The Union Steamship Company of British Columbia, a pioneering firm in coastal British Columbia, was established in November 1889 by John Darling, a director of the Union Steamship Company of New Zealand, along with nine local businessmen. Initially serving Burrard Inlet near Vancouver, the company expanded to cover the entire British Columbia coast. Their first fleet consisted of three smaller wooden-hulled steamers, the Leonora, Senator, and the steam tug Skidegate. The first significant steamer they acquired after incorporation was the Cutch, a vessel originally built in Hull, England, in 1884, which was placed on the Vancouver to Nanaimo run.

The company's operations evolved over time, with ships like Capilano 1 and Coquitlam, built in Glasgow and reassembled in British Columbia, being adapted for passenger transport during the Klondike Gold Rush, marking the first British vessels to proceed directly to the Yukon from Vancouver. The fleet also included vessels like Camosun and Cowichan for passenger and freight service, and Cheslakee, intended for northern passenger routes.

The Union Steamship faced various events and issues, such as the wrecking of the Cutch, Cheslakee capsizing, and losing ships like Vadso and Capilano 1. The company also went through ownership changes, with Welsford & Company taking control in 1911, and dealt with economic disruptions during World War I, which initially reduced its operations. They purchased the All-Red Line in 1917, contributing to the expansion of excursion businesses. Throughout its existence, the company adapted to regulatory changes and market demands, eventually being bought out by the Canadian Pacific Steamship Company in 1948 and ceasing operations in 1956 due to a strike.

For a comprehensive history, you may consider accessing detailed historical records or visiting specialized maritime museums that hold archives on the Union Steamship Company of British Columbia.