18TH Century Maritime
British Columbia Place Names
This table of British Columbia Place Names deriving from the 18th century has been compiled from a study of the records of Captains Cook and Vancouver, of various Spanish naval officers and explorers and of the traders of several nationalities. In particular verification has been sought in the definitive work of Captain Walbran.
The method followed has been to give the year and authority for names directly attributable to 18th century donors but to leave these columns blank for names that were given later because of an 18th century basis. The remarks column has been used to clarify as far as possible the various sources or backgrounds.
Thus namings which can be verified directly from journals of Cook or Barkley or Galiano or Vancouver are shown as such while names which have been chosen by other later donors because of their association with the period show neither the date nor the donor but simply the 18th century source.
There is no claim that this table is complete. Many names will have escaped the author: he welcomes their addition as well as correction to, or amplification of, the present list.
Name, Year Named, Name Given By, Remarks
Addenbrook Point, 1792 Vancouver - In Fitzhugh Sound. Named on 18th August.
Alberni Canal, 1791 Eliza - after Infantry Captain in command of soldiers borne on the expedition.
Alcala Point - after Capt. Dionisio Alcal Galiano, Captain of the Spanish Schooner Sutil, 1792. Named by Capt John F. Parry in 1905.
Anderson Point (Nootka Sound) - after William Anderson surgeon of Capt. Cook's Resolution, 1778. Named by Capt. Richards in 1862.
Anvil Island, 1792 Vancouver - "from the shape of the mountain that composes it". 14 June
Apodaca, Isle of (now Bowen Island), 1860 In 1791, Spanish explorer Narvaez named the island 'Isle of Apodaca' after Sebastian Ruiz de Apodaca (1754-1835), a Spanish aristocrat, naval officer and colonial administrator. It was renamed by Captain George Henry Richards in 1860 after Rear-Admiral James Bowen (1751-1835). Bowen, who had never visited the island, was honored in recognition of his wartime efforts in defeating a French fleet on June 1, 1794, while serving Admiral Howe.
Aristazabal Island, 1792 Caamano - during his search for the Strait connecting the Pacific and the Atlantic.
Ashton Point, 1793 Whidbey - during his exploration of Douglas Channel. 30 June
Atkinson Point, 1792 Vancouver - after "a particular friend" possibly Mr. Thomas Atkinson, Master R.N. 14 June
Atrevida Reef & Passage - after the Spanish Corvette Atrevida (Capt. José Bustamente), 1791, the second ship in Malaspina's expedition. Named by Capt. John T. Walbran in 1902.
Bajo Reef, 1791 Malaspina - the word means "low".
Ballenas Island, 1791 Eliza - Spanish word for "Whales.
Banks Island, 1788 Duncan - after Sir Joseph Banks, President Royal Society, who accompanied Cook in - Endeavour 1768 — 1771.
Banks Reef - after Sir Joseph Banks, President Royal Society, who accompanied Cook in - Endeavour 1768 — 1771. Named by Capt. Richards in 1860.
Barkley Sound, 1787 Barkley - after himself, Captain Charles William Barkley of the trading vessel Imperial Eagle. Also called Nittinat by Vancouver and similar names by the Spaniards and other traders.
Bazan Bay, 1790 Quimper - Quimper named what is now Royal Roads "Rada de Valdes y Bazan". Bazan Bay survived in a new location.
Beale Cape, 1787 Barkley - after John Beale purser of Imperial Eagle.
Bentinck Arm (N & S), 1793 Vancouver - after the Duke of Portland.
Bligh Island - after Wm. Bligh of H.M.S. Bounty and also Master of H.M.S. Resolution, 1778. Named adopted by Capt. Richards in 1862.
Bodega Hill and Island - after Captain Juan Francisco de la Bodega y Quadra. Named by Capt. John F. Parry in 1905.
Bonilla Point and Island, 1790 Quimper - The feminine singular form of the obsolete Bonillo — a Spanish word meaning "rather large or handsome". Believed to have been given by Quimper to what is now Carmanah Point.
Boston Point - after the U.S. trading. vessel of that name (Capt. Salter) which was in Nootka in, 1789.
Bowen Island, 1860 In 1791, Spanish explorer Narvaez named the island 'Isle of Apodaca' after Sebastian Ruiz de Apodaca (1754-1835), a Spanish aristocrat, naval officer and colonial administrator. It was renamed by Captain George Henry Richards in 1860 after Rear-Admiral James Bowen (1751-1835). Bowen, who had never visited the island, was honored in recognition of his wartime efforts in defeating a French fleet on June 1, 1794, while serving Admiral Howe.
Boyles Point, 1792 Vancouver - after Capt. Charles Boyles, R.N. (Vice-Admiral). 2 Aug
Broughton peaks - after LCDR Wm. R. Broughton (Commodore) R.N., Captain of H.M. armed tender Chatham, 1792. Named by Capt. Richards in 1860.
Broughton Strait & Island, 1792 Vancouver - after LCDR Wm. R. Broughton (Commodore) R.N. Captain of H.M. armed tender Chatham., 1792
Broughton's Archipelago, 1792 Vancouver - after LCDR Wm. R. Broughton (Commodore) R.A. Captain of H.M. armed tender Chatham, 1792, July 27th
Brown Passage, 1793 Vancouver - after Capt. Wm. Brown of the trading ship Butterworth whom Vancouver met during his survey.
Burke Channel, 1793 Vancouver - after Rt. Hon. Edmund Burke.
Burrard Inlet, 1792 Vancouver - after Captain Sir Harry Burrard, R.N. 14 June
Bute Inlet, 1792 Vancouver - after 3rd Earl of Bute, 2nd July. One of Vancouver's illustrations is "Village of the Friendly Indians at the entrance of Bute's Canal".
Butterworth Rocks - after Capt. Wm. Brown of the trading ship Butterworth whom Vancouver met during his survey. Named by Staff Commander Pender. 1870.
Caamano Sound - after LCDR Jacinto Caamano who the corvette Aranzazu carried out a voyage of exploration in, 1792.
Call Canal, 1792 Broughton - after Sir John Call. 27 July
Calvert Island, 1788 Duncan - after the house of Baltimore by Capt. Charles Duncan of the trading sloop Princess Royal. Confirmed by Vancouver 9 August, 1792.
Campania Island, 1792 Caamano - probably from Spanish word Campena meaning either "Campaign" or "Flat country".
Canaveral Point - the Spanish word for a bed of reeds or canes.
Carter Bay, 1793 Vancouver - after A.B. Carter of Discovery; who died from eating poisoned shell fish and was buried in Carter Bay.
Cartwright Sound, 1793 Vancouver - 25 September
Cascade Inlet, 1793 Vancouver - This is where Alexander MacKenzie arrived "from Canada by land" 22 July, 1793. He and Vancouver missed meeting by about a fortnight.
Catala Island, 1791 Malaspina - after the chaplain at Nootka.
Caution Cape, 1793 Vancouver - because of the dangerous rocks.
Cayetano Point - after Captain Cayetano Valdes of Mexicana, 1792. Named by Capt John F. Parry in 1905.
Chatham Point, 1792 Vancouver - after H.M.S. Chatham (LCDR. Wm. Broughton R.N.) which accompanied H.M.S. Discovery an Vancouver's expedition. 16 July
Chatham Sound, 1788 Duncan - Vancouver confirmed the name noting that previous visitors had so named it. Walbran assumes it to have been so designated by Captain Duncan in, 1788 after the Earl of Chatham.
Cheslakee, 1792 Vancouver - Vancouver called this Cheslakee's village doubtless after the Indian Chief of that name. It is illustrated in his voyage Vol. I. 20 July
Clayoquot Sound, 1795 Traders - after the local Indian tribe. Various spellings will be found. Vancouver referred to it as Port Cox.
Clerke Island and Reef and Point - after Cdr. Charles Clerke, commanding Officer of H.M.S. Discovery, in 1778. Named by Capt. Richards in 1862.
Colnett Mountain - after Lt. James Colnett, R.N. captain of the Trading Vessel Argonaut. Named by Capt. Richards in 1861.
Conuma Point, 1792 Galiano - after the Indian name.
Cook Cape - after Captain James Cook, R.N. in Cook's journal 29 March 1779 this point was named Woody Point. The name was altered to its present form by Capt. Richards of H.M.S. Plumper in 1860.
Cook Channel - after Capt. James Cook, R.N. who entered here. 1778
Cordero Channel & Point - after Josef Cordero, draughtsman (Dibujante or Dibuxante) of the Spanish ships Sutil and Mexicana, 1792. The point was named by Capt. John F. Parry in 1905.
Cordova Bay & Channel - after "Puerta de Cordova", the name given to what is now Esquimalt in, 1790 by Sub. Ltd. Quimper in the captured British sloop Princessa Real (Princess Royal). The Channel was named, circa 1859, by Admiralty surveyors.
Cortes Island, 1792 Galiano and Valdes - after Hernando Cortes, Conquistador of Mexico.
Cox Island, 1786 Hanna - after Mr. J.H. Cox, who backed the early traders by Captain Hanna of the Snow Sea Otter. Comments on by Vancouver 24 August, 1792.
Cumming Point, 1793 Vancouver - during Whidbey's examination of the Hawkesbury Island area. 30 June
Cumshewa (Gunshewa) Inlet, 1787 — 88 Various Traders - after a local Indian Chief. Walbran suggests Dixon originated the idea.
Day Point, 1793 Vancouver - On Price Island, Milbank Sound.
Dean Channel, 1793 Vancouver - after Dean King father of Capt. James King, R.N. one of Cook's Officers in Resolution.
Deep Sea bluff, 1792 Vancouver - part of Broughton's Archipelago. 27 July
Descanso Bay, 1792 Galiano and Valdes - Marked on their chart "Calades Descanso" meaning "Bay of Relaxation".
Descubierta Channel - after Malaspina's flagship, 1791
Desolation Sound, 1792 Vancouver - Food was scarce, the view gloomy so Vancouver gave this name to describe his reaction to the scene. Only the "agreeable Society" of Galiano and Valdes relieved the monotony. 5 July.
Dibuxante Point - after Josef Cordero draughtsman (dibujante, dibuxante) with Galiano and Valdes. Named by Capt John F. Parry in 1905.
Dionisio Point - after Capt. Dionsio Alcala Galiano of the Spanish Schooner Sutil, 1792. Named by Capt John F. Parry in 1905.
Discovery Island - after H.M.S. Discovery. Vancouver's ship, 1792 — 93 — 94 (note this is not the same ship as H.M.S. Discovery which was in Cook's expedition).
Discovery Point - after H.M.S. Discovery of Cook's expedition. 1778
Dixon Entrance, 1798 Sir. Jos. Banks - after Capt. George Dixon of the trading vessel Queen Charlotte. As armourer of H.M.S. Discovery he had visited Vancouver Island with Cook and returned in trade in, 1787. Sir Joseph Banks, to whom Dixon dedicated the 4th volume of the account of his voyage, named this, as yet, unnamed stretch of water after Dixon.
Duff Island - after Duff Point. Named by Admiralty surveyors in 1865.
Duff Point, 1792 Vancouver - after a former shipmate Cdr. George Duff, R.N. 28 July
Dundas Island, 1792 Vancouver - after Rt. Hon. Henry Dundas, Treasurer of the Royal Navy at the time.
Edmund Point, 1793 Vancouver - after Rt. Hon. Edmund Burke, the great parliamentary orator.
Eliza Dome and Ears and Passage - after Lt. Francisco Eliza, Spanish Navy, 1790 — 91. Eliza Dome named by Capt. Richards. 1862.
Englefield Bay, 1793 Vancouver - after Sir Henry Englefield, F.R.S., F.S.A.
Escalante Reef, 1791 Eliza - Spanish word for "climbing".
Esperanza Inlet, 1791 Malaspina - Originally called "Hope Bay" by Cook in 1778 and translated by Malaspina into the Spanish equivalent.
Espinosa Arm, 1791 Malaspina - after one of his officers, Lt. Josef de Espinosa.
Essington, 1793 Vancouver - after a fellow officer, Capt. Wm. Essington, R.N. of H.M.S. Sceptre.
Estevan Island and Sound, 1792 Saamano - by association with Estevan Point.
Estevan Point1774 Perez - after Lt. Estevan (Esteban) Jose Martinez of the frigate Santiago which was the first ship known to have anchored in B.C. waters. Cook called it "Breakers Point" in 1778. The same Martinez caused the "Nootka Incident".
Ewin Creek - after the Boatswain of H.M.S. Resolution. 1778. Named by Capt. Richards, 1862.
Ferrer Point - "the supposed passage to the Atlantic, of which the western entrance, according to the account given by Captain Lorenzo Ferrer Maldonado, lay at 59º 30' north on the north-west coast of North America.
Ferrer Point - after the Name given by Galiano or Valdes in, 1792 to Nuchatletz Entrance.
Fidalgo Passage - after the Spanish Governor of Nootka in, 1793.
Fife Sound, 1792 Vancouver - after the Earl of Fife. Originally Fife's Passage. 28 July
Fisher Channel, 1793 Vancouver - after another friend the Rev. John Fisher, who eventually became Bishop of Salisbury.
Fitzhugh Sound, 1786 Hanna - the source has not been located but Vancouver accepted the name 9 August, 1792
Flores Island, 1791 Eliza - after Don Manuel Flores 51st Viceroy of Mexico, 1787 — 99.
Frederick Island, 1792 Ingraham - Capt. Jos. Ingraham of the U.S. Brig. Hope named this or a neighbouring island after his nephew. Vancouver accepted the name for his chart in, 1793. Walbran suggests that Hippa Island was really meant.
Friendly Cove, 1786 Strange - Cook described this cove in 1778 but it was not until, 1786 that Mr. Strange, supercargo of a trading expedition made up of the two snows Captain Cook and Experiment, named it. Illustrated in Vancouver's Voyage Vol. I.
Gabriola Island, 1791 Narvaez - the name given by the Captain of the Schooner Santa Saturnina was "Punta de Gaviola". The adaptation took place at a time and for reasons unknown. Spanish "V's" are by some pronounced "B's" but why the "R" should have crept in remains a mystery.
Galiano Caves or Gallery, 1792 Galiano - after Captain Galiano of the Spanish Schooner Sutil who first recorded this marvel of nature created by the action of the sea on a headland. Also called Spanish Caves.
Galiano Island and Bay - after Capt. Galiano who commanded the Schooner Sutil in, 1792. He was captain of the Spanish 74-gun Bahama at Trafalgar, which was captured, survived storm, and reached Gibraltar in due course. The Island was named by Capt. Richards in 1862.
Gardner Inlet or Channel, 1793 Vancouver - after his shipmate Sir Alan Gardner, in command of Courageux, 1792, who ended up Admiral and Baron.
Gardner Mountain - after Sir Alan Gardner. Named by Capt. Richards in 1860.
Georgia Strait or Gulf, 1792 Vancouver - after H.M. King George III. 4 June
Gil Island, 1792 Caamano - presumed to be after a Spanish officer of that name who served in the flagship of the Armada 1588.
Goletas Channel, 1792 Galiano and Valdes - after the Spanish word for "schooners" which described their little vessels Sutil and Mexicana.
Gonzales Point, 1790 Quimper - after Gonzales Lopez de Haro, first mate of the sloop Princesa Real, the seized British merchantman "Princess Royal" in which Quimper was exploring the area south of Vancouver Island.
Gordon Point, 1792 Vancouver - after the Duke of Gordon, the patron of Captain Duff after whom Duff Point was named. 28 July
Gore Island - after Lt. (later Capt.) John Gore, R.N., 1st Lieut. of Resolution 1778. When Capt. Cook was murdered in Hawaii in 1779, Gore became C.O. of Discovery; when Clerke died Gore became C.O. of Resolution (and hence of the expedition). He brought the two ships safely back to England in, 1780. Named by Capt. Richards in 1862.
Gower Point, 1792 Vancouver - after Capt. (later Admiral) Sir Erasmus Gower, R.N. 15 June
Grenville Channel, 1793 Vancouver - after Baron Grenville.
Grey Point, 1792 Vancouver - after another naval friend Capt. George Grey, R.N. The year before Eliza had named this Punta de Langara after Admiral Langara. 13 June
Guaquina Arm, 1791 Eliza - after a native Indian woman. The spelling has been altered since, 1791.
Hanna Rocks and Channel - after Capt. James Hanna of the trading snow Sea Otter who in, 1785 made the first British trading expedition from the China coast to Nootka Sound and the B.C. coast. Name adopted on the Admiralty charts by Capt. Pender, 1865.
Hanson Island - after Lt. James Hanson R.N. of H.M.S. Chatham and of the store brig Daedalus, 1791 — 2 — 3. Named by Capt. Richards in 1860.
Hardwicke Island, 1792 Vancouver - after the Earl of Hardwicke "in compliment to Mr. Swaine" the 3rd Lieut. of H.M.S. Discovery. 13 July
Haro Strait, 1790 Quimper - after his "primo p1loto" or first mate Gonzalez Lopez de Haro.
Harwood Island, 1792 Vancouver - after Dr. Edward Harwood, scholar and naval surgeon. 25 June
Hawkesbury Island, 1793 Vancouver - after Lord Hawkesbury "indefatigable promoter of British Commerce".
Henry Cape, 1793 Vancouver - after Sir Henry Englefield.
Hernando Island - after Hernando Cortes, Conqeror of Mexico, by association with Cortes Island.
Hippa Island, 1787 Dixon - because of the Indian houses which reminded him of the houses he had seen when in New Zealand with Cook.
Hopkins Point, 1793 Whidbey - during a small boat examination of Devastation Channel.
Howe Sound, 1792 Vancouver - after Admiral Lord Howe, one of England's greatest sailors. When Capt. Richards of H.M.S. Plumper surveyed the sound he took Admiral's Howe's most famous victory "The Glorious First of June" as his source for names. 15 June
Hunt Point, 1793 Vancouver - on Porcher Island.
Hunter Point, 1793 Vancouver - after his friend and physician Dr. John Hunter.
Hurtado Point - ascribed by Walbran to a Spanish a naval officer Diego Hurtado de Mendoza who was sent exploring the Pacific coast in 1532.
Ibbetson Cape, 1793 Vancouver - after a friend in the Admiralty.
Imperial Eagle Channel, 1787 Barkley - after his trading vessel of the same name, ex Loudoun.
Jervis Inlet, 1792 Vancouver - after rear-Admiral Sir John Jervis (later Lord. St. Vincent) one of England' s greatest naval heroes. Surveyor Capt. Richards, of H.M.S. Plumper, followed Vancouver's lead, assigning names associated with the notable victory of Cape St. Vincent. 20 June.
Jewitt Cove - after John Jewitt of the trading vessel.
Johnstone Strait, 1792 Vancouver - after Mr. James Johnstone, Master of H.M.S. Chatham (later Capt. R.N.) who carried out much of the detailed survey of the coast, 1792 — 3. 13 July
Jordon River, 1790 Quimper - appears on Quimper's chart.
Juan de Fuca Strait, 1787 Barkley - the Greek Apostolos Valerinos, whose Spanish name was Juan de Fuca, claimed to have discovered in 1592 an important strait and inland sea between latitudes 47º and 48º North. A great controversy raged until Capt. Barkley sailed by in the Imperial Eagle, recognized the stretch of water as being what Juan de Fuca had claimed and placed that name on his chart. It has been accepted ever since.
Juan Perez Sound - after Lt. Juan Perez, captain of the corvette Santiago, who explored the coast in 1774, named the San Cristobal Mountains, anchored off Nootka, and named Estevan Point.
Kendrick Arm or Inlet - after the U.S. trader Capt. John Kendrick who in, 1787 brought the Columbia and the Washington to Nootka from Boston. This was the first U.S. trading expedition to the area. Named by Capt. Richards in 1862.
King Island, 1793 Vancouver - after Capt. James King R.N. They had been Midshipmen together in H.M.S. Discovery during Cook's expedition.
King Pass - after Capt. James King, R.N.
Knight Inlet, 1792 Broughton - after Capt. (later Admiral) John Knight, R.N. with whom Broughton had been a prisoner in 1776 when a midshipman. 27 July
Kyuquot Sound - used in various forms by the traders from, 1785 on to copy the Indian name.
Lambert Point, 1793 Vancouver - after another naval friend, Capt. Robert Lambert.
Laredo Channel, 1792 Caamano - possibly after the town of the same name in Spain.
Lasqueti Island, 1791 Narvaez - source not known.
Lazo Cape, 1791 Narvaez - because of the deceptive appearance of the cape; "lazo" means delusion or snare in English.
Loughborough Inlet, 1792 Vancouver - after Lord Loughoorough who became Lord Chancellor of England. 12 July
Malaspina Inlet, 1792 Galiano and Valdes - after Capt. Alexandro Malaspina, Spanish Navy whose expedition — Descublerta and Atrevida — were in B.C. waters in, 1791 during a circumnavigation of the world. It is doubtful whether the claim made in the city of Nanaimo, that Malaspina visited that area, can be substantiated.
Malaspina Strait and Peak - after Capt. Alexandro Malaspina, Spanish Navy. Named by Capt. Richards in 1859.
Maquilla Peak - this was Vancouver's spelling of the name of the principal Indian Chief at Nootka, 1789 — 95
Maquinna Point, 1791 Eliza - in various spellings after the notorious Indian Chief at Nootka (Maquilla).
Marina Island, 1792 Galiano & Valdes - named after the mistress of the Conquistador Cortes
Marshall Point, 1792 Vancouver - source not given by Vancouver. He identifies it as "the N.W. point of the island of Faveda 49º 235º 47' 1/2". 25 June
Martinez Bluff - after LCDR. J.E. Martirez who precipitated the Nootka Incident, 1789
Marvinas Bay, 1778 Cook - adapted from the Indian name in various spellings.
Matute Island - after the executive officer of the corvette Aranzazu, 1792
Maurelle Island - after Lt. F.A. Maurelle who accompanied Quadra on his voyages of exploration 1775 and 1779. Both Vancouver and Meares had his charts. Named by the Geographic Board of Canada, in 1903.
Meares Island - after CDR. John Meares, R.N. who precipitated the "Nootka Incident" of, 1790. Named by Capt. Richards in 1862.
Menzies Bay and Point, 1792 Vancouver - after Archibald Menzies who served in Vancouver's expedition as naturalist and surgeon. His work is frequently mentioned in Vancouver's Voyage. 19 August
Mexican Hill - after the schooner of that name commanded by Valdes which with Sutil explored the area in, 1792. Named by Capt Richards in 1862.
Mexicana Point, 1792 Galiano and Valdes - after the schooner of that name commanded by Valdes which with Sutil explored the area in, 1792
Milbank Sound, 1798 Duncan - after Admiral Milbanke who had a distinguished career in the Royal Navy. The final "e" got lost.
Mudge Cape, 1792 Vancouver - after Zachary Mudge, 1st Lieut. of H.M.S. Discovery (later Admiral). 5 July
Narvaez Bay & Island - after Jose Maria Narvaez in command of the Spanish schooner Saturnia, 1791
Nass River, 1793 Vancouver - after the Indian name. Mentioned several times during July.
Nepean Sound Duncan - after Evan Nepean, a British government official.
Nodales Channel, 1792 Galiano and Valdes - source not located. Possibly the name of a friend or fellow mariner
Nootka Sound1778 Cook - Cook first named it King George's Sound but re-named it Nootka because he thought this was the Indian name. Authorities now claim that this was the result of misunderstanding the native language.
North Island, 1787 Dixon - On Queen Charlotte Islands. Named while trading in the snow "Queen Charlotte"
North Island, North Point, 1793 Vancouver - On Queen Charlotte Islands. This point was named Santo Margarita by Perez in 1774. Both names have been used.
Observatory Inlet, 1793 Vancouver - used as an observatory to correct positions and to correct chronometers. The names given fit in with this work.
Passage Island, 1792 Vancouver - because it was in the middle of the passage. 14 June
Pearl Rock., 1786 Hanna - part of the Sea Otter group. Recorded by Vancouver 10 August, 1792.
Philip Point, 1792 Vancouver - after Sir Philip Stephens, Secretary to the Admiralty. 1 August
Pitt Island, 1793 Vancouver - after William Pitt, the younger, P.M. of Great Britain
Poison Cove, 1793 Vancouver - referred to as the source of the shell fishes which caused the death of Carter, one of his seamen.
Porlier Pass, 1791 Narvaez - often misspelled as Portier. Shown on Galiano chart.
Port Canaveral, 1792 Caamano - noted by Vancouver, 1793
Port Eliza, 1791 Malaspina - after Lt. Francisco Eliza leader of an expedition to Nootka, 1790 — 91
Port Ingraham, 1791 Ingraham - by Capt. Jos. Ingraham of the U. S. Brig. Hope on discovering the harbour while trading.
Port John, 1793 Vancouver - after another friend Rev. John Fisher.
Port Neville, 1792 Vancouver - after a Lieut. of Marines John Neville.
Port San Juan, 1790 Quimper - means St. John in English.
Port Stephens, 1798 Duncan - after Sir Philip Stephens, Secretary to the Admiralty; noted by Vancouver, 1793.
Portland Canal, 1793 Vancouver - after the Duke of Portland.
Portlock Point - after Capt. Nathaniel Portlock, Master's mate in H.M. Ships Discovery and Resolution 1776 — 79, and leader of a trading expedition to the B.C. Coast in, 1786. Named circa 1861.
Princess Royal Island, 1798 Duncan - after his 50-ton sloop of the same name, which later played a leading part in the "Nootka Incident" during a trading voyage.
Principe Channel, 1792 Caamano - Spanish word for "Prince".
Quadra Island and Hill - after Captain Quadra, Spanish Navy, explorer Governor of Nootka and friend to Vancouver. Vancouver Island was originally named the "Island of Quadra and Vancouver" as noted in the latter's voyage. Named by the Geographic Board of Canada, in 1903.
Queen Charlotte Islands, 1787 Dixon - after the 200-ton Snow Queen Charlotte while Capt. Dixon was on a trading cruise.
Queen Charlotte Sound, 1786 Wedgborough - after Queen Charlotte, wife H.M.George III, according to Vancouver while Mr. Wedgborough was in command of the trading vessel the Experiment in August, 1786.
Rafael Point, 1791 Eliza - originally Punta de San Rafael; i.e. Saint Raphael Point
Ramsden Point, 1793 Vancouver - another of the topical names in Observatory inlet. This one is after Jesse Ramsden F R. S. well known for his mathematical instruments. 27 July.
Raphoe Point, 1793 Vancouver - in association w it h Capt. James King, R.N. whose father was Dean of Raphoe in Ireland.
Raspberry Island, 1793 Vancouver - because it was reported that they were abundant in this section of the Skeena river.
Redonda Island, 1792 Galiano and Valdes - Spanish word for "curved" or "rounded".
Rennell Sound, 1787 Dixon - Vancouver noted this sound in his Voyage Vol. II, 24 Sept, 1793.
Resolution Cove - after Cook's Ship H.M.S. Resolution. Named by the Hydrographic Office, Admiralty, circa 1849.
Restoration Bay, 1793 Vancouver - on 29 May he was in that place and celebrated the anniversary of the Stuart Restoration Bay, Puget Sound, for the same reason.
Rivers Inlet, 1792 Vancouver - originally Rivers Canal after Baron Rivers. 18 August
Rose Harbour, 1787 Johnstone - after Mr. George Rose, M P. by Mr. James Johnstone, R.N. later master of H.M.S. Chatham, while on a trading cruise in Prince of Wales with Captain Calvert.
Rose Point1779 Douglas - after Mr. George Rose, M.P. who staunchly supported overseas trade, by Capt. Wm. Douglas of the trading brig Iphigenia.
Saavedra Island - after the Spanish Commandant at Nootka in, 1793.
Safety Cove, 1788 Duncan - Vancouver argued that the outer part of the cove was named Port Safety by Duncan and hence he called the inner part Safety Cove. 19 August, 1792.
Salamanca Point - after the Spanish Lieut. of that name in the Schooner Sutil in, 1792. Named by Capt. John F. Parry in 1905.
Salter Point - after the Captain of the U.S. trading vessel Boston which was in Nootka in, 1799
San Carlos Point - after the Spanish 16-gun Snow which was in Nootka.
San Christoval Mountains1774 Perez - On Queen Charlotte Islands. By various spelling after the Spanish equivalent of Saint Christopher.
San Josef Bay, 1791 Eliza - presumably the saint's name because of some connection with the date of their visit or with the ships company.
Santa Gertrudis Cove - after the name given by the Spaniards to the schooner Northwest America when they seized her at Nootka.
Santiage Mountain & Creek - after the frigate Santiago in which Perez in 1774 made a voyage of exploration
Sarah Point, 1792 Vancouver - after his sister. The opposite point was named Point Mary after another sister. 30 June
Saturna Island, 1791 Eliza - after the schooner Saturnina.
Savary Island, 1792 Vancouver - called in Vancouver's Voyage "Savary's Island". The source has not been identified. 25 June
Scoth Fir Point, 1792 Vancouver - because these were the first trees of this type encountered on the trip. 20 June
Scott Cape, 1786 Lowrie and Guise - by the captains of the snows Captain Cook and Experiment after Mr. David Scott who had backed their venture.
Scott Island, 1793 Vancouver - by association with Cape Scott. 21 August
Sea Otter Islands & Cove, 1786 Hanna - after his 120-ton snow Sea Otter, which was named after the most valuable item of the fur trade, during the second commercial venture to Nootka.
Smith Sound, 1786 Hanna - during his trading cruise. Accepted by Vancouver 9 August,, 1792.
Solander Rock - after Dr. Solander a Swedish naturalist and surgeon who accompanied Cook in H.M.S. Endeavour. Named Split Rock in, 1786 by Capt. Dixon; then re-named Solander Rock by Capt. Richards in 1860.
Sombrio River, 1790 Quimper - from the Spanish adjective meaning "gloomy" or "shady".
Sonora Island - after Quadra's 36-foot Sonora which adventured along the B.C. coast in 1775. Named by the Geographic Board of Canada in 1903.
Spanish Bank - after the fact that in June, 1792 Vancouver met the two Spanish schooners Sutil and Mexicana at this point.
Spanish Pilot Group of Islands - after 18th Spanish pilots including Carrasco, Narvaez, and Vernaci.
St. James Cape, 1787 Dixon - on St. James' Day, 25 July his trading vessel Queen Charlotte rounded that point.
Staniforth Point, 1793 Whidbey - by Mr. Whidbey Master of H.M.S. Discovery who carried out much of the detailed investigation of the coast during Vancouver's voyage, 179 — 3
Stephens Island, 1793 Vancouver - after Sir Philip Stephens, Secretary to the Admiralty. July, 1793
Stephens Mountain, 1792 Vancouver - after Sir Philip Stephens, Secretary to the Admiralty. 1 August
Strange Island - after one of the fur-traders.
Stuart Island, 1792 Vancouver - after Rt. Hon. John Stuart, Earl of Bute. 12 July
Sturgeon Bank, 1792 Vancouver - because he purchased some of these fish from the natives. 22 June
Sutil Channel & Mountain - after the Spanish schooner which under Galiano and in company with Mexicans explored the area in, 1792. Sutil Mountain named by Capt. Richards, 1859 and Sutil Channel named circa 1864.
Sutil Point, 1792 Galiano & Valdes - after the Spanish schooner which under Galiano and in company with Mexicana explored the area in, 1792.
Swaine Cape, 1793 Vancouver - after Lt. Spelman Swaine, 3rd Lt. of H.M.S. Discovery.
Tahsis - spelled "tasis" by the Spaniards, "Tahsheis" by Vancouver, and "Tashees" by Jewitt. Adapted from the Indian word for road or way.
Terron Island - after the surgeon of the San Carlos, 1789
Texada, 1791 Narvaez - while commanding the Santa Saturnina. The name Tejada was first applied by the Spaniards to the smaller island, and it was evidently used in honour of a Spanish rear admiral, Felix de Tejada, Vancouver decided to apply it to the larger island, but in copying it from a Spanish chart he made a mistake and spelled it "Fevada" on his chart. It was later changed to its present form Texada.
Thurlow Island, 1792 Vancouver - after the Lord Chancellor of Great Britain. 16 July
Tlupana Arm, 1791 Eliza - in various spellings after a local chief. It may have been given by Malaspina for the name appears on the charts he and Eliza prepared. Vancouver noted the chief in, 1794.
Toba Inlet, 1792 Galiano and Valdes - a misspelling of the Spanish word "Tabla" referring to table-like Indian creations covered with strange symbols.
Tofino Inlet, 1792 Galiano and Valdes - when completing their voyage in Sutil and Mexicana, possibly from the Spanish word "Togino" — a nautical term referring to the pieces of wood used on the sides of a ship as steps.
Valdes Island - after Capt. Cayetano Valdes of the schooner Mexicana, 1792. Valdes commanded the 84-gun Neptuno at Trafalgar. She was captured but was wrecked in the storm which followed the battle. Named by Capt. Richards in 1859.
Vancouver Island, City, Bay and Rock - after Capt. George Vancouver who in, 1792 — 94 made an indelible impression upon the history of British Columbia. Vancouver Island was first named Quadra and Vancouver Island. Vancouver Bay was named by Capt. Richards in 1860. Vancouver Rock was named by Capt Pender in 1866. Vancouver City was originally called Granville but was incorporated as Vancouver in 1886.
Vargas Island, 1792 Galiano and Valdes - in, 1791 Eliza called it Isla de Feran. It was changed to honour the conqueror of New Mexico. Vancouver used Eliza's name.
Vernaci Point - after the 1st Lieut. of the schooner Mexicana during her, 1792 voyage. Named by Capt John F. Parry in 1905.
Villanerde Island - after the Spanish Chaplain of the San Carlos.
Virgin Rocks, 1786 Hanna - while trading in the Sea Otter, Vancouver noted them end relocated them on the chart. 10 August, 1792
Wakennenish Island - in various spellings after the chief who was the great power in Clayoquot Sound. Mentioned by Meares and by Vancouver who called him Wicananish. Meares obtained about fifty sea otter skins for two copper kettles when he called. 14 June, 1789
Wales Island - Named, by association with the above, in 1871 by the British Hydrographic Office.
Wales Point, 1793 Vancouver - another place in Observatory Inlet. Named after mathematics teacher, William Wales, at Christ's Hospital; "my much esteemed friend".
Walker Point, 1793 Vancouver - after the surgeon of H.M.S. Chatham.
Wells Passage, 1792 Vancouver - after Capt. John Wells, R.N. (later Admiral). 2 August
Williamson Passage - after John Williamson, 3rd Lt. of H.M.S. Resolution.
Woody Point1778 Cook - from the appearance of headland.
Zayan Island, 1792 Caamano - possibly from the Spanish verb "zayar" to bowse or haul a tackle.
Zeballos Arm, 1791 Malaspina - after Lieut. Cevallos of his expedition. This is a variant spelling.
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