Speciality Museums • Historic Sites
Rockland
Victoria Historic Sites
Historic Sites in Victoria, British Columbia
Victoria Historic Sites
Category types
Types of Attractions
Sights & Landmarks
Awards
Travellers' Choice Awards winners (including the "Best of the Best" title) are among the top 10% of listings on Tripadvisor, according to the reviews and opinions of travellers across the globe.
Traveller rating
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13 places sorted by traveller favourites
- Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.
Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings
James Bay
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Downtown
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
James Bay
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Gonzales
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Speciality & Gift Shops • Art Galleries
Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings
Downtown
Historic Sites
Downtown
What travellers are saying
- TiggersFarmUtOcean Shores, WA104 contributionsVery extensive slice of history. Must see video showing inside of castle. Castle is being restored showing different uses over the years. Note that internet is supposed to be available but supplied password does not work so don't plan on it.Written September 19, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Patric DSandbach, UK1,040 contributionsIf you are English, this will be very familiar.
Modelled on the British Parliament both in design and in tradition, this is well worth taking the tour.
It is escorted (security) but worth waiting for the tour as you get to see areas that would be off-limits if you walked around by yourself.
Enjoyed it a lotWritten September 27, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - MainetrippinMaine142 contributionsWe went to the beautiful Empress Hotel for High Tea. It was a delightful window into the tradition! Our server knew everything about the teas on offer and was expert at showing us how to brew, how to taste, and how to enjoy the entire tea experience. The scones, delicate tea sandwiches of cucumber, coronation chicken salad, smoked salmon, and French ham & cheese, were perfect. As were the selection of deserts. All of this was accompanied by a live pianist who provided a subtle sound-track to the afternoon.
Our only disappointment was the severe disconnect between the ambiance indicated on the website and reality. When making reservations, it's clearly stated on the website that there is a dress code for High Tea, with prohibitions against hats (except for fascinators or fancy tea hats), athleisurewear, flip-flops, etc. It also says, patrons not meeting the dress code may be "politely declined" entry. I had packed a dress for the occasion, but due to a hiking accident that left my legs bruised and bandaged, I didn't want to wear it, and for four days I scoured stores on our itinerary en route to Victoria to find something appropriate. I had one pair of dressy shoes with me and couldn't find anything to match. I held my breath and put together an outfit from what I'd packed of dress slacks, a nice linen shirt, a scarf, and pretty earrings--desperately hoping we'd still be let in. (We even got a phone message reminding us of our reservation--and of the dress code.)
When we arrived, the couple ahead of us were shown to their table. He was in shorts and a t-shirt. She was in casual pants, with quilted vest, and a baseball cap. They did ask her to remove her cap, but in they went. We looked around and counted three men in hats, two folks in plaid flannel shirts, lots of jeans, and two other pairs of shorts. After all my angst of trying to meet the dress code, turns out, I could have worn a burlap sack.
I'm still glad we dressed up, but we were in the minority. So, is there a dress code or not? And if not, please don't threaten the unsuspecting with being turned away!Written September 16, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - juniper yToronto, Canada33 contributionsLove the nature around here. The Bird sanctuary offers a calm atmosphere. The sense of History adds to the connection of the ground.Written May 6, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Elsbeth D22 contributionsOur guide Pascal gave us a thorough and entertaining tour through this Victoria mansion and home of one of Canada’s greatest artists. While not many of the furnishings or decor pieces are original to the home, great effort has been made to recreate the atmosphere , the furnishings, and possessions within to represent the time period and the Carr family’s station in Victoria’s society. Many anecdotes of Emily Carr’s life and that of her sisters created a rounded view of life in Victoria during Emily’s childhood and later life as a female artist. The re-creation of the wall coverings and paint colours true to the time period shows the dedication of the society committed to preserving this home. Well done.
An observation, a query was, why is there no caretaking, simple sweeping or vacuuming to keep the entry, the hallways, carpets, and stairway free of gravel, leaves and dirt tracked in by guests. The time period rugs and lovely painted canvas flooring certainly will suffer from the accumulation winter debris,Written February 6, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Bill2025Surrey, Canada333 contributionsBeautiful grounds and a lot of history going back to the late 1800’s. There is no admittance cost but they will accept donations. This is a must stop rain or shine for everyone. The museum and the historical house is located minutes from downtown Victoria and there is free parking on site.Written October 7, 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- LaChatNoirWest Lafayette, IN1,789 contributionsWe enjoyed looking around the Helmcken House, great way to learn about the early settlers of Victoria. Also interesting medical artifacts. Knowledgeable and friendly guides there to help fill in the blanks. Worth the look around, especially considering the fact that it is free.Written August 16, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- StevoinMinnesotoCottage Grove, MN546 contributionsWe read about this cemetery in information we received from Victoria. Located in an upscale neighborhood, overlooking the Strait this is a sad place to visit as it is the final resting place of many Chinese immigrants who came to Canada to work and died there. Many wanted to be buried in China so their remains were stored in the cities where they passed away. Over the years information on who the people were went missing and when the Communists took over China, there was no way to send the remains back home. The graves are not well kept up and whatever inscriptions were carved into the headstones in Chinese are no longer legible. There are also a few mass graves where unidentified people were all buried together. This was worth the visit to us to pay respect to these people and reflect on their sad fate. RecommendedWritten February 26, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Sarah B1 contributionThe style of the building - much like City Hall and Dr. Todd Jones Dental Surgery house on Fort street - are I believe all designed and built by a French architect, Mensard. There is also a house in James Bay on Dallas Road by the Surf Motel that seems to be his work as well.Written July 6, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- StHydeVictoria, BC14 contributionsI finally had a chance to check out the little museum by my home. It's a fantastic source of Victoria history. I've always loved Victoria's architecture, and the Arts and Crafts period, so I really enjoyed learning about a few historic homes in the area.
The museum is in a gorgeous historic house. There rooms are not decorated in period style, but have exhibits about historic architecture in Victoria.
The current exhibit is panoramic photos of Victoria, and the most memorable thing about my visit was seeing 1856 panorama compared to 1891 (I think those were the dates--it was 2 weeks ago so my memory is fading). Shocking amount of growth in Victoria!
I loved learning about my town in a beautiful historic home. Definitely a recommended stop if you enjoy Victoria's history at all.Written May 21, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Aliyeh JafariShiraz, Iran171 contributionsWhether you're a tourist in Victoria or a local resident, Studio 106 is a must-visit gallery. This vibrant space showcases an impressive array of art, including exquisite sculptures, handcrafted jewelry, engaging books, and delightful postcards. The artworks are all created by local artists, with a special emphasis on pieces from First Nations artists. Studio 106 stands out as a cultural treasure in Victoria, offering a rich and diverse artistic experience. Make sure to include this gem on your itinerary!Written June 26, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- TravelOften1968Johannesburg, South Africa547 contributionsNice tour of an old historic building. Kids were a bit bored. Good for history buffs and those interested in a bit of a break from tourist attractions.Written January 25, 2017This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- PookyCakeVictoria, Canada14,584 contributionsI recently visited George Mason’s Heritage Home as part of what I called my “tour of the real Victoria.” Utilizing Eggplant’s taxi service, I patronized a number of spots in and around Victoria that are, for the most part, not high on peoples’ list of “things to do,” at least according to TripAdvisor. Mr. Mason’s heritage home was my first stop and, well, I have to agree with the earlier reviewer: “Not Much To See Here.”
If you’ve never heard of George Mason or his heritage home, you’ll be forgiven. He wasn’t a famous politician; he wasn’t a famous local playwright or actor; he wasn’t responsible for the construction of the Empress; and he didn’t do any sort of heroic act. “Why,” you might say, “is his heritage home a noted highlight, then? And why should I care?” That’s a fair question because even after reading up on him and his home I was still left with that integral question: Why?
Well, George Mason arrived at Victoria in 1851, with many other labourers, to help build the foundations and develop the colony. He’s noted as one of British Columbia’s earliest professional brick makers, so that’s something, I guess. He built his home in 1864. Besides the Victorian-era architecture, the home is notable because it is believed to be the oldest surviving brick house in Western Canada. I only wish we could see more of it because most of the home is, unfortunately, hidden away behind a storefront, which was added to the structure in 1920. As such, one can’t fully appreciate the architecture of the home sitting in front of you.
As of 2019, Mr. Mason’s heritage home really isn’t anything to see. The storefront, which is vacant/abandoned, ruins much of the historic appeal and is currently a proverbial hotbed for homeless people. The excess trash and sleeping bags further detract from this place. In the end, I’m left wondering why the home is even listed on TripAdvisor as a “thing to do” in Victoria when, for example, my listing request for Vancouver’s “Main Street Poodle” – a verifiable public art sculpture – was apparently rejected for reasons still yet to be explained. With much of the historic home hidden behind what is now basically a makeshift homeless shelter, there really is nothing to see here.Written January 11, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
