Clever Magazine, Vol. ll, " Captain Cook in Canada" (www.clevermag.com)

Wanna read the latest from Clever Magazine?
Click here and return to the coverpage!

Captain Cook in Canada
by Diannek

a Clever investigation

Captain Cook's statue is prominently located at the harbour of Victoria, British Columbia, directly across from the stately Empress Hotel. He faces the hotel with his maps under his arm. The statue reminds me of the one I saw in Kauai. In fact, it looks exactly the same. The setting is much more impressive, however, with the sailboats in the background and the water lapping the dock behind him.

It is interesting to note that Cook never ventured into this harbour. His journals indicate that he landed much farther north in Nootka sound, where his crew gathered fresh water, supplies and masts for his ships. He was searching for the fabled Northwest Passage on this particular voyage. He sailed further up the coast until bad weather forced him to turn back and head for the South Pacific islands once again.

If you have time, stop into the BC Museum, just across from the Empress Hotel. Up on the museum's third floor among their cultural artifacts, they have the dagger that was used to kill Captain Cook. Or at least that's what the sign says. Fascinating! How on earth did it get there?

Inscription on Victoria BC statue:

Capt. James Cook, R.N.

1728-1779

After two historic voyages to the South
Pacific Cook was cruising the waters of the
Pacific Northwest on his third and final
voyage with his two ships, Resolution and
Discovery. He was searching for the West-
ern exit to the legendary Northwest
Passage. In March 1778, they put into
Nootka Sound for repairs and to trade
with the native people. With him on the
voyage were Mr. William Bligh as Master
of the Resolution and Midshipman George
Vancouver.

THIS STATUE WAS COMMISSIONED BY
THE VICTORIA ENVIRONMENTAL
ENHANCEMENT FOUNDATION
And unveiled by
THE HONOURABLE
WILLIAM RICHARDS BENNETT
Premier of the Province of
British Columbia

July 12, 1976

If you're interested in other Clever Investigations of Captain Cook, check out Captain Cook's Landing Spot in Kauai, and for information the Captain Cook Society, click here