Gardens in Victoria & Vancouver Island

The garden offers an escape from the rush of modern life. Created in 1946 by Prince and Princess Abkhazi, it is a heritage garden famous for its majestic trees and dramatic site. As a dynamic and evolving garden, new plantings pay respect to the Abkhazi's original vision but welcome interesting new treasures that change with the seasons and enhance the sophisticated design. Stay for lunch or afternoon tea in the original home, a simple but elegant space where one feels like a personal guest of the Abkhazis. The restaurant showcases traditional home cooking using fresh local ingredients. Our Shop in the Garden offers unique and interesting gifts for all occasions.

Beacon Hill Park – Douglas Street and Superior Street intersection.
This civic garden and park dates to the 1880’s. The 180-hectare park offers meandering pathways, formal gardens, wildflower meadows, a bandshell, sports filed, a miniature golfing green, a cricket pitch and The Beacon Hill Petting Zoo.
Park of the park is landscaped, the remainder is natural land in a native habitat.

Butchart Gardens – 800 Benvenuto Avenue, Brentwood Bay,
Welcome to the Butchart Gardens, fifty-five acres of wonderful floral display, offering spectacular views as you stroll along meandering paths and expansive lawns. In 1904, Jennie Butchart began to beautify a worked-out quarry site remaining from her husband's pioneering efforts manufacturing cement at Tod Inlet on Vancouver Island. Her venture has become a family commitment to horticulture and hospitality spanning 100 years, delighting visitors from all over the world. From the exquisite Sunken Garden to the charming Rose Garden, this garden still maintains the gracious traditions of the past, in one of the loveliest corners in the world.
Butchart Gardens Contact Information

Victoria Butterfly Gardens - Corner of W Saanich and Keating X Roads, Victoria Butterfly Gardens is a magical place were you can stroll through a stunning tropic gardens while witnessing the entire life cycle of one of nature’s most amazing insects, the butterfly. With over 35 imported species of butterflies, you can see up to 2,000 flying freely amidst hundreds of tropical plants, including an exquisite orchid exhibit. Cascading water falls into a stream that meanders throughout the garden and is home to many fish and tropical ducks. Rare South African Turocos and other birds will entertain you with their antics. It is a captivating experience for the whole family and truly a photographer’s paradise.
Victoria Butterfly Gardens Contact Information

Finnerty Gardens – University of Victoria grounds.
Noted for the 3,000 varieties of rhododendrons; companion plants extend the enjoyment throughout most of the year. Daily during daylight. No charge.
Follow the signs to The Interfaith Chapel, southwest Ring Road. Parking available.
University of Victoria Contact Information

Government House Grounds -1401 Rockland Avenue,
Perennial borders, rose and herb gardens; pathways are suitable for physically challenged. Guided tours April through September –second and fourth Sunday, third Wednesday at 2 pm. Daily, dawn to dusk. No charge
Friends of Government House Gardens Society Contact Information

Hatley Park – 2005 Sooke Road,
This National Historic site features stately trees, Italian, Japanese and natural English gardens. Set in this lush setting is Hatley Castle – now part of Royal Roads University. The gardens are surrounded by an urban forest. The campus borders a saltwater lagoon that is a wildlife sanctuary. Open daily, dawn to dusk.
RoyalRoads Contact Information

Horticulture Centre of The Pacific – 505 Quayle Road, 250-479-6162
Visit over 5 acres of beautiful gardens set on a 103 acre site in Saanich, just outside Victoria, BC. Stroll through the outstanding Winter Garden, the Takata Japanese style garden, spectacular rhododendron and heather gardens, dahlia and lily beds, colourful perennials – all in a Conservation Park setting with nature trails, wetlands and bird watching sites.
April to September 8 am to 8 pm; October to march 9 am to 4:30 pm; closed Christmas Day
Horticulture Centre of the Pacific Conact Information

Point Ellice House Gardens -2616 Pleasant Street
Kathleen O'Reilly, daughter of Peter and Caroline, kept notes about all the plantings at Point Ellice and the gardens have been carefully re-established according to these unusually detailed accounts. To see the colourful progression of blooms throughout the season, plan to visit Point Ellice more than once! You'll see heritage varieties not often found in modern gardens, and learn about Victorian gardening techniques.
Point Ellice House Contact Information

Milner Gardens and Woodlands -2179 West Island Highway,Qualicum Beach,
Take a step back in time to discover the unique heritage home and unspoiled natural beauty found within the 70 acre Milner Gardens and Woodland. Stroll through the forest to the woodland garden with its Rhododendron lined glades carpeted with cyclamen, trillium and other indigenous plants. Experience the 10 acre artist’s garden surrounding the historic Milner House situated atop an oceanside bluff. Enjoy afternoon tea in the Milner House where Queen Elizabeth, Prince Philip, Prince Charles and Princess Diana once visited. Savour the spectacular tree-framed views of Georgia Strait dotted with its islands and backdrop of distant coastal mountains. Milner Gardens and Woodland, a teaching garden, is open to the public April through October, Thursdays to Sundays, 10 am to 5 pm (gate closes at 4 pm). For group tour bookings or information about our educational courses and special events, contact the gardens.
Milner Gardens and Woodlands Contact Information