Emily Carr House

In 1871 artist Emily Carr was born in this typical upper-class 1864 Victorian-era home (207 Government St., 250/383-5843, Tues.–Sat. 11 a.m.–4 p.m. May–Sept., adult $6.50, senior and student $5.50, child $4.25). Carr moved to the mainland at an early age, escaping the confines of the capital to draw and write about the British Columbian native peoples and the wilderness in which she lived. She is best remembered today for her painting, a medium she took up in later years.

Beacon Hill Park

This large, hilly city park—a lush, sea-edged oasis of grass and flowers—extends from the back of the museum along Douglas Street out to cliffs that offer spectacular views of Juan de Fuca Strait and, on a clear day, the distant Olympic Mountains. Add a handful of rocky points to scramble on and many protected pebble-and-sand beaches and you’ve found yourself a perfect spot to indulge your senses. The park is within easy walking distance from downtown and can also be reached by bus number 5.

© Andrew Hempstead, from Moon Western Canada, 3rd Edition