16 May Captain Vancouver’s visit | 231st anniversary

June 17 – 18 is the anniversary of Captain Vancouver’s visit to Jervis Inlet. His is the first recorded European to venture in to the Inlet.

This inlet was known as Le̒kw’e̒min by the shíshálh people. The Spanish, who passed by the mouth of the Inlet in 1791 called it Bocas de Monino, the Morning Inlet. Vancouver assigned the name Jervis Inlet in honour of John Jervis, his friend and a ranking officer in the British fleet, later commander at the Battle of the Cape St Vincent.

Captain Vancouver left England in 1790 on a four and one half year, round the world voyage dedicated to exploration and diplomacy. While here, Vancouver met with indigenous peoples, and representatives of the Spanish and the newly formed United States. He surveyed and charted large portions of west coast North America.

The charts produced by Captain Vancouver were exceptional for their time. They helped shape the world’s understanding of geography. Observations made by Archibald Menzies, physician and one of the scientific officers assigned to the expedition had a similar effect on the world’s understanding of the biology of the Pacific Northwest.

Vancouver’s trip through Jervis Inlet was quick and superficial. He was not encouraged with what he found to be a gloomy land. Trees covered the area. Anchorages were few. It was clearly not the sought after North West Passage. Captain George Richards’ survey sixty-eight years later communicated a better understanding and appreciation of the Inlet.