The Man Behind Mount Finlayson 1818-1892

He is not a man of display, but there is a degree of energy, perseverance, method and sound judgment in all his arrangements.

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Mount Finlayson is a 419-metre (1,375 ft) mountain located on the border of Highlands and Langford. It is bordered by Goldstream Provincial Park and Gowlland Tod Provincial Park and forms an imposing feature looming above Saanich Inlet for those travelling south on the Malahat Drive portion of Highway.

It officially obtained its European name when it appeared in the 10th Report of the Geographic Board of Canada, June 30 1911. It was named in association with Finlayson Arm. However, evidence exists that it was known as Mount Finlayson before that date.

"Mount Finlayson was one mass of flames" (British Colonist, 1896)

"The east side of Mount Finlayson is a mass of fire and Shawnigan Lake is surrounded by flames and dense smoke. (British Colonist, 1898)

On Mount Finlayson on the north side a large forest fire is raging" (British Colonist, 1907)

But who was the man behind the mountain?