Main Victoria Heritage Attractions

Victoria Incentive
Programs for
Heritage Buildings

MAIN HERITAGE ATTRACTIONS

This listing updated 7 July 2022
Please contact organization for current 2022 information

ART GALLERY OF GREATER VICTORIA
1040 Moss Street
250-384-4171
www://aggv.ca
email: info@aggv.ca

www://facebook.com/artgalleryvictoria
www://twitter.com/artgalleryvic
www.instagram.com/artgalleryvic/

Closed on Mondays
Tuesday - Saturday 10 am - 5 pm; Thursday 1 pm - 9 pm;
Sunday & Holidays: 12 pm -5 pm.

Adults: $13; Senior (65+): $11; Student (18+ with ID): $11; Children (6-17): $2.50; Children (5 and under): free. Family (2 adults & children): $28; Admission is by donation the first Tuesday of each month.

Open Tuesday through Sunday in the historic neighbourhood of Rockland and just a short walk from downtown, the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria is home to B.C.'s largest public art collection. With over 24,000 objects, the AGGV Collection represents significant works produced in this region and art that represents our histories. Since its founding the AGGV has been assembling work from around the Pacific Rim and has established one of the finest collections of Asian art in the world, including an original Japanese Shinto Shrine located outside in the Asian Garden. Exhibitions range from Asian, to historical and Canadian art, featuring work by Emily Carr, to engaging contemporary shows. The Gallery Shop features an impressive array of art, pottery, jewelry, books and much more from local artists and artisans. The AGGV also offers a wide-range of programming themed around current exhibitions and projects, including virtual programs for those who would prefer to stay at home. Visit the AGGV's website for details, or follow AGGV activities on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

This listing updated 4 July 2023
Please contact organization for current 2023 information

CARR HOUSE
207 Government Street
250-383-5843
www.carrhouse.org
email: carrhouse@telus.net

This beautifully restored provincial and national historic site in Victoria, BC, was the birthplace of famed writer and artist, Emily Carr. Today, Carr House is owned by the province of BC and operated by the Carr House Community Society, a non-profit society dedicated to celebrating Emily Carr's life and work by offering encouragement and space for community creativity and innovation. Carr House offers guided tours inside the house throughout the year, and an updated tour schedule can be found on our website. Admission is by donation, and we suggest $5 per person.

Carr House is also a centre for the creative community, and hosts a variety of artistic events from art shows to theatrical performances. For a full calendar for information on special events like lectures, workshops, and performances, visit our website at www.carrhouse.org; Contact: carrhouse@telus.net or (250) 383-5843.

This listing updated 11 July 2022
Please contact organization for current 2022 information

CRAIGDARROCH CASTLE HISTORIC HOUSE MUSEUM
1050 Joan Crescent
250-592-5323
thecastle.ca
email: info@thecastle.ca

Open for self-guided tours. Please check our website for days and times.

Adult: $20.60; Senior: $19.60; Students (13+ with Valid ID): $14.80;
Children (6-12): $10.00; 5 and under: no charge.

Tickets can be purchased in our Visitor Centre upon arrival at the Castle. Please check our website for tour details.

Built by coal baron Robert Dunsmuir during the reign of Queen Victoria and now a National Historic Site, Craigdarroch Castle has been meticulously restored, giving visitors a glimpse of privileged life in the 1890's. The Castle weaves a fascinating tale of an intriguing family - their achievements, their relationships and even their quirks. Self guided tours - 87 stairs (no elevators).

This listing updated 7 July 22
Please contact organization for current 2022 information

FORT RODD HILL AND FISGARD LIGHTHOUSE NATIONAL HISTORIC SITES
603 Fort Rodd Hill Road, Victoria BC V9C 2W8
250-478-5849
www://pc.gc.ca/fortroddhill
email: fortrodd@pc.gc.ca

For hours of operations:
https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/lhn-nhs/bc/fortroddhill/visit/heures-hours

For admission:
https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/lhn-nhs/bc/fortroddhill/visit/tarifs-fees

Come explore Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites, located 14 kilometers west of downtown Victoria.

Fort Rodd Hill was built in 1895 and operated until 1956 to protect the Royal Navy base at Esquimalt Harbour. Peek through original gun barrels, venture into intriguing underground magazines, and find camouflaged searchlight emplacements...

Step inside Fisgard Lighthouse, tour the exhibits and marvel at the stories of its keepers who once helped mariners find their way safely home. Fisgard is the oldest lighthouse on the west coast, built in 1860.

Visit our website regularly for up-to-date information on summer programs, events, activities and cultural heritage information.

This listing updated 29 August 2024
Please contact organization for current 2024 information

HELMCKEN HOUSE
Royal BC Museum, 675 Belleville Street
250-356-7226 or toll free 1-888-447-7977
www.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/visit/exhibitions/cultural-precinct

Helmcken House was built by Dr. John Sebastian Helmcken, a surgeon with the Hudson's Bay Company, in 1852. It is one of the oldest houses in British Columbia still on its original site. Dr. Helmcken set up house in Victoria when he married the daughter of Governor James Douglas. He went on to become a statesman and helped negotiate the entry of British Columbia into Canada as a province. The good doctor's original 19th century medical kit is among the interesting items on display.

Helmcken House is open during the summer and winter break. Visit the events calendar for hours of operation at https://www.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/upcoming-events-calendar

This listing updated 26 August 2024
Please contact organization for current 2024 information

POINT ELLICE HOUSE MUSEUM & GARDENS
2616 Pleasant Street, Victoria, BC V8T 4V3
236-470-5127
www.PointElliceHouse.com
email: Info@PointElliceHouse.com

Visit the beautiful Point Ellice House, a green haven on the waterfront in the heart of Victoria's industrial core. Built in 1861, the Italianate Villa is one of the oldest homes in the city. It boasts an extensive collection of Victorian and Edwardian artifacts from the O'Reilly family, who inhabited the house from 1867 to 1975 years. Similar houses and properties were demolished, but Point Ellice House, its contents, and its gardens remain.

Metis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) new stewards of the site in collaboration with local First Nations communities and the Metis Nation Greater Victoria will focus on the rich historical and cultural stories, especially indigenous women within our collective history.

Point Ellice House, its collection, gardens, and exhibition space, presents an unprecedented opportunity for both heritage conservation and reconciliation tourism.

Be sure to check back frequently as we add new content, programs, tours, and events that uncover more about the hidden stories of Metis and First Nations associated with the site.

Join us for various workshops and special events throughout the year.

Please visit our website and social media for up-to-date information about opening hours, admission rates, upcoming events, site history, and more.

This listing updated 19 August 2024
Please contact organization for current 2024 information

MARITIME MUSEUM OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
744 Douglas Street
Victoria BC
250-385-4222
www.mmbc.bc.ca
email: info@mmbc.bc.ca

Hours: Seven Days a Week -9:30am - 4:30pm
Admission: Adults - $10, Senior/Student - $8, Youth - $5,
Children - Free
Memberships: Adults - $30, Senior - $25, Family - $50

The Maritime Museum of BC offers a wide variety of opportunities for the public to explore our nautical history and ocean sciences. From rotating exhibits to programs and events, there's always something happening! The Museum cares for more than 35,000 unique artifacts, as well as a large library and archives research collection, which is available for public access.

This listing updated 29 August 2024
Please contact organization for current 2024 information

ROYAL BC MUSEUM & ARCHIVES
675 Belleville Street
250-356-7226 or toll free 1-888-447-7977
www.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca

Hours:
Open daily from 10am to 6pm. Open until 10:30pm on Fridays and Saturdays from mid-May until early October. Closed Christmas Day and New Year's Day. BC Archives open Monday to Friday from 10am to 4pm (full service), 4pm to 6pm (partial service), Saturdays from 10am o 4pm (partial service) and closed Sundays.

Admission:
$29.95 Adult, $19.95 Senior/Student, $16.95 Youth;
Child (3-5) - Free.

Admission and hours subject to change throughout the year. For the most up to date pricing, please visit: www.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/visit/plan-your-visit/buy-tickets

The Royal BC Museum, which includes BC Archives and IMAX Victoria, is one of the oldest continually operating museums in Canada. A cultural centre of learning and research, it strives to broaden our understanding of British Columbia through collections, exhibits, outreach and community engagement. The museum celebrates the province's diverse landscapes and the lives of the people who live here, enables research and knowledge sharing that advances our understanding of our world, and provides a dynamic place for discussion and reflection. IMAX Victoria delivers educational and understanding of our world, and provides a dynamic place for discussion and reflection. IMAX Victoria delivers educational and entertaining experiences that accompany the learning journey the museum offers.

Your experience doesn't end with our galleries. You can see sites like Helmcken House, St. Ann's Schoolhouse, the Netherlands Centennial Carillon and Thunderbird Park. Our precinct also includes a year-round food truck festival and a 2% Jazz coffee bar. Come explore the Royal BC Museum. Located on Victoria's Inner Harbour, we are within walking distance of downtown hotels and restaurants.

This listing is for Summer 2020
Please contact organization for current 2021 information

ST. ANN'S ACADEMY NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE
2nd Floor 835 Humboldt Street,
250-953-8829
www.stannsacademy.com
email: stanns.academy@gov.bc.ca

Hours of Operation:
Summer hours: 2020 Please contact the site for public visiting hours.
Winter hours: Labour day to mid May Thursday to Sunday 1 to 4 pm
Admission by donation.

Built as a school and convent by the Sisters of St. Ann between 1871 and 1910, this nationally designated and provincially owned historic site also features Victoria's first Catholic cathedral, built in 1858 and annexed to the school in 1886 to serve as the school's chapel. The building was renovated extensively between 1995 and 1997 and now features historic interiors around the beautifully restored chapel which are open for public viewing, as well as private renovated office space. The site also features 6.5 acres of restored park lands which are open to the public year round from dawn to dusk. Outdoor bilingual interpretive signs now installed throughout the grounds are also available year-round from dawn to dusk. St. Ann's Academy National Historic Site is operated by Ministry of Citizen's Services.

This listing updated 29 August 2024
Please contact organization for current 2024 information

ST. ANN'S SCHOOLHOUSE
Royal BC Museum, 675 Belleville Street
250-356-7226 or toll free 1-888-447-7977
www.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/visit/exhibitions/cultural-precinct

St Ann's Schoolhouse may be the oldest building still standing in Victoria. Built by Jacques Lequechier in 1844 and constructed in the Hudson Bay Company Red River style, it was purchased by Roman Catholic Bishop Demers in 1853 for use as a residence and a schoolhouse. In 1858, when four Sisters of St. Ann returned with Bishop Demers from Quebec, it was in this building that they lived and held their first school cleasses. The Sisters gave the school to the Royal BC Museum in 1974 when it was moved to its present location behind Helmcken House on Elliott Square.