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Art Gallery of Greater Victoria
One of Canada's finest art galleries is home to nationally
important Oriental, European, Canadian and Inuit art
collectors. The Gallery has a permanent display of works
by Victoria's renowned artist, Emily Carr. Opened in
1951 as a result of Sara Spencer's donation of the Spencer
Mansion, the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria offers
exhibits of all sorts, year round. Special events are
also a prominent feature of the gallery and have been
known to include activities from art classes for all
levels, to evening jazz concerts.
The Art Gallery is open Monday - Saturday 10:00 a.m.
until 5:00 p.m., Thursdays until 9:00 p.m., Sundays
and Holidays 1 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. The gallery is closed
on Christmas Day and Good Friday. http://aggv.bc.ca/
» Thunderbird
Park This small but interesting
park, adjacent to the Royal BC Museum, is home to some
prime examples of Native Heritage. Proud totems surround
a ceremonial long house which is the focal point of
the park. In the summer months, the park is used by
First nations carvers to display their carving skills
to create new totems. It is also used for special occasions,
such as the First Peoples Festival. A must see for the
camera buff. » Craigdarroch
Castle
Completed in 1890, Craigdarroch Castle was built by
Robert Dunsmuir, a coal baron and the wealthiest and
most influential man in British Columbia. The castle's
39 rooms and 87 steps have served Victoria as the Conservatory
of music, our local college, as well as a hospital just
after World War I. In 1979, Craigdarroch Castle was
opened to the public as the historical site it is today.
This is the original castle built by Robert Dunsmuir.
At the time of construction Mr. Dunsmuir was the richest
man in British Columbia.
The castle is open daily 10:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
during the low season, From June 15- September 14, the
hours are 9:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. The castle is closed
December 25 & 26 and January 1.
http://www.craigdarrochcastle.com » Hatley Castle,
Museum & Gardens
Once home to Canada's only Western Military College,
it is now home to Royal Roads University. Come walk
around the many unique gardens and a large number of
100 year old trees. The gardens are open 7 days a week
from dawn to dusk. Built in 1908 by James Dunsmuir this
castle is a must see. This was the second castle built
by the Dunsmuir family. The first, Craigdarroch Castle
was built by James father, Robert Dunsmuir. The grounds
are beautifully maintained and feature beautiful Italian,
Japanese and Rose Gardens as well as a military museum.
The gardens are open year round, admission is by donation.
2005 Sooke Rd., Victoria, BC.
http://www.hatleycastle.ca » Chinatown
The official entrance into Chinatown is marked by the
ornate Gate of Harmonious Interest, built in 1981. Highlighted
by two stone lions, legend has it that these lions will
come to life and roar when an honest politician walks
between them. The lions sit quietly today. Although
small, Victoria's Chinatown is the oldest Chinatown
in North America. Lined with Chinese restaurants, bakeries
and specialty shops, it is a wonderful spot to stop
for a dim sum or a full Hong Kong style seafood dinner.
Hidden within the block is Fan Tan Alley, the city's
narrowest street, which at one time housed opium dens,
but now houses shops and galleries.
In the early 1800's more than 16000 migrants arrived
to help build the Canadian Pacific Railway. Merchants
set up shop in the area now known as Chinatown. Today's
Chinatown offers visitors a unique opportunity to enjoy
the ambiance of an Asian themed market complete with
exotic foods and smells, gift shops, and a variety of
restaurants. » Royal BC Museum
Considered one of the best Natural History Museums.
RBCM has something for everyone. Take a voyage to the
depths of the ocean in the Open Ocean exhibit, or see
how life really was in the Old Town. Hear the stories
of triumph, tragedy and survival of British Columbia's
First Nations. One of Victoria's must see attractions;
this world class museum is home to many exhibits and
displays which allow visitors an opportunity to understand
what BC was like decades ago.
Exhibits include the natural history gallery which explores
the last ice age and showcases a full size woolly mammoth.
Other displays include the Open Ocean where visitors
can explore the west coast waters by means of a simulated
submarine tour. The rich heritage of the First Nations
People is also featured through displays of artifacts,
potlatch ceremonies and an impressive selection of masks
and totems. The Modern History Gallery explores BC history
from the 1700's until the present day, with displays
of lumber mills, the gold rush, and the fur trade industry,
all of which played a pivotal role in the formation
of BC as a province.
The bell tower carillon, a gift from the people of the
Netherlands on Canada's Centennial, marks the corner
of the museum at Government and Belleville Streets.
The museum is open 7 days a week, from 9:00 a.m. until
5:00 p.m. The museum is closed on Christmas Day and
New Years Day.
http://rbcm1.rbcm.gov.bc.ca/ » Emily Carr
House
The birthplace and home of renowned Victoria artist,
Emily Carr. Still decorated as it would have been at
Emily's birth in 1871. Come and enjoy a tour of the
house and a stroll through the impressive gardens.
This is the home and birthplace of controversial artist
Emily Carr. Carr, who was shunned in her time as being
a radical who's art was often criticized, has now become
one of Canada's most renowned artists.
Carr became known for her vivid life capturing water
colours of early BC life. These works featured west
coast scenes and images of Early First Nation life that
was rarely seen by the average person. Emily Carr House
is open 7 days a week from May 21 until October 7. Hours
of Operation are 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 207 Government
St., Victoria, BC
http://www.heritage.gov.bc.ca/emily/emily.htm
~ Victoria Art Gallery ~
~ Craigdarroch Castle ~
~ The Royal BC Museum~
~ Chinatown ~
~ Emily Carr House ~
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