Royal Roads facts for kids

Royal Roads is a special area of water where ships can safely anchor. It's like a parking spot for boats! This spot is located in the Strait of Juan de Fuca, which is a large body of water near the entrance to Esquimalt Harbour. You can find it close to Greater Victoria, in British Columbia, Canada.

History of Royal Roads

This sign tells you about Esquimalt Lagoon, which is near Royal Roads.

Royal Roads has an interesting past! It was first explored a long time ago.

Early Explorers and Names

In 1790, a Spanish naval officer named Don Manuel Quimper sailed his ship, the Princess Royal, into this area. He anchored there and claimed the land for King Carlos IV of Spain. Quimper gave the area a Spanish name: Rada de Valdes y Bazan.

Later, in 1846, a British captain named Henry Kellett arrived. He was on a survey ship called HMS Herald. Captain Kellett renamed the area "Royal Bay." An old map from 1861, made by Joseph Despard Pemberton, also shows this area labeled "Royal Bay."

What is a "Roads"?

The word "Roads" in "Royal Roads" means a place where ships often gather. It's a convenient and open spot for vessels to meet, wait for cargo, or get new instructions. Think of it as a busy waiting room for ships!

Esquimalt Lagoon and Its Story

Near Royal Roads is Esquimalt Lagoon. This beautiful beach is also a place where wildlife lives. From the lagoon, you can see Hatley Castle, which is part of Royal Roads University.

There's a small plaque on a stone marker at Esquimalt Lagoon. It tells a bit more about the history of Royal Roads:

• Royal Roads is an anchorage, or a safe place for ships to stop.
• The Spanish first used this spot in 1790.
• It was named in 1846 because of its location between Albert Head and Victoria.
• In the past, large sailing ships used Royal Roads to unload goods for Victoria.
• Sadly, on April 1, 1883, a big storm hit the area. Several ships, including the Southern Chief, Gettysburg, Connaught, and Tiger, were pushed onto the beach.