Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Governor James Douglas
James Douglas, known as the
father of British Columbia, was
born in Demerara, British Guiana
(now Guyana), in 1803. His
father was a Scottish merchant,
his mother a free mulatto. Dou-
glas married Amelia Connolly,
the half-Native daughter of a fur
trader. Working for the Hudson's
Bay Company, Douglas estab-
lished Fort Victoria in 1843. Over
the next 20 years, Governor
Douglas transformed Victoria
into a center of political power,
but he is best remembered as
having established Beacon Hill
Park, in 1858. Douglas retired in
1863. A knighthood followed. Sir
James Douglas died in Victoria
in 1877, at the age of 74.
Gallery, Royal British Columbia Museum
Royal British Columbia
Museum
Known for its Native artifacts and
art, and displays highlighting BC's
history and natural wonders, the
museum has excellent exhibits
ranging from prehistory to the
First Peoples Gallery. A National
Geographic IMAX theater, Thun-
derbird Park, and Helmcken House
are on the site
(see pp24-5).
Chinatown
Victoria's Chinatown once
rivaled San Francisco's for size.
Today it's an eclectic two-block
area, signaled by the ornate
Gate of Harmonious Interest.
Chinatown was known as the
Forbidden City by the European
populace of the day. Once notori-
ous Fan Tan Alley, said to be the
narrowest street in Canada, hid
gambling dens and a thriving
opium industry. Today, restau-
rants, groceries, artists' studios,
and souvenir shops fill the
bustling streets of this designat-
ed heritage area.
d
Fisgard &
Herald sts at Government St
•
Map P1
Art Gallery
of Greater Victoria
Housed in an 1889 mansion,
this gallery is known for its Asian
collection, including a Shinto
shrine in the Asian garden. Paint-
ings and literary work by local
artist Emily Carr
(see p19)
are
another highlight.
d
1040 Moss St
•
250 384 4101
•
Open 10am-5pm
daily (to 9pm Thu)
•
Adm
Beacon Hill Park
Noted for its gnarled Garry
oak trees and 350-
year-old Chinese
bell, the park, dat-
ing from the mid-
1800s, is a lovely
place to stroll and
picnic. Over 2,000
varieties of plants
and trees, a rose
garden, wooden
bridges, and
stream.
d
Map Q6
•
250 361 0600
Gate of Harmonious Interest, Chinatown
96
