Victoria, BC is a place that’s perfect for being outside and enjoying the beauty and diversity in nature. Here are some amazing places to explore, relax and soak it all in!
GARDENS
Large and small … entrance fee or free … these gardens are always beautiful any time of year!
VICTORIA BUTTERFLY GARDENS
A Visit to Victoria Butterfly Gardens Victoria Butterfly Gardens isn’t just about butterflies; in fact, it is a complete tropical rain forest experience from the beautiful tropical gardens with over 200 species of tropical plants
DOMINION BROOK PARK
Dominion Brook Park is located in North Saanich, close to the airport on East Saanich Road, across the street from the Panorama Rec. Centre. (See map below for address and location) It's not a
FINNERTY GARDENS AT UVIC
One of Canada's best collections of rhododendrons is on display at Finnerty Gardens on the University of Victoria Grounds. Yet it's probably one of the least known - at least to the casual tourist.
MAP OF GARDEN LOCATIONS
Check out this handy map for locations of the various gardens in and around Victoria. Some are within walking distance of downtown, some require transportation. All are worth a look! Click on the garden
5 GREAT GARDENS AROUND VICTORIA
If you love flowers & gardens of all types ... you've come to the right place! No one loves their flowers more than the people of Victoria, BC. Due to it's mild climate you can
ESQUIMALT GORGE PARK
Not far from downtown Victoria is the community of Esquimalt where you'll find the lovely and tranquil Esquimalt Gorge Park. Shady Spot for a Picnic! Esquimalt Gorge Park was first established as BC
ST. ANN’S ACADEMY
St. Ann's Academy National Historic Site St. Ann's Academy Walk through the wrought-iron gate, along the drive, up the grand staircase and in the former school’s formal entrance. View the 1920’s era
POINT ELLICE HOUSE
Point Ellice House - A slice of history in Victoria preserved! **July 2023 After being closed for a while due to lack of funding ... Point Ellice House is now open again but with limited
GOVERNMENT HOUSE AND CARY MEWS
One of Victoria's 'hidden gems' ... Government House is the seat of the Lieutenant Governer of British Columbia, The Honorable Janet Austin, OBC. Government House is the office and official residence of the Lieutenant Governor
ABKHAZI GARDEN
The Abkhazi Garden is an exquisite heritage home and garden located in Victoria, British Columbia, a city known for its wonderful gardens. Prince and Princess Abkhazi began creating their garden in 1946. This was
THE GARDENS AT HCP
There's a reason that Victoria is called "The City of Gardens" .... we've got a lot of them! Victoria is known for its variety and abundance of flowers and plants of all kinds. If gardening
BEACON HILL PARK
Victoria is a city of parks. We have literally dozens of them! One of the most popular parks is right downtown and has something for everyone - Beacon Hill Park. February in Beacon Hill
THE BUTCHART GARDENS
No visit to Victoria would be complete without a visit to the world renowned Butchart Gardens! No matter if you're not ga-ga for gardens, Butchart Gardens is an amazing place nonetheless! And, it doesn't matter
HATLEY CASTLE
HATLEY PARK NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE AND ... A MOVIE STAR! Hatley Castle James Dunsmuir commissioned Samuel Maclure, a Victorian architect, to design the “Castle”. Local stone, trimmed by Valdez and Saturna Island
BEACHES
We have beaches on the ocean … beaches on lakes … from rocky to sandy … quiet and secluded to busy and pulsing with life! Find what you’re looking for here!
ISLAND VIEW BEACH REGIONAL PARK
Exploring Island View Beach Island View Beach Regional Park is appropriately named for the gorgeous views across Cordova Channel and Haro Strait at James Island, Sidney Island, D'Arcy Island and the American Jan Juan Islands.
CORDOVA SPIT
Cordova Spit (TIXEN) Cordova Spit is located on the Saanich Peninsula and extends northward from Island View Beach pushing into Haro Strait and the waters of Saanichton Bay like the prow of a giant ship.
COLES BAY REGIONAL PARK
A small park in a quiet neighborhood leading down to the Saanich Inlet - that's Coles Bay Regional Park! At just under 9 acres, this park is the perfect place for a short stroll, or
SIDNEY SPIT NATIONAL PARK RESERVE
Sidney Spit National Park Reserve is located on Sidney Island, just east of the town of Sidney, BC Sidney Spit is accessible by kayak, canoe or boat. There are 21 mooring buoys, and dock space
POCKET BEACHES IN VICTORIA, BC
POCKET BEACHES There are a number of small beaches I like to call 'pocket beaches' scattered around Victoria. They are really tiny but this usually means they are fairly quiet - usually only known to
EAST SOOKE REGIONAL PARK
East Sooke Park If you want to have a true 'west coast' experience - without going too far away from civilization, nothing beats East Sooke Park! East Sooke is the largest CRD Park, encompassing 1422
DEVONIAN REGIONAL PARK
Devonian Park Entrance and parking lot This great - tho small - park is about a 40-minute drive from Victoria and well worth it! Features include a gentle walking trail through mixed woodland
ESQUIMALT LAGOON
Esquimalt Lagoon Esquimalt (pronounced 'Ess-KWI-malt') Lagoon features miles of breathtaking ocean Lagoon Side of the Road beachfront perfect for walks, beachcombing, sand castles and water play. Across the road from the
MATHESON LAKE REGIONAL PARK
Matheson Lake On a hot summer day, Matheson Lake is a perfect place to enjoy a refreshing dip and a picnic at the sandy beach area. It's quite small, but nice. In any season, hikers
ELK LAKE/BEAVER LAKE BEACHES
Elk Lake/Beaver Lake Trail Beaver Lake & Elk Lake are often spoken of together ... they're actually 2 lakes joined together with beaches on both ends. There is a great trail that circles
WILLOWS BEACH
Willows Beach A developed waterfront park (1.17 hectare) with large grassed area, change rooms and washrooms, concession and tea room, picnic tables, benches, children’s play area, sandy beach, esplanade and walkway. This scenic developed waterfront
GYRO PARK
Cadboro-Gyro Park Cadboro-Gyro Park is designated a Community Park with a unique and substantial waterfront that appeals to residents throughout the region. The park is within easy walking distance of Cadboro Bay Village and the University
THETIS LAKE REGIONAL PARK
This regional conservation area was established as Canada's first nature sanctuary in 1958. The park offers outdoor activities in a natural setting. Thetis overview Features Swamp and lake ecosystems for nature study Delicate
LONG BEACh, TOFINO, VANCOUVER ISLAND
SIGHTSEEING/PADDLING/WHALE WATCHING/SURFING Vancouver Island Because Vancouver Island is fairly small (about 460 km - or 290 mi x 80 km - or 50 mi) it's easy to get anywhere in a day. But
BIRD WATCHING
Victoria is in a unique position on a migratory bird corridor. You can see birds that stay in our moderate climate all year long or perhaps are just passing through. Bring your binoculars!
CORDOVA SPIT
Cordova Spit (TIXEN) Cordova Spit is located on the Saanich Peninsula and extends northward from Island View Beach pushing into Haro Strait and the waters of Saanichton Bay like the prow of a giant ship.
TOD INLET: A HIDDEN GEM
Tod Inlet in Gowlland Tod Provincial Park One of our favourite spots in Victoria is tucked in behind Butchart Gardens where thousands of people visit every year, but have no idea that this hidden gem
ALBERT HEAD LAGOON REGIONAL PARK
This small lagoon serves as a wildlife sanctuary and refuge for a variety of birds. Features A protected lagoon that attracts local ducks, geese and swans, as well as many varieties of migrating birds A
OUTERBRIDGE PARK
Outerbridge park, Victoria BC - small in area but big on beauty! This park is new to me ... what a find! These photos were taken in early spring (well ... winter for us in
SWAN LAKE CHRISTMAS HILL NATURE SANCTUARY
Swan Lake/Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary This park consists of two distinct areas: marshy lowlands surrounding Swan Lake; and the rocky, oak-forested highlands of Christmas Hill. The 12,000 year-old-lake is a rich habitat for a variety
MIGRATORY BIRD SANCTUARIES IN VICTORIA, BC
Victoria is home to a number of Migratory Bird Sanctuaries. Be sure to check them out - especially during the spring and fall migration! 1. Shoal Harbour Migratory Bird Sanctuary Shoal Harbour Migratory Bird Sanctuary