The Chinese Cemetery at Harling Point (off Cresent Road at the southernmost tip of Oak Bay) has been a landmark in Oak Bay for close to 100 years.
This place, chosen by the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association in 1903 for its harmonized elements of Nature expressing the elements of "feng shui", is a significant legacy of the first Canadians of Chinese origin.
The oceanfront site is currently undergoing a $2-million restoration to promote a park like setting for visitors.
Traditionally it was a sanctuary of temporary repose before final interment in China, a pattern which reflected the early aspirations of these immigrants to return to their homeland. After the Sin-Japanese war broke out in 1937 it was no longer possible to ship remains back to China.
In 1961, bones from across Canada were finally laid to rest here. (Historic sites and Monuments Board of Canada, Government of Canada 1999.)
Old gravestones with Chinese scripture still stand, as do the two chimneys at the altar seen here.
Take the BC Transit No. 2 (Oak Bay/Gonzales) bus to reach the cemetery from downtown.
