1894Open since 1894. That's 132 years.
Our take
Edward Cutler built it in 1894 as the British Ensign Hotel, using whip-sawn lumber and hand-cut nails, and it takes its name from the 17 miles to Victoria City Hall. Over the years it has housed a temporary school, church services and, in the 1920s, the area’s only telephone. ‘Ma’ Edith Wilson ran it from 1940 to 1970 and limited family men to two beers. There is still a bullet scar to find, plus chess, pool and a liquor store.
The facts
- Built in 1894 as the British Ensign Hotel by Edward Cutler. 17milehouse.com
- Named for its distance of 17 miles from Victoria City Hall. 17milehouse.com
- Edith ‘Ma’ Wilson ran the house from 1940 to 1970. 17milehouse.com
- The pub says Guinness recognized it for the best Guinness pour in town. 17milehouse.com
- The Sooke News Mirror profiled the pub in April 2025. issuu.com
On our lists West to Jordan RiverHere since before 2000Open on SundayStill open after 9
Is this your place?
Your listing is free. Send new hours or photos, fix anything we got wrong, or answer five questions and we’ll add your answers to this page.
Sources for this listing
Checked November 8, 2026. Built from public sources; nothing here is a firsthand review.
