How did the Canadian Pacific Railway’s arrival near Vancouver affect Victoria?

The arrival of the Canadian Pacific Railway at Burrard Inlet in 1886 significantly altered the trajectory of Victoria’s development. By connecting Vancouver to the rest of North America by rail, the railway transformed that city into a major international port.1

As a result, Victoria’s commercial activities and population growth began to take a backseat to the booming city of Vancouver. Prior to this, Victoria had served as the most important city in Canada’s western region, acting as the primary port of entry and supply center for the mainland during the gold rush era. While Victoria and its surrounding region continued to experience steady growth following the railway's arrival, the shift in economic focus toward the mainland port marked a transition in the city's historical prominence.1