While visitors might be surprised to find a graveyard on a Top-10 list of Victoria attractions, Ross Bay Cemetery--located east of the city center in friendly Fairfield--may well be one of the most intriguing historical sites to visit in British Columbia. First opened for business in 1873, the cemetery comprises 11 serene hectares (27.5 acres) and about 28,000 interments. While local historians are quick to point out that RBC is neither the largest nor oldest cemetery in the province it is certainly one of the most significant. The graveyard is considered one of the best examples of a Victorian-era romantic cemetery, noteworthy for its design and pastoral setting.

The cemetery is bordered on its south side by picturesque Ross Bay, its waters stretching across to the mountains of the Olympic Peninsula. RBC’s numerous winding pathways and complementary green spaces make it a popular place for recreation as well as reflection. Ask a neighborhood child what happens in a graveyard and don't be surprised if she responds, "Well, it's the place you learn to ride a bike, of course."

RBC is fortunate for its many well-preserved gravestones that highlight the monument styles of both the 19th and 20th centuries. Many famous (and infamous) BC characters have made this their 'permanent' residence: Emily Carr, one of Canada's best loved artists and a Canadian cultural icon, made it her final resting place; Sir James Douglas, chief factor of the Hudson's Bay Company and founder of Fort Victoria is here beneath an elaborate marker of red granite; the 'Hanging Judge', Matthew Baillie Begbie (who couldn't shake his unfortunate nickname) was the first magistrate of the new Colony of BC and it was his job to dispense justice during the chaotic Gold Rush era; Amor de Cosmos, an early premier of British Columbia and founder of the local newspaper was a true eccentric. Personal anecdotes help to elucidate the history and development of Victoria and province of BC.

John Adams, who heads up the Old Cemeteries Society, a volunteer-driven entity devoted to preserving and protecting the heritage cemeteries of Victoria, has spent years documenting the history of RBC. For little more than the price of a coffee you can take part in one of the popular tours he oversees which operate Sundays throughout the year. There's a different theme each week, from 'Gossip in the Graveyard' about "scoundrels, characters and eccentrics you won't find in your history books!" to 'Murder Most Foul', true crime stories that date back to the 19th century, to the annual 'Ghost Walk', always one of the most popular tours. Other features focus on BC’s multicultural past and commemorate Black History Month or the contributions of Asian immigrants to Victoria's development.

While visitors may delight in a short stay, they can't expect to stick around for the long term- there's no more room for rent. If you prefer to be your own guide, maps are available. Contact the Old Cemeteries Society directly for the list of upcoming tour topics and times.

Written By: Sarah Pollard

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Comments
I am the son of Miss De Carlo the late actress who came from Vancouver BC . In the Aftermath of her passing . The academy has not shown any proper respect for her passing and deliberatly voted to exclude her from the Televised Academy Tribute . This has inspired me to check with people in Vancouver to see what cemetary would take her and with what press or honorifics might be shown in her home town . Hollwood has become a sad affair full of unworthy actions against its own heritage . Thanks for a reply Bruce R Morgan
- Bruce Morgan  on Mon, May 21, 2007

charles george ross, son: charles ross, son: alex ross, son: jack walter ross, son: david allan ross (living).
- david ross on Sun, January 7, 2007

i am also a ggg grandaughter of charles and isabella ross and my family has resided in victoria ever since. we came from alexander and mairie ann ross, through their duaghter flora ross (ottaway), flora ottaway(marrison), flora marrison(barker) who was my mother. i am curently continuing with the research that my late mother and father have already begun. charles ross was indeed the supervisor in charge of the building of fort victoria. isabella was the first, first lady. he was placed in charge by sir james douglas. isabella remained close to amelia douglas after both of their husbands had died. my husband and i were married in the church that they all attended, the reformed epsicopalian church of our lord. it might be of interest that there has never been a divorce in my particular branch of the family lineage since charles and isabella were married.
- fern perkins on Wed, October 11, 2006

I beg your pardon! Sir James Douglas was NOT the founder of Fort Victoria & he wasn't the first Chief Factor, either. It was my great great grandfather, Charles George Ross, for whom the bay & the cemetery are named & from whose land at least half the cemetery was established. His wife, Isabella Mainville Ross is, I believe, #10 on your tours.
- catherine meetin on Thu, October 5, 2006

As a visitor to this site which I went to because I saw it on BC Moments and it took my interest. It would be nice though to have a site map on the cemetery grounds to locate the interesting sites. With only 3 days on the Island and 3 off of us looking for sites it took us nearly 2 hours to locate some of them. Or even a brochure thanks
- Celia Bennett on Sun, October 16, 2005

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