From Nanaimo bathtub races to Victoria parades: Looking back at Queen Elizabeth's visits to Vancouver Island
People across the world are commemorating the life of British monarch Queen Elizabeth II, who died Thursday at the age of 96.
The British and Canadian head of state was respected by many people across the world, and made seven official trips to Vancouver Island, six of which occurred during her 70 years on the throne.
FIRST VISIT
Her first official visit to Vancouver Island was in 1951, when she was still Princess Elizabeth, Duchess of Edinburgh.
During the trip, she visited Victoria and Nanaimo, making stops at the B.C. legislature building as well as taking a short holiday in Qualicum Beach.
"Three months after leaving Canada, Princess Elizabeth would begin her reign as Queen Elizabeth II," said the B.C. government in a release Thursday.
SECOND VISIT
She visited the island again about a decade later in 1959, making stops at Government House in Victoria, as well as Nanaimo.
While in the Harbour City, the Queen was given the name "Ar-Oh-Muthl," or "Mother of All People" by the Coast Salish people, according to the province.
Nanaimo Mayor Leonard Krog says Queen Elizabeth II was an example of "real leadership."
"For someone of my generation, she has been my monarch throughout my life," Krog told CTV News on Thursday.
"And the symbolism of her devotion to her job, the role she was given without desire on the sudden death of her father, shows an example of what real leadership is about," he said.
Queen Elizabeth II is pictured in Nanaimo, B.C., in 1959. (Nanaimo Archives)
BATHTUB DERBY
In 1971, the Queen returned to the island to mark B.C.'s 100th anniversary of entering the Canadian Confederation.
Her visit included a trip to Nanaimo where she watched one of the city's famous bathtub races.
Queen Elizabeth II is pictured on a royal tour in Nanaimo, B.C., in 1971. (Nanaimo Archives)
FOURTH VISIT
Twelve years later, a crowd of approximately 15,000 people gathered in Victoria's Inner Harbour to greet Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip in 1983.
While in Victoria, the royal couple visited Christ Church Cathedral, the Royal Road Military College (now known as Royal Roads University) in Colwood, and the University of Victoria.
She also visited Nanaimo, this time arriving by boat. The Queen sailed to the Mid-Island community on a yacht flanked by a "flotilla of bathtubs," according to the province.
Queen Elizabeth II is pictured with Nanaimo Mayor Frank Ney in 1983. (Nanaimo Archives)
FIFTH VISIT
In 1987, the royal couple returned to B.C. to help unveil the province's updated coat of arms. Before the ceremony, the couple had a private holiday in Qualicum Beach.
COMMONWEALTH GAMES
Seven years later, in 1994, the Queen returned to Canada to help open the Commonwealth Games, which were being hosted in Victoria. During that trip, she also visited Canadian Forces Base Comox.
GOLDEN JUBILEE
Her most recent official visit to Vancouver Island occurred in 2002. The Queen was in Canada marking her Golden Jubilee, which celebrated her 50th year on the throne.
During this trip, she visited Christ Church Cathedral again to attend a Sunday service, and helped unveil a stained-glass window at the B.C. legislature.
The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh are welcomed by then-premier Gordon Campbell. (Province of BC)
Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps describes the Queen's passing as a "big loss."
"You don't think that somebody like that is ever going to pass, which is ridiculous because she is a human being, but there's almost a moment of disbelief," said Helps.
"We've seen her for our whole lives – she has been the Queen. There's a way in which people like her with her legacy and her stature almost seem immortal," she said.
B.C. Premier John Horgan issued a statement Thursday acknowledging that many British Columbians are affected by the Queen's death.
"The Queen will be remembered for her full-hearted service to her people, and her steadfast commitment to her duties as the sovereign and head of the Commonwealth," he said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Asking rent prices up 9.3% across Canada, Ontario sees only decline: report
A new report says the average asking rent for a home in Canada in April was up 9.3 per cent compared with a year ago, while a slight month-over-month increase was also recorded for the first time since January.
What is basic income, and how would it impact me?
Parliamentarians are considering a pair of bills aiming to lift people out of poverty through a basic income program, but some fear these types of systems could result in more taxes for Canadians who are already financially struggling.
'I may have some nightmares:' Man survives being bitten by 2 sharks in Bahamas
A man who was bitten by two sharks in the Bahamas said Thursday he's 'thankful that I'm here' while sharing his story of survival.
Magnitude 4.2 earthquake reported off Vancouver Island's west coast
A 4.2-magnitude earthquake was recorded west of Vancouver Island early Friday morning.
Mexico's president accuses press and volunteer searchers for missing people of 'necrophilia'
The administration of Mexico's president has accused the press and volunteer searchers who look for the bodies of missing people of 'necrophilia,' comments that drew criticism this week.
Rare severe solar storm Friday could bring spectacular aurora light show across Canada
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Out-of-control wildfire burning near Fort McMurray
As of 9 a.m. on Friday, the wildfire burning 28 kilometres southwest of the northeastern Alberta city was 25 hectares in size.
WATCH Expecting an interest rate cut in June? Don't bet on it after new jobs data
Canada's labour market rebounded in April, adding more than 90,000 jobs, a staggering number of new positions after four consecutive months of little change.
Prince William says wife Kate is 'doing well'
Prince William said on Friday his wife Kate was 'doing well' in a rare public comment about the Princess of Wales as she undergoes preventative chemotherapy for cancer.