Victoria Poems

What do you love doing most in Victoria? Is it late-night strolls along the breakwater? Post-film debates at your favourite local eatery? For City of Victoria Poet Laureate John Barton, it’s these things and more that make our city beautiful.

For more than four decades John has been writing poetry in and about Victoria. In Victoria Poems, John gathered together and recorded some of his favourite poems about the city.    

The poems begin in the late 1970s when John was studying writing at UVic with Robin Skelton. They showcase John’s personal relationship with the city and offer a fascinating insight into what life as a UVic student was like back in the day. 

It’s time to add another activity to your list of favourite things to do in Victoria. Listen to John read his poems about our city. You can follow along with the accompanying texts too.