[1] It was the childhood home of Canadian painter Emily Carr, and had a lasting impression on her paintings and writings.

The building was designed in an Italianate style by prominent local architects Wright & Sanders, who also built another Victorian National Historic Site, the Fisgard Lighthouse.

Born in 1871, Carr spent much of her life within walking distance of her family home, and the environment left a lasting impression on her which is mentioned in all of her books.

"[5]Emily lived in the house for most of her childhood, before leaving to pursue artistic training in San Francisco, London and Paris.

Her time here was immortalized in her 1944 book The House of All Sorts — the structure still stands and contains a mural she painted on the attic roof in the style of First Nations.

Most items from the house have been replaced with replicas, or other period artifacts — such as the piano in parlour, which was originally owned by neighbours of the Carr family.

Carr House is located at 207 Government Street, six blocks from Victoria's Inner Harbour and the Parliament Buildings.

Programming and events take place during the rest of the year, building upon themes of Emily Carr's life such as art and environmentalism, respect for First Nations Communities, feminism, and mentorship of emerging artists and writers.