You’ve found yourself in front of the Victoria Centennial Fountain-right outside the iconic British Columbia Parliament Buildings. Now, if you ever wanted to feel like you’ve stumbled onto the set of a Canadian wildlife documentary, just take a closer look! Designed by Robert Savery in 1962, this fountain wasn’t just built to keep the pigeons entertained. It actually commemorates the four colonies and territories that came together to form British Columbia-a bit like the superheroes of Canadian history, but with less spandex and more paperwork.
All around you, hanging out on the fountain, you’ll spot a cast of bronze critters: there’s a bear practicing its best grumpy face, a sea otter who looks suspiciously mischievous, a regal eagle, a sneaky wolf, a nosy gull, and a wise old raven. Each animal represents a piece of the province’s geography and heritage-pretty cool, right? It’s almost like the creators knew BC would one day be famous for both its natural wonders and for confusing tourists with its colonies’ complicated family tree.
So, let the sound of the splashing water transport you back to a time before smartphones, when British Columbia was just beginning to take shape, with a spirit as wild and free as the animals circling the fountain today!
