British Columbia Parliament Buildings, Victoria (must see)
Standing proudly on Victoria’s Inner Harbour, the British Columbia Parliament Buildings are impossible to miss. Completed in 1898, they are considered a perfect example of Neo-Baroque Renaissance architecture. Their stunning design incorporates a range of features, including columns, pediments, domes, and classical motifs.
The central building is the most notable of the complex, featuring a magnificent central dome reaching a height of 75 meters, making it one of the tallest domes in the world. Atop it stands a gold-covered statue of Captain George Vancouver.
The Neo-Baroque complex consists of three main buildings: the central legislative building, the west wing, and the east wing. The central building houses the Legislative Assembly, the lawmaking body of the province, open to the public when the legislature is not in session.
The west wing of the complex contains the offices of Members of the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Library. The east wing is home to government administrative offices, including those of the Premier and the Lieutenant Governor.
The interiors are adorned with mosaic tiles, painted ceilings, and beautiful stained glass windows, as well as numerous works of art, including paintings, sculptures, and murals.
These buildings are rich in history, having witnessed many significant events since their opening in 1898, including the introduction of women’s suffrage, the establishment of the provincial flag and coat of arms, and the first meeting of the Western Premiers’ Conference.
Today, they are a popular tourist destination and open for public tours. Visitors can explore the stunning architecture, learn about the history of the buildings and the province, and witness the daily workings of the Legislative Assembly. Self-guided and guided tour of portions of the Parliament are available.
The Parliament Buildings and the surrounding garden knoll are spectacular both by day and by night.
Tip:
Make sure to take both the indoor and garden tours—they’re spectacular by day and by night, and best of all, both are free!
You can also sign in at the security desk and visit the basement restaurant which is frequented by all the politicians.
The central building is the most notable of the complex, featuring a magnificent central dome reaching a height of 75 meters, making it one of the tallest domes in the world. Atop it stands a gold-covered statue of Captain George Vancouver.
The Neo-Baroque complex consists of three main buildings: the central legislative building, the west wing, and the east wing. The central building houses the Legislative Assembly, the lawmaking body of the province, open to the public when the legislature is not in session.
The west wing of the complex contains the offices of Members of the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Library. The east wing is home to government administrative offices, including those of the Premier and the Lieutenant Governor.
The interiors are adorned with mosaic tiles, painted ceilings, and beautiful stained glass windows, as well as numerous works of art, including paintings, sculptures, and murals.
These buildings are rich in history, having witnessed many significant events since their opening in 1898, including the introduction of women’s suffrage, the establishment of the provincial flag and coat of arms, and the first meeting of the Western Premiers’ Conference.
Today, they are a popular tourist destination and open for public tours. Visitors can explore the stunning architecture, learn about the history of the buildings and the province, and witness the daily workings of the Legislative Assembly. Self-guided and guided tour of portions of the Parliament are available.
The Parliament Buildings and the surrounding garden knoll are spectacular both by day and by night.
Tip:
Make sure to take both the indoor and garden tours—they’re spectacular by day and by night, and best of all, both are free!
You can also sign in at the security desk and visit the basement restaurant which is frequented by all the politicians.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Victoria. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
British Columbia Parliament Buildings on Map
Sight Name: British Columbia Parliament Buildings
Sight Location: Victoria, Canada (See walking tours in Victoria)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Victoria, Canada (See walking tours in Victoria)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Victoria, British Columbia
Create Your Own Walk in Victoria
Creating your own self-guided walk in Victoria is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Victoria's Historical Buildings Walking Tour
They say, Victoria is a jewel of a city with its blend of timeless charm and grace, in which historic architecture coexists with a modern and vibrant cultural scene. Indeed, for a relatively young city, Victoria boasts a wealth of incredibly beautiful heritage sites carefully preserved for future generations to enjoy. The moment you cruise into the capital of British Columbia, you can feel a... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
Victoria Introduction Walking Tour
Imagine a place so lush and welcoming that Sir James Douglas, who first surveyed the land in 1842 for the fort that would become Victoria, believed it was “dropped straight from the clouds,” a haven unlike the wild forests around it.
Victoria, the capital of the province of British Columbia, is one of Canada’s oldest cities—where British colonial heritage meets the natural beauty of the... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
Victoria, the capital of the province of British Columbia, is one of Canada’s oldest cities—where British colonial heritage meets the natural beauty of the... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles


