The Archives Association of British Columbia (AABC) has a wonderful reference section listing provincial, regional and municipal sources of historic BC Photographs online.
The repositories are truly immense and impressive. I am endlessly fascinated by Victoria's history. Since retirement I have grown to love local history. I was ignorant in my youth about British Columbia's history. Growing up on Vancouver Island, I am ashamed to note I knew next to nothing of the coal mining heritage and the domination influence of the Dunsmuir family on the Island's early development. Communities like Ladysmith, Nanaimo and Cumberland have terrific collections detail the life and those times in the mines.
Since my parents lived through World War II, many in my family served in the armed forces and their parents were affected by World War I. I trace my ancestry through those years and experiences. The archives bring my grand parents, my father and mother to life.
Shortly after World War II an aircraft bearing a high-resolution camera form the war years was assigned to take aerial photos of Victoria's growing suburbs. The city was beginning to sprawl. Taken from above Victoria Harbour the pictures were extremely clear and dense. The detail was incredible; you could zoom in forever, to the point where I could see my house, Elementary school and childhood playground very clearly. The picture was available from the BC Provincial Archive and I grabbed two digital copies; one for my brother and one for me. I am still fascinated with those pictures. In fact, I haven't seen anything that detailed since.
So, if you get a chance, check out the Online Photographic Databases and Online Photographic Galleries. The photographs are really outstanding.