A Baker’s Dozen of Facts: British Columbia Parliament Building

After we started our Visit all US Capitols Quest, we figured we might as well do a similar quest in Canada, our Northern neighbors. So here are some interesting and fun tidbits we learned on our second stop in Canada, the British Columbia Parliament Building. Thanks to our week’s stay there, we got to do a smorgasbord of other Victoria BC activities.

When we visited before the Covid-19 pandemic started, entrance was free. Make sure to check local and provincial restrictions before visiting this building.

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Quick Intro to British Columbia

Although many people might imagine that British Columbia was discovered by the British empire, its story goes back long before that. Before the British and the Russians, the First Nations had been in this area more than 10,000 years.

First Nations

When we visited the Royal BC Museum, we found out that there are more than 200 First Nations in BC. Over time, their social structure evolved from hunger-gatherers to more and more complex land management systems.

Forest gardens and and fishing for salmon and shell fish supported a society of people who lived in wooden houses, went whaling in wooden canoes and carved elaborate totem poles.

Sadly, when the Europeans “discovered” British Columbia, they brought European diseases to the First Nations. Because they didn’t have immunity, this led to many deaths in the indigenous population.

The Europeans Arrive

In 1774, Juan Pérez, a Spanish explorer, completed the first documented voyage of what we now call British Columbia. Within a few years, James Cook and George Vancouver claimed the area for the British empire. Meanwhile, they exiled the First Nations to reserves.

The British set up trading posts, engaged in fur trade and in 1858 they established the Crown Colony of British Columbia. On July 1st 1867, they became part of the new Canadian Confederation, nowadays simply called Canada.

British Columbia in the 21st Century

Today, there are approximately 200,000 Indigenous people in British Columbia. Between all of those, they speak more than 30 different languages. Currently, many of them are in the process of negotiating treaties with the provincial government.

In May 2016, Canada announce support for the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. To find more about the past and current state of the indigenous people of British Columbia, go visit the Royal BC Museum in Victoria.

In addition to the First Nations, there is a substantial population of Asian origin in British Columbia. Almost 30 % have Asian roots. The majority of them can trace their roots to just three countries; China, India and the Philippines. Right in Victoria, you can find the oldest Chinatown in Canada.

British Columbia Parliament Building

Traditional Territory of the Lekwungen people

Before there was a Crown Colony of British Columbia, and long before anybody had heard of a parliament, there were people living here already. Now known as the Songhees and Esquimalt First Nations, they had a rich culture and history.

To honor their legacy, in the city of Victoria, you will find seven carvings that mark places of cultural significance. Visiting these Lekwungen markers is to learn about the land, its original culture, and the spirit of its people.

A Rarely Used Ceremonial Entrance

When you see the British Columbia parliamentary building for the first time, you will notice the grand stairs in the front. Leading to the Ceremonial Entrance, only the Monarch, or visiting heads of states may use it. Most commonly, it is used by the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia to perform official royal business, like the Speech from the Throne.

In addition to Queen Elizabeth II and the imperial family of Japan, First Nations chiefs have entered this way also. In 1998, Chief Joseph Gosnell was the first Fir​st Nations Chief to use the Ceremonial Entrance​ of the Parliament Buildings to sign the Nisga’a treaty.

33 Domes!!!

In total, the Parliament Buildings have 33 domes. While some are small, at only 6 feet diameter, the main one over the rotunda has a 54 feet diameter and rises up 100 feet from the ground floor.

Shxwtitostel: A Safe Place to Cross the River

No, I don’t know how to pronounce Shxwtitostel either, but I enjoyed the central position of this traditional inland river canoe. Because this canoe was carved by Steven Point, a Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia and Chief Tony Hunt of the KwaGulth, this canoe represents a bridge between European and First Nations peoples.

Inspirational Windows to Promote Important Virtues

As we all know, Legislating can be hard work, so the builders of the Parliament Building felt that it was important to sprinkle inspirational messages. When you walk up the stair case to the Memorial Rotunda, you will notice helpful quotes like

• The Virtue of Adversity is Fortitude;
• Without Economy None Can Be Rich, With It, None Can Be Poor
• Industry Hath Annexed Thereto the Fairest Fruits and Richest Rewards

British Columbia Coat of Arms

In 1987, British Columbia adopted this coat of arms. The motto “Splendor Sine Occasu” is Latin and means “Beauty Without End”. In addition to British symbols linking to the queen, B.C. chose blue stripes for the Pacific Ocean and white for the snow-capped Rocky Mountains.

Because British Columbia is Canada’s western-most province, they included a setting sun. Personally, I am not sure how you can tell whether it is a setting or a rising sun, but it is their story.

Since Vancouver Island used to be a separate colony from mainland British Columbia, they both have an animal representation. The elk, or wapiti stag, represents the former Colony of Vancouver Island while the former Colony of British Columbia chose a big horned mountain sheep. Some day I hope to see these animals in the wild!

An Italian Mosaic in The Lower Rotunda

Under the hand carved canoe in the lower rotunda, you can admire an intricately designed Italian mosaic.

The Memorial Rotunda

In the Memorial Rotunda you will find war memorials for British
Columbians who gave their lives for Canada. As opposed to the Italian marble and granite for the floor, they created the pillars and banisters with American marble. The walls are decorated
with gold leaf.

Legislative Chamber

In the 40 by 60 feet Legislative Chamber you will find 22 columns made out of Italian marble. In addition to stained glass windows, this Chamber boasts gold leaf decorations on its ceiling.

Long Live The Queen! Jubilee Stained Glass Windows

Queen Victoria Diamond Jubilee

In 1897, Queen Victoria celebrated 60 years of her reign, the so-called Diamond Jubilee. Her Majesty Queen Victoria was
the Queen when Canada was formed in 1867.

In 1897, the window was on the second floor of the Parliament
Buildings. In 1912, workers placed the window in the basement to
keep it safe during the construction of the Legislative Library. Then they forgot all about it until they finally stumbled upon it in 1974.
After repair, they moved it to the Reception Hall.

Of course one would wonder how people can forget about such an important window, but a similar thing happened in the Vermont State House where they lost two stained glass sky lights for decades. My conclusion: government isn’t always on top of things.

Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee

In 2002, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II celebrated her Golden Jubilee (50 years of rule) The people of British Columbia gave her this stained glass window for their Parliament building.

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Amazingly enough she did not only celebrate her Golden jubilee, but added a Diamond jubilee in 2012. Even more amazing, she is planning her Platinum jubilee for 2022.

Who is On Top of the British Columbia Parliament Building?

On top of the tallest and biggest dome, there is a 6.5 feet tall statue of Captain George Vancouver. This copper statue is covered in 14-carat gold.

Eat like a Legislator

Of course, legislating can be very intense, so it’s important that the Legislature eats well. For that reason, there is a Legislative Dining Room where they (and anyone else) can eat in quiet luxury.

Enjoy an amazing menu of regional dishes, including a melt-in-your-mouth salmon dish and a local wine. Roasted sockeye salmon fillet, onion soubise sauce, brown basmati rice, and butternut squash. We enjoyed every single bite!

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To get into the restaurant, go to the security desk just inside the building’s main entrance and show a photo ID. We highly recommend visiting this restaurant!

Or Eat Like a Queen at the Empress Hotel

Last but not least, I would like to honor the architect who designed the B.C. Parliament building. At 25 years old, Francis Rattenbury immigrated from England and won the architectural competition for the design of the British Columbia legislative buildings.

Thanks to his success with this building, he got many other commissions in B.C., including “The Empress” hotel, which resembles a fairy tale castle overlooking the harbor.

Opened in 1908, this is considered one of Canada’s grand railway hotels. Because of it rich history, The Empress was designated as a National Historic Site of Canada in 1981.

In the hotel you can find several restaurants and bars so choose this amazing hotel if you want to eat like a queen!

Conclusion British Columbia Parliament Building

Visiting these buildings and nearby attractions is one of the top attractions in Victoria and for a good reason! The free tour will give you an excellent overview of B.C.’s rich history and relationships with indigenous people.

Have you visited any parliament buildings? Which ones? Please share in the comments.

While British Columbia feels very British (Duh!), we found a totally different, very French vibe in Quebec, when we visited the Quebec Parliament Building in Quebec City. Both provincial capitals give you the feeling that you traveled to Europe, without actually having to fly there, so these are both much more accessible from the USA.

Or at least will be when we get through this pandemic. For now, enjoy dreaming about travel to Victoria BC!

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