The Netherlands Centennial Carillon
The Netherlands Centennial Carillon
The Netherlands Centennial Carillon
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Neighbourhood: James Bay
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4.0
10 reviews
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Dimitris L
Sydney, Australia50,924 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
The Netherlands Centennial Carillon. A gift of the Dutch people of British Columbia to commemorate Canada’s confederation Centennial, 1867-1967. The gift was meant as a means of thanks for Canada's role in the liberation of the Netherlands during World War II. The monument is located near the Parliament House. Worth a look.
Written 10 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chris D
New Westminster, Canada3,330 contributions
Apr 2018
In this neighbourhood of old buildings and "little bits of England", this interesting piece sticks out like an eclectic piece of furniture. Donated by the Dutch to celebrate Canada's 100th birthday, it plays a tune every hour. You'll be close by anyhow, so try to come when its tune-time.
Written 1 May 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bob S
Warrenville, IL1,574 contributions
Apr 2024 • Solo
Absolutely magical music throughout the area. I was mesmerized by the angelic ringing of the bells at the top of the hour. Its worth a trip here just to catch something special.
Written 25 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PookyCake
Victoria, Canada14,505 contributions
Dec 2022
I find it rather curious, on a personal level, that I’ve walked by this large edifice countless times over the years and haven’t taken the time to observe and appreciate it until now. I suppose one could argue – rather convincingly – that my “neglect” (for lack of a better term) is an example of the “it’s always been there” mentality. Indeed, when we live in an area, we tend to take its treasures – natural and manmade – for granted. And this, I think, is quite detrimental to our own understanding of this place and this space. The early days of pandemic, as much as we like to pretend it’s a non-issue these days, did much to have us “explore our own backyards” (travel restrictions), but there’s clearly still more work to be done in that regard.
Called a “melodious wonder” by CitySeeker, the carillon was a gift from BC’s Dutch community to honour and celebrate Canada’s centennial year. Queen Julianna of the Netherlands took part in the ceremonies and unveiled the structure’s cornerstone 55 years ago. The “Netherlands Centennial Carillon,” as it was officially named, opened a year later, in May 1968. To date, it holds the distinction of being the tallest in Canada, standing at 90 feet tall. It contains 62 bells.
From the outside, the carillon looks impressive. It’s tall, slender build fits right in with the nearby Royal BC Museum. As you approach the carillon and read about its history, the edifice becomes even more significant because it highlights, in concrete terms, the special connection between Canada and Holland. The proof is in the “pitches” of several bells in the carillon: D celebrates the founding of Vancouver Island (1849), E celebrates the founding of the colony of BC (1858); F-sharp celebrates their union in 1866; F celebrates confederation while G-sharp celebrates BC’s entry into Confederation in 1871; and, finally, G pays tribute to the Canadian soldiers who aided in the liberation of the Netherlands during World War 2. The latter tribute, especially, highlights the importance of this structure.
Thus, while we may walk past the Netherlands Centennial Carillon and think of it as nothing more than a neat tower reaching towards the sky, it is so much more than that: It represents a physical bond of friendship between two nations while concomitantly highlighting an important aspect of Dutch history via the carillon itself.
All of that said, would I make a special trip just to visit the carillon? Probably not; however, it is so close to any number of attractions in Victoria that you’re likely to come across it in your journeys. And when you do, take a few moments to learn about an important part of history!
Called a “melodious wonder” by CitySeeker, the carillon was a gift from BC’s Dutch community to honour and celebrate Canada’s centennial year. Queen Julianna of the Netherlands took part in the ceremonies and unveiled the structure’s cornerstone 55 years ago. The “Netherlands Centennial Carillon,” as it was officially named, opened a year later, in May 1968. To date, it holds the distinction of being the tallest in Canada, standing at 90 feet tall. It contains 62 bells.
From the outside, the carillon looks impressive. It’s tall, slender build fits right in with the nearby Royal BC Museum. As you approach the carillon and read about its history, the edifice becomes even more significant because it highlights, in concrete terms, the special connection between Canada and Holland. The proof is in the “pitches” of several bells in the carillon: D celebrates the founding of Vancouver Island (1849), E celebrates the founding of the colony of BC (1858); F-sharp celebrates their union in 1866; F celebrates confederation while G-sharp celebrates BC’s entry into Confederation in 1871; and, finally, G pays tribute to the Canadian soldiers who aided in the liberation of the Netherlands during World War 2. The latter tribute, especially, highlights the importance of this structure.
Thus, while we may walk past the Netherlands Centennial Carillon and think of it as nothing more than a neat tower reaching towards the sky, it is so much more than that: It represents a physical bond of friendship between two nations while concomitantly highlighting an important aspect of Dutch history via the carillon itself.
All of that said, would I make a special trip just to visit the carillon? Probably not; however, it is so close to any number of attractions in Victoria that you’re likely to come across it in your journeys. And when you do, take a few moments to learn about an important part of history!
Written 27 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alan B
Newport, UK1,144 contributions
May 2019 • Couples
Very few tourists avoid the Inner Harbour area so why not take in this interesting gift from the Netherlands.
Written 25 June 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DoloresJacoby.Let’sTravel.98368
West Palm Beach, FL12,495 contributions
Jun 2018 • Friends
This Netherlands Centennial Carillion Towee was tight next to my Hotel so I enjoyed the beautiful chimes. It’s a tall and interesting open architectural tower with an interior spiral staircase.
Written 14 June 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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