Lesser Known Gardens of Victoria

by Maureen Elhatton

In late November, I visited Victoria, B.C., to enjoy the maritime climate and admire their gardens. A friend and fellow gardening enthusiast, Louise, toured us around several of the lesser-known gardens of Victoria.

First she took us to Beacon Hill Park (100 Cook St), which is the crowning jewel of Victoria’s park system. It is 740,000 square meters of parkland with something for everyone. There are natural areas graced by peacocks, flower beds including an alpine/rock garden, and beautiful walking paths.  I could have spent the entire day there photographing the scenery and lookouts to the Strait of Juan De Fuca. Beacon Hill Park is also Mile 0, the western end of the 8000 km Trans-Canada Highway.

More Information:

Beacon Hill Park is a large, scenic public park located next to downtown Victoria. It features walking trails, landscaped gardens, ponds, sports fields, playgrounds, picnic areas, and ocean viewpoints overlooking the Strait of Juan de Fuca. It’s also home to Mile Zero of the Trans-Canada Highway.

Cost:
Admission is free and the park is open daily from dawn to dusk. Parking is generally free for a limited time in nearby lots and streets. Some attractions, such as the children’s farm, operate by suggested donation.

Getting There:
The park is easily accessible by foot from downtown (5–15 minutes), by BC Transit bus, by bike, or a short drive with nearby parking available.

Next we visited the gardens at the Horticulture Centre of the Pacific (HCP) located at 505 Quale Road. There is an admission charge to visit the gardens and you should check for their open hours. Prepare to be amazed by the variety of gardens! The most amazing one was the Bonsai Garden, featuring native trees such as the Sitka Spruce that had been tended for 25-30 years. Louise told us that the bonsai exhibits had to be padlocked in place as some of them had been stolen. I could have spent an entire day exploring the HCP garden.

More Information:

Horticulture Centre Of The Pacific (Victoria, BC) is a beautiful botanical garden and horticultural learning centre featuring over nine acres of themed demonstration gardens set within a larger conservation park. Highlights include a Takata Japanese & Zen Garden, the largest outdoor bonsai garden in Canada, a Children’s Garden, Native Plant and Ethnobotany Trails, Rhododendron & Hosta areas, herb, Mediterranean, lily and vegetable gardens, and scenic woodland and wetland areas perfect for bird-watching and peaceful walks. There’s also a partner restaurant on site where you can relax with a meal or drink.

Cost:

• Adults (16+): ~$16
• Seniors & Students: ~$12
• Children under 16: Free
• Members: Free
  Admission includes the garden grounds, and special plant sale days sometimes offer free entry while browsing & buying plants.

Getting There:
The gardens are located about 12–15 minutes by car north of downtown Victoria at 505 Quayle Rd. You can drive or take local bus services toward the area. On-site parking is available.

It’s a great spot for nature lovers, garden inspiration, family visits, and quiet strolls through diverse plant collections with seasonal blooms year-round.

Lastly, a community garden in the Fisherman’s Wharf area of Victoria left me amazed at finding a strawberry tree (arbutus unedo). This is a large shrub or small tree about 10 ft high, native to the Mediterranean. It produces red bumpy edible berries that are similar to large strawberries although they taste bland. The volunteer working in the garden was very helpful telling us about the tree and encouraging us to sample the fruit.

More Information:

Fisherman’s Wharf Park Community Herb Garden is a small volunteer‑maintained public herb and commons garden located within Fisherman’s Wharf Park at the corner of Erie and St. Lawrence streets. It was established as part of the park’s design and is tended by local volunteers coordinated through the James Bay Neighbourhood Association. The garden features a variety of herbs, edible flowers, and fruiting plants and encourages visitors to explore, learn, and even harvest a few herbs like rosemary, mint, or chives in moderation.

Cost:

• Free to visit and enjoy — it’s an open public space with no entry fee.
• The garden thrives on volunteer effort and invites community participation.

Getting There:

• The community garden is right inside Fisherman’s Wharf Park, which is about a 10–15 minute walk from downtown Victoria’s Inner Harbour. (Fisherman’s Wharf Victoria)
• You can also arrive by bus (BC Transit), bike (bike racks available), or car (paid parking nearby).

It’s a nice little green spot to explore herbs and edible plants while you’re enjoying the waterfront atmosphere at Fisherman’s Wharf.

Here’s a list of lesser‑known gardens and green spaces worth visiting in and around Victoria, BC (beyond the big one, The Butchart Gardens):

• Abkhazi Garden – A charming heritage garden created in 1946. It features peaceful pathways, native Garry oaks, Japanese maples, rhododendrons and a teahouse. It’s quieter and smaller than many other gardens but loved by locals and visitors alike.

• Finnerty Gardens – A woodland garden on the University of Victoria campus with over 200 rhododendron species, azaleas, ponds and benches. It’s great for a leisurely stroll, especially in spring.

• Playfair Park – A neighborhood green space known for its mature rhododendron and azalea displays and Garry oak meadow. It’s especially beautiful in spring.

• Outerbridge Park – A smaller garden and nature spot with native plantings, ponds, herbaceous beds, and meadows. Perfect for a quieter, natural walk.

• Swan Lake / Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary – More of a nature sanctuary than a formal garden, it features native plants, wetlands, wildflowers and Garry oak ecosystems with excellent walking trails.

• Gardens at Government House – The grounds of the Lieutenant Governor’s residence include beautiful formal gardens and plantings that are often overlooked by visitors.

Exploring gardens across Canada is a wonderful way to spark creativity, learn new techniques, and appreciate how different regions garden differently. Have you visited inspiring gardens elsewhere in the country or discovered a hidden gem on your travels?

We’d love to share your story! If you’re interested in submitting an article about your garden adventures, contact: ehscoordinator@edmontonhort.com