UELAC Conferences
Upcoming Conferences
Each year one of the UELAC Branches organizes a conference. This event is normally four days but may be longer or shorter.
A list of upcoming and past conferences is on the national website at UELAC Annual Conference.
- 2023: "Where the Sea Meets the Sky” (June 1-4, 2023; Richmond, BC), hosted by the four Pacific Region Branches of the UELAC.
Past UELAC Conferences
- 2022: From Heartbreak to Hope in the Heart of the Continent May 25-29 hosted by Manitoba Branch.
- 2021: Join the rEvolution - Come Be Part of the Story May 27-31 hosted by Bridge Annex Branch with partners including Cornwall Tourism.
- 2020: Eyes on the Heart of the Continent 23 March - Cancelled due to COVID-19, hosted by Manitoba Branch.
- 2019: The Capital Calls May 30 - June 2, hosted by Sir Guy Carleton Branch
- 2018: Loyalist Ties Under Living Skies June 7-10 hosted by Saskatchewan Branch
- 2017: June 22-25 in London ON, co-hosted by London & Western Ontario Branch and Grand River Branch
- 2016: Loyalists, Lighthouses & Lobsters - Thursday July 7 to Sunday July 10 in Summerside, PEI, hosted by The Branches of the Atlantic Region: Abegweit, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.
- 2015: Loyalists Come West - Thursday May 28 to Sunday May 31 in Victoria BC, hosted by Victoria Branch
UELAC Conference 2015 - Loyalists Come West - Victoria, BC
Inner Harbour, the Heart of Victoria - Loyalist Trails 2015-02, 11 January 2015
Victoria's Inner Harbour is, arguably, the heart and soul of Victoria. As well as being the location of the first European settlement, much of the city's historical, cultural, recreational, and political events revolve around this area.
Historically the First Nations recognized the area as most suitable as a place to put down roots. When Fort Victoria was established, it was neighbours with a long established First Nations settlement. The view across the harbour from the Conference 2015 hotel is an area named the Songhees, after the settlement that existed in the mid 1800's, now a very posh collection of condominiums.
If you were fortunate to be travelling between Vancouver and Victoria in the early to mid 1900's, you likely be aboard the pocket liners operated by Canadian Pacific and would be treated to a spectacular entrance into the harbour. The Empress Hotel was just ahead of the bow of your ship, once docked, and a short stroll away.
The CP Steamship Terminal building is currently the home of the Robert Bateman Centre and soon to be home of the Maritime Museum.
Many cultural events are centered on the Inner harbour. One in particular, the Symphony Splash Concert, is a very popular BC Day event staged on a barge and performed by Victoria Symphony.
Annual events such as Dragon Boat Races, Classic Steam powered boats and the world renown Swiftsure Sailing Race all rely on Inner Harbour as their venue or starting spot. All these events are immensely popular enjoyed by both residents of and visitors to Victoria.
Recreational pursuits abound in the harbour. Of course many exciting Whale Watching tours leave from the harbour. If a more personal water experience is your forte, how about a kayak paddle about the harbour. A recreational walk along the harbour walkways is inspirational without the need to "dress" for a more strenuous pursuit.
From the political aspect, the harbour hosts the seat of Government for BC in the form of the Legislature Building. Whether it is the pageantry of the Lieutenant Governor opening the commencement of a new session, a protest of a controversial government policy or legislation or a state visit to the Province, Inner Harbour is involved.
The harbour hosted the royal yacht Britannia during the Queen's 1971 to celebrate BC's centenary.
One of the fun ways to experience the magic that is Inner Harbour is to use the Victoria Harbour Ferries. This is a fleet of small ferries providing transportation around the harbour.
The Conference 2015 hotel has a "taxi stand" on the wharf just behind from which you can hop on and sail away! Suggested activities with this mode of transport include the Gorge Tour, the Pickle Pub Cruise or the James Bay Explorer. A delight to watch is the Water Ballet on Sunday mornings, should you not plan to attend Church Service.
The Victoria Harbour Ferries website www.victoriaharbourferry.com/ will, perhaps, provide some inspiration to experience this fun transportation activity.
Please remember that the Coast Harbourside Hotel and Marina will honour the special hotel room rate up to 3 days after the conclusion of the Conference 2015. This could provide an opportunity to partake in the many opportunities Victoria offers. Touring the area on land or water will give you many memories to take home as a personal souvenir of the Conference 2015.
Keep checking the Victoria Branch Web site for upcoming News on
Conference 2015
Conference 2015 Planning Committee Victoria, BC