Nothing says "Victoria" like Government Street, the road that runs through the city's historic downtown core. At one end of the street is the earliest Chinatown in Canada, at the other, a view across the strait to the United States. Since the mid-1800s, Government Street has held the key to Victoria's past and in her lively new book Danda Humphreys takes you on a guided tour of this "heritage mile."

The history of Victoria may be short—the city marks its 150th anniversary in 2012—but it hasn't been dull. Characters, events, politics, and even the buildings were colourful in the early days. Danda's stories are complemented by archival photos and postcards, and contemporary colour photographs that let you compare historical and present-day views of buildings and features. This stroll along Government Street will reveal the people, places and events that created the city we see today.

Originally from Cheshire, England, Danda Humphreys has lived in Canada since 1972 and on the west coast since 1982. Her first career was nursing, and she then moved on to journalism. Over the years she has been an actor, broadcaster, public-relations person and presentation-skills coach.

Danda arrived in Victoria in late 1996 and was captivated by the city´s short but unusual history. Curious about the street names, she started researching their historic origins and soon earned the unofficial title of Victoria´s Favourite Street Walker. Danda´s columns on street names appeared weekly in the Victoria Times Colonist for five years, and her first book, On The Street Where You Live: Pioneer Pathways of Early Victoria, was published in 1999. She has since written two more books in her Streets´ series. More than anything, Danda loves to tell stories. Residents and visitors alike enjoy her guided walks, talks and tours through Victoria's historic downtown.

Danda Humphreys' profile page

“Part history and part visitor's guide, Government Street will help bring more attention to the street and its buildings. Anyone reading this book will be sure to see the street in a different way.” —Dave Obee, the Times Colonist