• Return of a War Party Paul Kane (1847). Songhees Village and Fort Victoria, image provided by Royal Ontario Museum ROM2005_5161_1
  • Painting by Harry Heine, RSMA, FCA, CSMA, NWWS
  • Painting by Harry Heine, RSMA, FCA, CSMA, NWWS

The Victoria Harbour History Project is grateful for the support of the City of Victoria, Black Ball Ferry Line, Clipper Vacations, Harbour Air, Point Hope Shipyards, and Victoria Harbour Ferries.

First Nations

The Re-awakening

It is a tribute to the strength of character, determination, and cultural vibrancy of the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations that since the dark days of 1914 they are flourishing once again…

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Front Image: Songhees woman selling clams. Mary Evans Picture Library

Harvesting Nature

Great wealth from sawmills, whaling, fishing, and a 100,000 seal pelt season

Harbour Heroes

The brave, talented, and creative who built Victoria.

Fort Victoria

Visit the fortress that grew into today’s vibrant city

Early Industry

Victoria’s manufacturing economy was forged from the fires of a single blacksmith’s shop.

Nominate a Hero

Do you know someone who deserves recognition?

Gold Fever!

During a few months in 1856 30,000 gold-hungry prospectors hit the sleepy little town!

Early Transportation

From dugout canoes to turboprops and helicopters

Harbour Locations

Discover locations, both lost and found