There’s a reason Victoria, British Columbia, has earned the nickname “The City of Gardens.” Blessed with one of the mildest climates in Canada, this coastal capital bursts with colour nearly year-round. Flowers bloom as early as February, cherry trees blush pink in spring, and by summer, the city transforms into a living bouquet. From private yards and historic parks to world-famous botanical displays, Victoria’s landscapes are as carefully cultivated as they are naturally blessed.
No story about Victoria’s gardens would be complete without mentioning the legendary Butchart Gardens. Once a barren limestone quarry, Jennie Butchart transformed it in the early 1900s into a lush paradise of sunken gardens, rose beds, and Japanese maples. Today, more than a million visitors wander its winding paths each year, marvelling at the colour and care in every corner. Butchart Gardens isn’t just beautiful—it’s the living heart of Victoria’s horticultural heritage, and the garden that set the standard for all the others.
Equally beloved by locals and visitors alike is Beacon Hill Park, a 200-acre jewel near downtown. Established in 1882 and designed by landscape architect John Blair, it mixes classic English-style gardens with natural Garry oak meadows and peaceful ponds. Peacocks roam freely among the flower beds, and great blue herons nest high in the trees each spring, giving the park a vibrant, almost storybook atmosphere that delights everyone who wanders through.
In a quieter part of the city, Playfair Park offers a more intimate garden experience. Known for its spectacular springtime rhododendron and azalea displays, it’s a serene retreat where locals stroll shaded paths and rest beneath fragrant flowering trees. It may not draw crowds like the Butchart Gardens, but its tranquil charm captures the essence of Victoria’s green spirit—beautiful, balanced, and deeply loved.
For those who prefer wilder surroundings, Thetis Lake Regional Park is a local treasure. The twin lakes are framed by arbutus trees, rocky bluffs, and forest trails that make it a favourite summer swimming and hiking spot. Here, Victoria’s natural landscape takes centre stage, reminding visitors that gardens aren’t always planted—they can also grow freely in the island’s gentle coastal climate.
Just a short drive north of the city, Goldstream Provincial Park offers another breathtaking glimpse of Vancouver Island’s natural beauty. Towering evergreens, mossy trails, and a tumbling waterfall create a cool, green oasis that feels worlds away from downtown. Every autumn, the park becomes a stage for one of nature’s great performances: the annual salmon run. Thousands of chum salmon fight their way upstream, drawing bald eagles, photographers, and families eager to witness this timeless display of life and renewal.
From manicured lawns to wild riverbanks, Victoria earns its title as the City of Gardens every single day. It’s a place where blossoms spill from hanging baskets, parks bloom with history, and nature weaves itself seamlessly into city life. Whether cultivated by hand or grown by the sea air and rain, Victoria’s gardens remind us that beauty—here—never really goes out of season.
Enjoy our beautiful parks over the fall and winter seasons; and we look forward to bringing you more history and facts beginning Spring 2026 - just in time for our famous Cherry Blossoms to bloom!