Vancouver Island Flag

The Vancouver Island Flag

Background

Although Queen Victoria approved the Vancouver Island’s flag’s creation in 1865 before the forced merger of the ‘sister colonies” in 1866, it is believed the first VI flag was not made until 1988 by Victoria civil servant and amateur vexillologist (flag expert) Michael Halleran after 15 years of part-time research.

Colonial flags were designed to be a blue ensign emblazoned with each colony’s badge as a way of distinguishing them from Royal Navy ships.

The flag’s badge, derived from the Great Seal of the Island colony, features several symbols:

• The trident of Neptune, god of the sea, represents the waters surrounding the Island.
• The caduceus, a winged staff with two snakes, represents commerce.
• The pinecone stands for the Island’s forests.
• The beaver symbolizes the fur trade of the Hudson’s Bay Company.

Special Offer

For Vancouver Island Party (VIP) members, The Flag Shop will give a 15% discount on VI flags, poles and crossed flag lapel pins upon proof of membership in the Vancouver Island Party.

The Flag Shop
822 Fort Street
Victoria, BC V8W 1H8
Telephone: (250) 383-3524
Toll Free: 855-665-3996
Cell: (250) 889-3315
Email: victoria@flagshop.com
www.flagshop.com