James Bay in Victoria in Capital, British Columbia — Canada’s West Coast (North America)
A Natural Harbour
Fisherman's Wharf Park
ca. 1860
[Photo caption reads] A detail of the View of Victoria, 1860.
Major Bay is largely undeveloped.
BC Archives POP01538
1878
[Photo caption reads] Bird's-Eye View of Victoria, Vancouver Island, B.C. 1878, detail.
Drawn by E.S. Glover, Published by M.W. Waitt & Co., Victoria, B.C.
1880's
The shores around Shoal Point and Major Bay offered a protected landing point and by the 1890's the development of the Outer Wharves changed the look of the untouched landscape into a gritty, industrial harbour for sailing ships and later steamers. A streetcar connected the wharf with downtown as early as 1890.
[Photo caption reads] Laing's Way, Major Bay, 1880's.
BC Archives F-09653
1884
[Photo caption reads] A Victoria lot plan of 1884 locates the shipyard on Major Bay along Erie Street.
City of Victoria Archives B00005
1891
[Photo caption reads] R.P. Rithet & Co's docks and warehouses with Major Bay shown at the right/center, 1891.
City of Victoria Archives PR234-1712
www.victoria.ca
Erected by City of Victoria.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Environment • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1860.
Location. 48° 25.304′ N, 123° 22.916′ W. Marker is in Victoria, British Columbia, in Capital. It is in James Bay. Marker is near the eastern edge of Fisherman's Wharf Park, near the car park accessed off St. Lawrence Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Victoria BC V8V 0B2, Canada. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. From Mudflat to Rain Garden (here, next to this marker); Pendray House (approx. half a kilometer away); Juan Francisco de la Bodega y Quadra (approx. 0.6 kilometers away); Canadian Pacific Marine Terminal Building (approx. 0.8 kilometers away); The Mackenzie Papineau Battalion of the International Brigades (approx. 0.8 kilometers away); Creation of the Province of British Columbia (approx. 0.8 kilometers away); In Commemoration of the Treaty Between Great Britain and the Russian Empire (approx. 0.8 kilometers away); Esquimalt and Nanaimo Railway Roundhouse (approx. 0.8 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Victoria.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 13, 2014, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 486 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on June 13, 2014, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.