Victoria is among the most British of cities in North America. It is famous for its green areas and beautiful gardens and parks. There are some outstanding architectural structures that you can visit too. In the tour that follows, take a look at some of the most visited architectural sites in Victoria.
1) Emily Carr House
Emily Carr House is a very beautiful house that was home to the famous Canadian painter, Emily Carr. The house is listed as a National Historic Site of Canada and puts on display a great deal of Emily Carr's art.
Image Courtesy of Flickr and Patricia Simpson
2) Parliament Buildings
The Parliament Buildings are a true monument of architecture. It is a Neo-Baroque structure designed by Francis Rattenbury and built in 1898. The buildings are hauntingly beautiful with ornamentation in marble, stained glass and mosaic. They are also situated in a fascinating environment with sculptures and fountains.
Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Nico86
3) Helmcken House
Helmcken House is a historic building and sight in Victoria, built by Dr. John Sebastian Helmcken, the first doctor of Victoria. It claims to be the oldest house in British Columbia. The building is preserved in its original state, including the interior and some household objects.
Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Hans-Jürgen Hübner
4) St. Ann's Academy
St. Ann's Academy is located near the Inner Harbour and is an amazing 19th century structure. It was the first Roman Catholic Church in Victoria and housed a girl's school and convent. Now it houses government offices. The chapel built in 1858 is still open.
Image Courtesy of Flickr and Donna Sorensen
5) Fort Street
Fort Street is a very beautiful walking area also known as Antique Row, full of restored old houses. Also, between Blanshard and Linden Avenue you will find a lot of wonderful antique shops, art galleries and specialty homes.
Image Courtesy of Flickr and alanymchan
6) Craigdarroch Castle
Craigdarroch Castle is a structure of uncommon beauty, established by the famous coal baron Robert Dunsmuir for his wife in 1890. The building was designed by Robert Dunsmuir himself. It is an amazing, four leveled structure built in the Victorian manner with stone turrets and fascinating stained glass.
Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Christopher Sibley
7) Government House
Government House is the official residence of the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia and of the Canadian monarch. It is a marvelous, elegant structure, built on four levels with British Columbia granite, stained glasses and a fascinating interior.
Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Andrew (Tawker)