A SANCTUARY WITH A CHERISHED HERITAGE
Located at the old heart of the regional capital Victoria, the UNION CLUB OF BRITISH COLUMBIA is one of the city’s original treasures, offering impeccable service and inviting amenities in elegant surroundings.
The Union Club, one of the oldest and most exclusive private members clubs in western Canada, was founded in 1879 during a period of great political debate and transformation in British Columbia. At the time, some questioned the province’s place within the Canadian Confederation. The founders of the club strongly supported the idea of national unity, and the name “Union Club” reflected their belief in maintaining the bond between British Columbia and Canada.
In the early years, members gathered in rented rooms before moving to a dedicated clubhouse in 1885. As Victoria grew in prosperity in the early twentieth century, the club commissioned a new and more impressive building. Completed in 1913, the elegant Beaux-Arts structure – designed in the Italian Renaissance style – still serves as the club’s home. Its grand staircase, classical design, and refined interiors reflect the traditions of prestigious early twentieth-century private clubs.
Over time, the building has become a recognized landmark and an important piece of Victoria’s architectural and social history. In 2016, The Union Club of British Columbia was awarded National Historic Site status for its landmark Gordon Street building and was granted a coat of arms by the Governor General in recognition of the club’s historic significance and outstanding architecture. This magnificent building is within walking distance of interesting shops, restaurants, art galleries, bookstores, eco-adventures and tourist attractions.
Membership and community
For well over a century, the Union Club of Victoria has been a social hub for the city, with the membership including prominent figures from business, politics, law, academia, and the cultural community. Originally founded as a men-only club for businessmen and professionals, the club now welcomes both men and women.
Members have access to the elegant building, casual and fine dining, a billiard room and card rooms, a wellequipped fitness centre, three meeting spaces and overnight accommodation at the club’s boutique Inn with 22 lovely guest rooms, including seven suites with separate sitting rooms. Many rooms have views of Victoria’s Inner Harbour, and all are furnished to a high standard. Beyond these amenities, the club’s greatest attraction is its vibrant sense of community. Since 1879 it has provided Victoria’s business and social communities with a special place to create new alliances, to entertain and be entertained. Professional connections are made here, and visitors to Victoria can quickly become part of the city’s social fabric.
Dining is a central part of the Union Club experience. The club offers both casual and formal dining options, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner served in elegant surroundings. The emphasis is on high-quality cuisine and attentive service, making it a popular venue for business lunches, private dinners, and celebrations. Adjacent to the dining room is the club’s historic bar and lounge, a meeting place where members gather for conversation, networking, and relaxation. The bar serves an impressive selection of wines, spirits, and cocktails and is frequently used for informal meetings or after-work gatherings. Together, the restaurant and lounge create a welcoming social hub within the club.
A centre for art and events
Art has long adorned the walls of the Union Club, from the early days of the first clubhouse in 1885. Initially, and in keeping with the interests of the early members, the collection focused very much on landscapes and ships. Recently, the club has rededicated itself to further developing the art collection to reflect its own history of engagement in British Columbian culture and contemporary art can now be admired on the walls of the clubhouse.
One of the defining features of the Union Club is its active calendar of social and cultural events. Throughout the year the club hosts a wide range of gatherings, including dinner dances, wine tastings, speaker series, and live music evenings. Signature events include formal dinners and the annual President’s Ball, which attracts numerous members and guests. In addition to large events, the club organizes regular social receptions such as Men’s and Women’s nights, themed dinners, and networking events for the local business community.
Members also use the club’s facilities to host private functions ranging from weddings and family celebrations to professional conferences and board meetings. With spaces capable of accommodating both small groups and events of up to several hundred guests, the Union Club plays an important role as a venue for community and corporate activities in Victoria.
More than 140 years after its founding, the Union Club of British Columbia continues to blend tradition with modern hospitality. Its historic building, active membership, distinguished dining facilities, and diverse events program make it a unique institution in western Canada. While rooted in the traditions of the past, the club is very much alive as a place where social, cultural, and professional life intersects in the city of Victoria.
Union Club of British Columbia
805 Gordon Street, Victoria, BC
V8W 1Z6, Canada
Tel: +1 250 384 1151
reservations@unionclub.com
www.www.unionclub.com