Garden Tour
With the mildest climate in Canada, Victoria is known as the City of Gardens and blooms year-round. Each February, residents throughout the city participate in the Flower Count, adding the number of blooms from each garden into one grand total that often exceeds a million. Early spring is blossom time for climbers and fruit trees such as jasmine and Japanese cherry. Millions of daffodils appear in March and April, followed by tulips in May. Rhododendrons, lilacs, cherries and dogwood bloom in May and June, with roses peaking in June. Perennials are in full colour in the summer and fall features displays of gladiolas and chrysanthemums.
The attractions listed below peak from late February through October. Many tour companies and service operators provide tours to the various gardens.
The Butchart Gardens
(2 to 3 hours) The gardens are a 30-minute drive from downtown. Take a self-guided tour of 50 acres of world-famous gardens, including the Sunken Garden, Japanese Garden, Italian Garden, Star Pond, and elaborate fountains. Restaurants and a gift shop are on site.
Victoria Butterfly Gardens
(1 to 2 hours) The gardens are a 30-minute drive from downtown. Walk through a lush atrium where hundreds of butterflies fly amidst a kaleidoscope of flowers and tropical greenery. There is also a large conservatory of butterflies and moths. Guided or self-guided tours are available.
Horticultural Centre of the Pacific
(1 to 2 hours) The centre is a 20-minute drive from downtown. This is a working botanical garden, tucked away in the rural Saanich countryside. Tours are by request only.
Government House
(1 to 2 hours) A five-minute drive from the Inner Harbour takes you to more than ten formal gardens of various styles. The gardens are open daily for free, self-guided tours.
Beacon Hill Park
(1 to 3 hours) This downtown municipal park has meandering pathways through formal gardens, wildflower meadows and duck ponds. Playgrounds for kids and a petting zoo with goats, pigs, rabbits, and llamas are all part of the fun.
Capital Regional District Parks and Gardens
(1 to 2 hours) At various locations throughout Victoria, the CRD offers nature and botanical programmes, from nature rambles to special activities in many of the city's parks and gardens.
Victoria's Hanging Flower Baskets — Viewing/Classes
(1 hour or more) Visit the City of Victoria's Department of Parks and Recreation nursery where the city's glorious hanging baskets are created. Classes are offered in the spring and summer. Contact (250)361-0600.
Royal Roads University and Hatley Park
(1 hour) Only 25 minutes from downtown, self-guided tours through the gardens surrounding Hatley Castle, where peacocks roam freely on this picturesque campus overlooking the ocean, take you through Japanese, Italian, and rose gardens.
Finnerty Gardens, University of Victoria Campus
(1 hour) Fifteen minutes from downtown, self-guided tours showcase outstanding rhododendrons from May to June.
Gray Line of Victoria, Inspiration and Imagination — Great Gardens of Victoria
(10 to 12 hours) Enjoy a full day of exploring the many gardens that Victoria has to offer. Depart in an air-conditioned deluxe mini-coach from downtown and visit Beacon Hill Park, Government House, Hatley Castle and have lunch at Royal Colwood Golf Course. Proceed up the Malahat summit and take the Mill Bay Ferry across the scenic Saanich Inlet to The Butchart Gardens to view the gardens and enjoy high tea. Tours operate from June 15 to September 30.
Complete a day of exploring Victoria's glorious gardens with lunch, tea, or dinner in any of several restaurants that complement fine cuisine with edible flowers and herbs, such as: The Sooke Harbour House, The Herald Street Caffe, The Blue Crab and The Blue Poppy and The Dining Room at The Butchart Gardens.
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