This article is about historic places in the Capital Regional District, British Columbia, but it doesn't include places in the City of Victoria. Historic places are special spots like old buildings, lighthouses, or parks that have important stories from the past. They help us learn about how people lived long ago and what events shaped our communities. These places are protected by the Canadian government, the province of British Columbia, or local cities to make sure they are preserved for future generations.
Historic Places in Colwood
The Carmanah Point Light Station helps ships navigate safely.
The Belmont Road Main Gatehouse is part of the historic Royal Roads University.
The Cow Barn and Dairy at Hatley Park shows how farms used to be.
Fisgard Lighthouse is a famous landmark in Colwood.
Fort Rodd Hill was once an important coastal defense.
Soldiers lived in these casemate barracks at Fort Rodd Hill.
The Battery Commander’s Post at Fort Rodd Hill.
Soldiers could relax and get supplies at the Fort Rodd Hill Canteen.
The Fortress Plotting Room helped soldiers aim their guns.
Grant Block is one of the buildings at Royal Roads University.
The Guardhouse at the Lower Battery of Fort Rodd Hill.
The Guardhouse at the Upper Battery of Fort Rodd Hill.
A gun emplacement at the Lower Battery of Fort Rodd Hill.
A gun emplacement at the Upper Battery of Fort Rodd Hill.
The Belmont Battery had a gun emplacement, magazine, and director's tower.
The Gymnasium at Royal Roads University.
The Nixon Block at Royal Roads University.
The Searchlight Engine Room at Fort Rodd Hill.
Searchlight N° 7 at Fort Rodd Hill.
The Stable and Garage at Royal Roads University.
The Warrant Officer's Quarters at Fort Rodd Hill.
Colwood is home to many fascinating historic sites, especially those related to defense and education.
Lighthouses and Forts
The Light Tower at Carmanah Point is a tall structure that has guided ships for many years. It's a reminder of how important lighthouses were for safe travel on the ocean.
Fisgard Lighthouse and Dwelling is another famous lighthouse in Colwood. It's part of the Fort Rodd Hill National Historic Site of Canada. This fort was built to protect the harbor and the city of Victoria. You can explore old barracks, gun batteries, and even a canteen where soldiers used to gather. Places like the Fortress Plotting Room and the Defence Electric Light Number 1 show how advanced military technology was back then.
Royal Roads University
The beautiful Hatley Park National Historic Site is now home to Royal Roads University. This site was once a private estate and then a military college. You can see many historic buildings here, including the Belmont Road Main Gatehouse and the Grant Block. Even the old Cow Barn and Dairy and the Gymnasium RR22 are considered historic!
Historic Places in Esquimalt
CFB Esquimalt is a very important naval base.
Building D211, once used for clothing and receiving stores.
Building D214, the Dockyard Guardhouse.
Building D26, the former Royal Navy Prison.
Building D38, known as the Stone Frigate.
Building D70, the Dockyard Main Office.
Buildings D75-D76, where rum and salt meats were stored.
Building D77, the Creery Building, formerly Ordnance Stores.
Building D80, once used for cordage and furniture stores.
Building D199, the Aldergrove Building at CFB Esquimalt.
Building 67, the Communications School.
Building 522, formerly quarters for armament artificers and sergeants.
Building 523, formerly married privates' quarters.
Building 1, the former Offices of the Officer-in-Charge.
Building 50, the former Gunnery School.
Building 20, Naden Museum Square.
Building 37, Naden Museum Square.
Buildings 33, 33A, 33B, the former Drill Hall at Naden.
Building 35, Naden Museum Square.
Building 39, the Protestant Chapel.
Building D113, the Shipwrights' Shed or Spar Shed.
Building 508 on Signal Hill.
Building 29, used as stores and a museum warehouse.
Building 2, the former Torpedo School.
Building D85, a warehouse.
Work Point Barracks No. 1004.
Work Point Barracks No. 1020.
The Work Point Guard House.
Building D83, the Oil Stores.
Esquimalt is well-known for its naval history. Many of its historic places are part of the Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Esquimalt.
Naval Buildings
The Esquimalt Naval Sites National Historic Site of Canada includes many buildings that were important for the Royal Canadian Navy. You can find old barracks, offices, and workshops. For example, Building D38 is known as the "Stone Frigate" and was once a training ship on land. Other buildings like Building D70 (the Dockyard Main Office) and Building D214 (the Dockyard Guardhouse) show how the base operated.
There are also buildings that served specific purposes, such as Building D75-D76 which were "Rum and Salt Meats Stores" – imagine storing food and drink for sailors! The Former Royal Navy Prison (Building D26) tells a different kind of story about naval life.
Historic Places in Metchosin
The Lighttower at Race Rocks is a beautiful and important landmark.
Metchosin is home to the Lighttower, located off the southern tip of Vancouver Island. This lighthouse is a vital aid to navigation and is also part of an important ecological reserve, home to many marine animals.
Historic Places in North Saanich
Denham Till Park and Residence.
Holy Trinity Church in North Saanich.
Holy Trinity Cemetery, next to the church.
The historic Horth Residence.
Nymph Point Park offers beautiful views.
The White House in North Saanich.
North Saanich has several historic homes and community spaces.
Homes and Parks
The Denham Till Park and Residence and the Horth Residence are examples of historic homes in the area. Parks like Lillian Hoffar Park, Nymph Point Park, R.O. Bull Memorial Park, and Wain Park also hold historical significance, often named after important local figures or families.
Churches and Cemeteries
Holy Trinity Church and the nearby Holy Trinity Cemetery are important religious and historical sites. They reflect the early community life and traditions of North Saanich.
Historic Places in Oak Bay
A historic home at 1150 Monterey Avenue.
Another historic residence at 1241 Monterey Avenue.
The house at 1931 Bowker Place.
The historic home at 2753 Somass Drive.
The house at 825 Foul Bay Road.
A historic house at 941 Victoria Avenue.
The Chinese Cemetery at Harling Point is a National Historic Site.
Eastman House on Byron Street.
Elliot House on Victoria Avenue.
Gilbert House on Byron Street.
Grayson House on Cranmore Road.
Hamilton-Smith House on Cavendish Avenue.
The Ince residence on McNeill Avenue.
James Tait House on Musgrave Street.
Jarvis House on St. Patrick Street.
Oliver House on St. Patrick Street.
Robin Oak on Roslyn Road.
Rowland Powell House on Yale Street.
Tod House on Heron Street.
The Trial Islands Lighthouse.
Woodlands on Hampshire Road.
Oak Bay is known for its beautiful residential areas and coastal views, and it has many historic homes and landmarks.
Notable Residences
Many houses in Oak Bay are recognized for their historical value, such as 1150 Monterey Avenue, Eastman House, Elliot House, and Gilbert House. These homes often showcase unique architectural styles from different periods. The Tod House and Woodlands are other examples of significant residences.
Community Landmarks
The Chinese Cemetery at Harling Point National Historic Site of Canada is a very important place. It tells the story of early Chinese immigrants to British Columbia and their contributions. The Oak Bay United Church is a historic place of worship, and the Victoria Golf Club is one of the oldest golf clubs in North America, with its own rich history.
Coastal Features
The Trial Islands Lighthouse stands on the Trial Islands, guiding ships safely. It's a key part of the maritime history of the region.
Historic Places in Saanich
The beautiful Butchart Gardens.
The Manual Training Hall at Cedar Hill School.
Clovelly, a historic residence.
The historic Craigflower Schoolhouse.
The Dominion Astrophysical Observatory.
Douglas Street Baptist Church.
The Hamsterley Farm Water Tower.
The Lake Hill Pumping Station.
The Maritime Naval Communication Centre.
The Old Municipal Hall in Saanich.
The Provincial Normal School.
The Richmond Road Streetcar Shelter.
Rockside, a historic home.
The Royal Oak Community Hall.
The Royal Oak Schoolhouse.
The Saanich Municipal Hall.
The Saanich War Memorial Health Centre.
St. Luke's Anglican Church.
St. Michael and All Angels' Church.
The Swan Lake and Brett Trestles.
Westward Ho, a historic residence.
Wilkinson Road Methodist Church.
Saanich is a large area with a mix of urban and rural historic sites, from famous gardens to old schools.
Gardens and Observatories
The Butchart Gardens National Historic Site of Canada is a world-famous floral display that started in an old quarry. It's a beautiful example of how a landscape can be transformed. The Dominion Astrophysical Observatory is another important site, where scientists have studied the stars for many years.
Schools and Community Buildings
Saanich has several historic schools, including Cedar Hill School and its Manual Training Hall, the Craigflower Schoolhouse, and the Royal Oak Schoolhouse. These buildings show how education has changed over time. Community hubs like the Old Municipal Hall and the Royal Oak Community Hall were central to local life.
Historic Residences and Structures
Many private homes like the Brown Residence, Claxton Residence, Clovelly, and Dunlop House are recognized for their historical significance. The Lake Hill Pumping Station and the Hamsterley Farm Water Tower are examples of historic infrastructure that supported the growing community. The Richmond Road Streetcar Shelter is a small but interesting reminder of early public transportation.
Historic Places in View Royal
The historic Craigflower Manor.
View Royal is home to the Craigflower Manor. This manor house was part of one of the first farms established by the Hudson's Bay Company in British Columbia, showing what early colonial life was like.
Historic Places in Highlands
The Highlands area has several historic places, many of which are part of the Caleb Pike Heritage Park. This park includes the Caleb Pike House, The Dairy, The Old Schoolhouse, and the Teacherage. These buildings give us a glimpse into the daily lives of early settlers in the region.
Historic Places in Langford
In Langford, the Freeman King Visitor Centre in Goldstream Provincial Park is recognized as a historic place. It serves as a gateway to understanding the natural and cultural history of the park.
Historic Places on Mayne Island
The Active Pass Lighthouse on Mayne Island.
Mayne Island features the Active Pass Lighthouse at Georgina Point Road. This lighthouse helps guide ships through the busy Active Pass, a narrow waterway between islands. The Zephyr Shipwreck is also a historic site, found off the coast.
Historic Places on Saturna Island
The East Point Lighthouse on Saturna Island.
Saturna Island has the East Point Lighthouse, located at the eastern tip of the island. It's another important lighthouse that has helped ensure safe passage for boats in the area.
Historic Places in Shirley
The Sheringham Point Lighthouse in Shirley is a historic structure that has stood guard over the coastline for many years, providing a crucial light for mariners.
Historic Places in Sidney
Sidney is home to the Saanichton Centre for Plant Health, Building 28, which has historical significance related to agricultural research. The Iroquois Shipwreck in Sidney Channel is also a protected historic site, offering a look into the past of maritime travel.
Images for kids
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The Carmanah Point Light Station helps ships navigate safely.
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The Belmont Road Main Gatehouse is part of the historic Royal Roads University.
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The Cow Barn and Dairy at Hatley Park shows how farms used to be.
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Defence Electric Light Number 1 at Fort Rodd Hill.
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Fisgard Lighthouse is a famous landmark in Colwood.
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Fort Rodd Hill was once an important coastal defense.
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Soldiers lived in these casemate barracks at Fort Rodd Hill.
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The Battery Commander’s Post at Fort Rodd Hill.
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Soldiers could relax and get supplies at the Fort Rodd Hill Canteen.
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The Fortress Plotting Room helped soldiers aim their guns.
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Grant Block is one of the buildings at Royal Roads University.
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The Guardhouse at the Lower Battery of Fort Rodd Hill.
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The Guardhouse at the Upper Battery of Fort Rodd Hill.
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A gun emplacement at the Lower Battery of Fort Rodd Hill.
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A gun emplacement at the Upper Battery of Fort Rodd Hill.
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The Belmont Battery had a gun emplacement, magazine, and director's tower.
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The Gymnasium at Royal Roads University.
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The Nixon Block at Royal Roads University.
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The Searchlight Engine Room at Fort Rodd Hill.
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Searchlight N° 7 at Fort Rodd Hill.
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The Stable and Garage at Royal Roads University.
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The Warrant Officer's Quarters at Fort Rodd Hill.
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Building D211, once used for clothing and receiving stores.
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Building D214, the Dockyard Guardhouse.
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Building D26, the former Royal Navy Prison.
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Building D38, known as the Stone Frigate.
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Building D70, the Dockyard Main Office.
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Buildings D75-D76, where rum and salt meats were stored.
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Building D77, the Creery Building, formerly Ordnance Stores.
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Building D80, once used for cordage and furniture stores.
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Building D199, the Aldergrove Building at CFB Esquimalt.
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Building 67, the Communications School.
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CFB Esquimalt is a very important naval base.
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Building 522, formerly quarters for armament artificers and sergeants.
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Building 523, formerly married privates' quarters.
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Building 1, the former Offices of the Officer-in-Charge.
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Building 50, the former Gunnery School.
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Building 20, Naden Museum Square.
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Building 37, Naden Museum Square.
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Buildings 33, 33A, 33B, the former Drill Hall at Naden.
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Building 35, Naden Museum Square.
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Building 39, the Protestant Chapel.
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Building D113, the Shipwrights' Shed or Spar Shed.
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Building 508 on Signal Hill.
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Building 29, used as stores and a museum warehouse.
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Building 2, the former Torpedo School.
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Building D85, a warehouse.
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Work Point Barracks No. 1004.
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Work Point Barracks No. 1020.
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The Work Point Guard House.
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Building D83, the Oil Stores.
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The Lighttower at Race Rocks is a beautiful and important landmark.
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Denham Till Park and Residence.
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Holy Trinity Church in North Saanich.
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Holy Trinity Cemetery, next to the church.
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The historic Horth Residence.
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Nymph Point Park offers beautiful views.
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The White House in North Saanich.
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A historic home at 1150 Monterey Avenue.
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Another historic residence at 1241 Monterey Avenue.
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The house at 1931 Bowker Place.
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The historic home at 2753 Somass Drive.
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The house at 825 Foul Bay Road.
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A historic house at 941 Victoria Avenue.
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The Chinese Cemetery at Harling Point is a National Historic Site.
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Eastman House on Byron Street.
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Elliot House on Victoria Avenue.
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Gilbert House on Byron Street.
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Grayson House on Cranmore Road.
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Hamilton-Smith House on Cavendish Avenue.
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The Ince residence on McNeill Avenue.
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James Tait House on Musgrave Street.
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Jarvis House on St. Patrick Street.
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Oliver House on St. Patrick Street.
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Robin Oak on Roslyn Road.
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Rowland Powell House on Yale Street.
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Tod House on Heron Street.
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The Trial Islands Lighthouse.
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Woodlands on Hampshire Road.
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The beautiful Butchart Gardens.
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The Manual Training Hall at Cedar Hill School.
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Clovelly, a historic residence.
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The historic Craigflower Schoolhouse.
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The Dominion Astrophysical Observatory.
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Douglas Street Baptist Church.
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The Hamsterley Farm Water Tower.
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The Lake Hill Pumping Station.
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The Maritime Naval Communication Centre.
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The Old Municipal Hall in Saanich.
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The Provincial Normal School.
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The Richmond Road Streetcar Shelter.
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Rockside, a historic home.
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The Royal Oak Community Hall.
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The Royal Oak Schoolhouse.
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The Saanich Municipal Hall.
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The Saanich War Memorial Health Centre.
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St. Luke's Anglican Church.
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St. Michael and All Angels' Church.
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The Swan Lake and Brett Trestles.
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Westward Ho, a historic residence.
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Wilkinson Road Methodist Church.
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The historic Craigflower Manor.
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The Active Pass Lighthouse on Mayne Island.
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The East Point Lighthouse on Saturna Island.
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The Sheringham Point Lighthouse.