Stop 3 Parliament House

At the site of British Columbia Parliament Buildings, the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, established in 1897, is a place where elected officials gather to pass laws and oversee activities of the Provincial government. Guided tours of Parliament House can be taken to learn more about the history, architecture and workings of the Legislative Assembly. The Legislative Chambers are at the heart of Parliament House where the Members of the Legislative Assembly meet to pass laws.

In the 1946 Vancouver Island Earthquake, significant damage occurred to the parliament buildings including cracking and shifting of masonry walls and damage to the roof and tower. Due to the site being built on infill, buildings in this location are more prone to shaking during an earthquake. Recent seismic upgrades were undertaken in 2010 to reinforce the structure including the installation of seismic isolation bearings and reinforcement of key structural elements.

To arrange a tour and visit the legislature, see the website for further details.

If you have time, be sure to stop at the Royal BC Museum. The museum is currently offering a free exhibit on ocean-going canoes and the importance to Indigenous peoples in BC.