12 replies to this topic

[LJ]

As a newcomer to the area I am trying to learn all the streets and avenues to better find my way around.

In every other city I have lived in Streets run north-south and Avenues run east-west.

But in Victoria you have many examples of both, for instance Fort Street and Pandora Ave running parallel to each other.

Was there a particular reason for this?

[m0nkyman]

Was there a particular reason for this?

Nope.

[D.L.]

the city isn't as organized in that regard as some other cities, like Vancouver or Calgary. fortunatly, Victoria is much smaller and doesn't have all that many streets to remember.

[islandwritergirl]

As another recent arrival, I can say that you'll discover many things here that will make you say "only in Victoria..." -- some good, some bad, but almost always inexplicable. :-)

[G-Man]

A lot of Victoria's roads follow old trails train routes and logging roads that is perhaps one of the reasons for the bizarre layout. Welcome to the city though!!

[Holden West]

I wonder if the strict avenue-street layout system is more of an American invention. Maybe Victoria was more English influenced (witness how we drove on the left until around WW I)

[VicHockeyFan]

I find the street numbering makes sense, most of the time. There are several notable exceptions of course.

[Caramia]

Some day try following Princess Street all the way along hehehe.

Welcome to Victoria LJ!

[aastra]

I believe in the very old days there was just one continuous road stretching from the fort to properties near Willows Beach. Did somebody post an old map one time or did I see that in a book? I can't remember. Anyway, if I'm not mistaken, this particular route evolved into Fort Street/Cadboro Bay Road.

Aren't the meandering irregularities in other streets and roads merely reflections of the old property lines that divided the various farms and estates?

[gumgum]

Cattle Point, Just north of Willows Beach was used to pickup/ drop off herds by barge. Fort/ Cadboro Bay road was the route they used to drive the cattle to Cattle Point - hence the name.

[gumgum]

double

[aastra]

Here's some interesting info:

http://www.islandnet.com/beaconhillpark/contents/chapter3.htm

[VicHockeyFan]

Some day try following Princess Street all the way along hehehe.

Or Lochside.