Squares and Alleys

Bastion Square
Part of historic Olde Towne, the Court House (designed by architect H.O.Tiedeman) was the first concrete building in Victoria. Built in 1889, it now houses the Maritime Museum. The Law Chambers, designed by F.M.Rattenbury, was built at the turn of the century. Burnes House, originally a hotel in 1882, then a brothel and later a warehouse, was restored in 1967. Strousse Warehouse was built in 1885 as a supply centre for gold miners. The Board of Trade building was built in 1892 by A.M. Muir.

Centennial Square
Built to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the city’s incorporation (in 1962). It includes: City Hall, the McPherson Playhouse, a senior citizens activity centre, the CRD services. It also contains shops, a parkade, fountain and a small knot garden.

Fan Tan Alley
Located in Chinatown, this alley is the narrowest commercial street in North America.

Market Square
Formerly part of Olde Towne Victoria, with three levels of unique shops and restaurants, the shopping area was renovated by Sam Bawlf in 1975.

Pioneer Square
On Quadra Street between Meares and Rockland (north of Christ Church Cathedral), the second cemetery in Victoria was in use between 1858 to 1873. Many distinguished pioneers were (and still are) buried here. When Pioneer Square filled, Ross Bay cemetery was opened.

Trounce Alley
Just north of View Street, off Government, are authentic gas lights more than 125 years old. The alley was named after Victoria pioneer Thomas Trounce. W&J Wilson Clothiers has been at its present location since 1862 (the same year Victoria was incorporated as a city).

Waddington Alley
Between lower Johnson and lower Yates Streets and established by Alfred Waddington in 1858, is Victoria’s first planked street. It was an innovation to solve the problem of muddy, impassable lanes and streets.