Terry Fox, Mile Zero Monument, and What It Means to Me as a Canadian Living in Victoria
As someone born and raised in Victoria, BC, I’ve always been surrounded by stories, scenery, and symbols that define what it means to be Canadian. But there’s one spot in this city that hits differently every time I pass it - Mile 0 Victoria BC. More specifically, the statue of Terry Fox that stands there in quiet defiance, facing east, where his Marathon of Hope was meant to finish. For me, and I think for many others in Victoria and across the country, Terry Fox is more than just a national hero, he’s a symbol of courage, perseverance, and what we as Canadians strive to be. His story is deeply embedded in our collective identity, and having his statue right here in our hometown makes it personal.
Who Was Terry Fox?
If you grew up in Canada, you probably learned about Terry Fox in school. But for those who didn’t, here’s the short version. Terry Fox was born in Winnipeg in 1958 and raised in Port Coquitlam, BC. He was an athletic kid, driven and competitive, especially when it came to basketball and running. But when he was just 18 years old, he was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer, and had his right leg amputated above the knee.
What came next would define his legacy. Inspired by the suffering he saw in cancer wards and determined to make a difference, Terry decided to run across Canada on one leg to raise money and awareness for cancer research. His journey became known as the Marathon of Hope.
Planned For Mile Zero
It was April 12, 1980, when Terry dipped his artificial leg in the Atlantic Ocean in St. John’s, Newfoundland. He planned to finish by dipping it again in the Pacific Ocean, right here in Victoria, BC. The idea was symbolic, one coast to the other, uniting the country in a shared cause. The western finish line would have been Mile Zero, the very spot where the Trans-Canada Highway begins, located in Victoria’s Beacon Hill Park.
Sadly, Terry never made it here. After 143 days and 5,373 kilometers, he was forced to stop near Thunder Bay, Ontario. His cancer had returned and spread to his lungs. He passed away on June 28, 1981, at just 22 years old. But he had already raised over $24 million - a dollar for every Canadian at the time and sparked a movement that would never fade.
Visiting the Statue at Mile Zero
If you ever come to Victoria, whether you’re moving here or just visiting for a long weekend, make a point to stop by the Terry Fox statue at Mile Zero. It’s located at the southern end of Douglas Street, right near the ocean and Beacon Hill Park. The statue shows Terry mid-stride, his arms pumping, his artificial leg extended behind him in that unmistakable gait that became part of his legacy. His expression is one of determination. Grit. Focus.
It’s one of those places where time feels like it pauses. Locals and tourists alike come to take photos, reflect, or just sit nearby and watch the ocean. I’ve done the same many times. Sometimes alone, sometimes with family or friends. Each time, it reminds me how one person, even someone young and facing immense challenges can inspire a nation.
Why Terry Fox Still Matters
Over four decades years later, Terry’s story still resonates. Every year, schools across Canada hold the Terry Fox Run. Communities, cities, and workplaces do the same. Since that first run, the Terry Fox Foundation has raised over $850 million for cancer research. But more than the dollars, it’s the spirit of it all that sticks with us.
Terry never wanted to be famous. He didn’t run for glory or personal gain. He ran for others. And in doing so, he showed us what compassion and courage really look like. In a world that can feel divided and complicated, Terry’s story cuts through the noise. It reminds us of the best in ourselves - empathy, resilience, and the belief that we can do something meaningful, no matter the odds.
Victoria’s Role in His Legacy
Although Terry was from Port Coquitlam and never made it to Victoria during his run, this city has become a symbolic end point. The destination he never reached, but which we hold for him. It’s a privilege and a responsibility to have his statue here. Mile Zero is more than a marker on Canada's longest highway. It’s a place of remembrance, of honour, of collective gratitude.
Victoria also hosts its own Terry Fox Run every year. And it’s not just a race, it’s a gathering of community. You’ll see people of all ages, including cancer survivors, those currently fighting cancer, and families who’ve lost loved ones. It’s a day filled with emotion, but also hope.
Why I Include This on My Website
Some people might wonder why I’m writing about Terry Fox on a website about moving to Victoria. Here’s the thing: moving to a new city isn’t just about real estate or job markets or weather - it’s about discovering the heart of a place. And for me, the Terry Fox statue at Mile Zero is part of the heart of Victoria. It represents values that I think anyone moving here should know about including community, compassion, courage, and pride in our shared history.
When you make Victoria your home, you’re stepping into a place where stories like Terry’s matter. Where people stop by a statue not because they have to, but because it reminds them of what we stand for. It’s part of the DNA of this place. And as a local, I’m proud of that.
My Thoughts For What It's Worth
There are countless things that make Victoria special - the ocean views, the historic buildings, the vibrant food, the craft breweries and the incredible arts scene. But if you ask me, the Terry Fox statue at Mile Zero is one of our most meaningful landmarks. It doesn’t shout for attention. It doesn’t need to. It quietly stands, facing the direction Terry dreamed of going, reminding us every day what’s possible when you have purpose.
If you’re thinking of moving to Victoria, I hope you’ll take the time to visit it. Read the plaque. Sit nearby. Think about what it must have felt like for him to believe he could run across a country. And know that this city and this community remembers him with reverence and pride.
To me, that says a lot about the kind of place Victoria is. And it’s a big reason why I love calling it home.