Step into the early 20th century with this exquisite 1913 “Physical Map of Vancouver Island, B.C.”, meticulously crafted by renowned mapmaker J. H. Kennedy. This map is not only a visually captivating bird’s eye view of Vancouver Island, but also a remarkable historical document that captures a pivotal era in the island’s development. Kennedy’s attention to detail brings to life the intricate network of roads, railways, and steamship lines that connected communities and facilitated trade, offering a rare glimpse into the infrastructure that shaped the region’s growth during a period of dynamic change.

The map’s artistic style combines both utility and elegance, with carefully rendered topographical features such as mountain ranges, rivers, lakes, and the island’s dramatic coastline. Major towns like Victoria, Nanaimo, and Alberni are clearly labeled, alongside smaller settlements and outposts, providing a comprehensive overview of Vancouver Island’s human geography as it stood in 1913. The inclusion of a detailed index in the margins further enhances the map’s navigational value, making it an indispensable resource for historians and collectors alike.

What truly sets this map apart is its ability to convey the interplay between natural landscapes and human endeavor. The depiction of railways and steamship routes highlights the importance of transportation in connecting the island’s remote communities, while the pictorial representation of forests, wilderness, and coastal features evokes the rugged beauty that has long defined Vancouver Island. The map also notes areas of economic activity, such as logging and mining regions, underscoring the industries that were central to the island’s prosperity at the time.

Beyond its practical uses, this map serves as a window into the past, capturing a moment when Vancouver Island was on the cusp of modernity. The careful labeling of indigenous settlements, lighthouses, ferry terminals, and navigational aids speaks to the diverse communities and maritime heritage that have shaped the island’s identity. The map’s historical significance is further enhanced by its role in documenting the settlement patterns and transportation networks that laid the foundation for the vibrant, interconnected region we know today.

Owning this map is akin to possessing a piece of Vancouver Island’s living history—a testament to the vision and craftsmanship of J. H. Kennedy, and a celebration of the island’s enduring spirit. Whether displayed as a work of art or studied as a historical artifact, this 1913 map invites you to explore the landscapes, stories, and journeys that have defined Vancouver Island for generations.

Places on this map

• Victoria
• Nanaimo
• Alberni
• Esquimalt
• Duncan
• Ladysmith
• Courtenay
• Campbell River
• Port Alberni
• Qualicum
• Cowichan
• Chemainus
• Parksville
• Cumberland
• Union
• Sooke
• Sidney
• Ucluelet
• Port Renfrew
• Cape Scott

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Clearly marked railways traversing the island, including the Esquimalt & Nanaimo Railway
• Major roads connecting key settlements and regions
• Steamship routes along the coast and connecting to the mainland
• Detailed depiction of mountain ranges and prominent peaks
• Numerous rivers and lakes labeled throughout the island
• Coastal features such as bays, inlets, and harbors
• Index in the map margins listing towns and physical features
• Forested areas and wilderness regions indicated pictorially
• Visual representation of the island’s rugged terrain and varied landscape
• Notations for smaller communities and outposts
• Locations of lighthouses and other navigational aids
• Ferry terminals and landing points for steamships
• Distinct boundaries for regions and districts within Vancouver Island
• Prominent depiction of the island’s coastline and offshore islands
• Rivers and lakes named, including Cowichan Lake and Campbell River
• Roads and trails leading to remote areas and resource sites
• Areas of economic activity, such as logging or mining regions, indicated
• Notations for indigenous settlements or reserves (where labeled)
• Pictorial symbols for significant landmarks or natural features
• Insets or additional notes providing context or information about the island
• The map’s orientation and scale clearly marked
• Decorative elements such as a title cartouche and border

Historical and design context

• Name of the map: Physical Map of Vancouver Island B.C.
• Mapmaker: J. H. Kennedy, known for detailed and informative pictorial maps in the early 20th century
• Date of creation: 1913
• Region depicted: Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada
• Bird’s eye view pictorial map, offering a visually engaging and informative perspective
• Highlights the island’s topography, including mountains, rivers, lakes, and coastlines
• Emphasizes both physical geography and human infrastructure, such as roads, railways, and steamship lines
• Margins include an index of towns and significant physical features, aiding navigation and understanding
• Mounted on linen for durability, suitable for display or frequent handling
• Captures the development of Vancouver Island’s transportation system and settlement patterns in the early 20th century
• Inclusion of steamship lines reflects the importance of maritime transport in connecting Vancouver Island to mainland British Columbia
• Valuable resource for researchers interested in the historical geography of Vancouver Island

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 100in (250cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

Please note: the labels on this map are hard to read if you order a map that is 16in (40cm) or smaller. The map is still very attractive, but if you would like to read the map easily, please buy a larger size.

The model in the listing images is holding the 24x36in (60x90cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.

This map is also available as a float framed canvas, sometimes known as a shadow gap framed canvas or canvas floater. The map is printed on artist's cotton canvas and then stretched over a handmade box frame. We then "float" the canvas inside a wooden frame, which is available in a range of colours (black, dark brown, oak, antique gold and white). This is a wonderful way to present a map without glazing in front. See some examples of float framed canvas maps and explore the differences between my different finishes.

For something truly unique, this map is also available in "Unique 3D", our trademarked process that dramatically transforms the map so that it has a wonderful sense of depth. We combine the original map with detailed topography and elevation data, so that mountains and the terrain really "pop". For more info and examples of 3D maps, check my Unique 3D page.

Many of our maps and art prints are chosen as thoughtful gifts for homes, offices, studies and meaningful places.

Choose a framed option for the easiest ready-to-hang gift, or choose an unframed print if the recipient may prefer to select their own frame.

We make orders locally in 23 countries around the world, so gifts can often be produced close to the recipient. This helps them arrive faster, travel more safely, and avoid customs or import duty surprises.

• We can deliver directly to the recipient
• Framed pieces arrive ready to hang
• Unframed prints are carefully packed in a strong protective tube
• Almost every order is made locally, for faster, safer gifting
• 90-day returns give the recipient time to decide

If you are not sure what to choose, please contact us. We can help you pick the right map, size, finish or delivery option.

Most orders are made locally and delivered in around 2–3 working days, depending on the product, size and destination.

We print and frame maps and artwork in 23 countries around the world, so your order is usually made close to you or your recipient. That means faster delivery, less time in transit, and no customs or import duty surprises.

Personalised and customised pieces usually take an extra 1–2 working days, because we prepare your design and send it to you for approval before printing.

Very large framed orders can take a little longer, as they need extra care in production and delivery.

Every order is carefully packaged: unframed prints are sent in a strong protective tube, while framed pieces are securely packed with protective materials around the frame.

If you need your order by a particular date, please contact us before ordering. We’ll check the best production route and delivery option for your location.

Express delivery is available at checkout for most countries. Next-day delivery is available in the UK, US, Singapore and the UAE.

Your order is covered by our 90-day returns policy and 5-year guarantee.

Read our full delivery and local production guide

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.

I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

Six standard frame colours are available for free (black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Most maps, art and illustrations are also available as a framed canvas. We use matte (not shiny) cotton canvas, stretch it over a sustainably sourced box wood frame, and then 'float' the piece within a wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing to get in the way.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps and artwork on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map or artwork yourself, please read my size guide first.

My maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, rare maps from libraries, auction houses and private collections around the world, restore them at my London workshop, and then use specialist giclée inks and printers to create beautiful maps that look even better than the original.

My maps are printed on acid-free archival matte (not glossy) paper that feels very high quality and almost like card. In technical terms the paper weight/thickness is 10mil/200gsm. It's perfect for framing.

I print with Epson ultrachrome giclée UV fade resistant pigment inks - some of the best inks you can find.

I can also make maps on canvas, cotton rag and other exotic materials.

Learn more about The Unique Maps Co.

Map personalisation

If you're looking for the perfect anniversary or housewarming gift, I can personalise your map to make it truly unique. For example, I can add a short message, or highlight an important location, or add your family's coat of arms.

The options are almost infinite. Please see my map personalisation page for some wonderful examples of what's possible.

To order a personalised map, select "personalise your map" before adding it to your basket.

Get in touch if you're looking for more complex customisations and personalisations.

Map ageing

I have been asked hundreds of times over the years by customers if they could buy a map that looks even older.

Well, now you can, by selecting Aged before you add a map to your basket.

All the product photos you see on this page show the map in its Original form. This is what the map looks like today.

If you select Aged, I will age your map by hand, using a special and unique process developed through years of studying old maps, talking to researchers to understand the chemistry of aging paper, and of course... lots of practice!

If you're unsure, stick to the Original colour of the map. If you want something a bit darker and older looking, go for Aged.

See some amazing examples of Aged maps.

If you are not happy with your order for any reason, contact me and I'll get it fixed ASAP, free of charge. Please see my returns and refund policy for more information.

I am very confident you will like your restored map or art print. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and art prints and have over 5,000 real 5-star reviews. My work has been featured in interior design magazines, on the BBC, and on the walls of dozens of 5-star hotels.

I use a unique process to restore maps and artwork that is massively time consuming and labour intensive. Hunting down the original maps and illustrations can take months. I use state of the art and eye-wateringly expensive technology to scan and restore them. As a result, I guarantee my maps and art prints are a cut above the rest. I stand by my products and will always make sure you're 100% happy with what you receive.

Almost all of my maps and art prints look amazing at large sizes (200cm, 6.5ft+) and I can frame and deliver them to you as well, via special oversized courier. Contact me to discuss your specific needs.