Victoria’s Cultural Riches

Victoria's Cultural Riches

Experience the ancestry and artistry of Vancouver Island’s first people.

With its coastal beauty and Pacific Northwest charms, British Columbia’s capital city will surpass all your expectations. The moments that will truly linger in your memory — and in the form of cherished souvenirs — are within First Nations communities. There are 50 First Nations of Vancouver Island in three distinctive tribal regions, with an ancestry that can be traced back thousands of years before colonial times. Let us guide you to some of the cultural highlights that you’ll find in Victoria.

Living Languages exhibit

Museum Marvels

A visit to the Royal BC Museum introduces you to a permanent collection of First Nation artifacts and intricate totem pole carvings, curated from a variety of First Nation communities. Wander Totem Hall, the central exhibit in the gallery, and note the differences in the totem poles — each crest pole and house post emphasize the unique carving styles of each community. Don’t miss the Living Languages interactive exhibit, also in the Royal BC Museum, which is committed to preserving First Nation languages and educating visitors on the importance of language diversity. Listen to lullabies, hear a greeting in one of the 34 languages and check out displays of language through contemporary First Nation artwork.

23915_VIC_Tallest Totem Pole in the World

Totem pole in Beacon Hill Park

Totem Pole Traditions

As you explore Victoria, keep an eye out for one of the many totem poles that are found throughout the city. Head to Beacon Hill Park, a sprawling natural oasis that boasts lush canopies of various trees, vibrant flowers and one of the world’s largest totem poles. It soars 128 feet into the air, and its magnificent carvings are the exceptional craftmanship of Kwakiutl tribal chief Mungo Martin, who sculpted the pole in 1956. Totem poles represent many different ideals, but animals are commonly used to depict creatures from a family crest, and often represent kinship and identity.

Lekwungen dancers

Deeper Exploration

Expand your perspective of native communities at the annual Victoria Indigenous Cultural Festival. Members of the Songhees and Esquimalt nations come together to showcase spectacular performances and share enduring traditions such as smudge ceremonies, cedar weaving and drum making.

The Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea

Celebrate Nature

Year-round activities at The Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea offer in-depth insight into a unique aquatic bioregion. More than 3,500 animals represent over 150 species from the Salish Sea, along with artwork created by the Coast Salish — a group of several indigenous tribes from the Pacific Northwest coastal region. The center itself offers sweeping 180-degree views of the Salish Sea, and is located on traditional lands of WSÁNEĆ Coast Salish Indigenous territories in Sidney.

Walking on Fort Street

Take Home Memories

There are many art galleries and souvenir shops that line charming Fort Street and cobblestoned Government Street, perfect for window shopping or browsing for gifts. Pop into one of the boutique galleries where First Nation artwork is on display and meander through souvenir shops selling unique masks and carvings that are perfect to take home. Top off your day at Canoe Brewpub, a timeless waterfront location with a soaring timber frame and rustic brick architecture.

Truly discovering Victoria means you’ll need to carve out time to learn more about the city’s First Nation heritage, but along the way you’ll notice that Victoria is also a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and culinary adventurers. We’ll arrange your complete vacation to this dynamic city, making sure you get the most out of the extraordinary moments it has to offer.

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We’ll plan your visit to Victoria and provide you with perks along the way. Contact us to get started!

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