George Vancouver: A Coast for the English King

Introduction

George Vancouver
Born 1757, died 1798

Sir George Vancouver Copyright/Source

George Vancouver was a naval officer and an explorer. He led the longest mapping expedition in history. In four-and-a-half years, Vancouver and his crewmen sailed about 140 000 kilometres and mapped the North American west coast from northern Mexico to southern Alaska. His measurements were good enough that many can still be used today.

	It was George Vancouver who proved that Vancouver Island, British Columbia was truly an island. It was named in his honour.