a floatplane flight, or a Whistler tour with the Whistler Mountaineer train by Rocky Mountaineer. Driver/guides create memorable sightseeing experiences by sharing their extensive knowledge of area history, geography & current events & in answering guests' individual questions.
Private tours and transfers are also available: SUVs, Mercedes Sprinter Vans and Mini-Coaches available.
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