The Gardens of Victoria
Beautiful Victoria The Capital City is pleased to offer many gardens. Have you taken an afternoon stroll through the world famous Butchart Gardens? Here you will find unique flower displays that greet you around every corner. There is also the peaceful Japanese Gardens. The Rose Garden is another option. It is enveloped by the gentle scent of flowers. You are invited to visit all of these gardens in Victoria. They are more than just landscapes, they are living masterpieces.
Stroll through these well-planned gardens, where peacefulness and beauty coexist. Allow Victoria’s gardens to enchant your senses and experience the Gardens of Victoria.
Butchart Gardens
The best-known park in Victoria is the Butchart Gardens. It is located in Brentwood Bay, 30 minutes from the city centre. As soon as you walk in, you’ll be greeted by a stunning view of the Sunken Garden. There are walks that go through more than 150 flower beds in this area. The Butchart Gardens was once a limestone mine many years ago. At its heart is a rock mound that serves as a lookout. Right at the very edge of the quarry there is a pond featuring a fountain that dances.
Finnerty Gardens
At the University of Victoria campus, on the southwestern border, is the informative Finnerty Gardens. These gardens are a haven of tranquility. In this forest garden, you will find more than four thousand species of trees and bushes. All are labelled by common and scientific names
Hatley Park Gardens
It was between 1913 and 1914 that the Dunsmuir family hired landscape planners to make a park on their estate. The estate was surrounded by Douglas fir trees. The land is now a National Historic Site and a part of the Royal Roads University Campus. The old grounds are still there today.
Hatley Park Gardens has flowers and plants from all over the world. It also has stunning views of the Olympic Mountains across Juan de Fuca Strait.
The Italian Garden is full of statues. The Rose Garden forms a number of circular rings around a clock.
The Upper Japanese Garden is peaceful and has a lake and two streams running through it. Here you will see flowering cherries, azaleas, primroses, and stone lanterns. The second part of the Japanese Garden is near a small lake. Here you will find a beautiful curved bridge that leads to a pagoda island.
Beautiful Victoria The Capital City is on the southern tip of Vancouver Island. It is full of exciting things to do. Have you ever taken a walk through the beautiful Butchart Gardens? Each flower seems to have a story to tell. Or had the thrill of seeing majestic orcas in the Salish Sea ? Where the water is clear and full of sea life. Adventures in Victoria wants you to go on a trip. Experience old-fashioned beauty of the Pacific Northwest.
Can you picture yourself paddling along the rough shoreline? You will be guided by the smell of the ocean and a chance to find something new. Come along with Adventures in Victoria as we explore the fascinating stories of this seaside city. Every encounter serves is special. Are you ready to dive into Victoria’s main attractions? This is where history, nature, and fun all come together.
Let the Adventures in Victoria begin!
The Top Hikes in Victoria
Beautiful Victoria The Capital City features hiking as one of the most popular activities. Well marked paths and a moderate climate means you can hike year round. There are beautiful hikes right next to the ocean or in the highlands of Vancouver Island. They’re all close to the main city. Here are a few of my favourite. A few breathtaking hiking paths are mentioned here as well.
Goldstream Falls
Do you want to hike to a waterfall? Check out Goldstream Provincial Park. It is only a 30-minute drive from downtown Victoria. You can also take bus route 50 to get there. The Upper Goldstream Falls hike is 3 km long and easy. It leads to a magnificent waterfall. You can camp in Goldstream Provincial Park and find many hiking trails there.
Mount Wells
This wilderness park is situated at the Millstream/Sooke exit off the Trans-Canada Highway. It offers a challenging hike to one of the most elevated peaks in the area. In April, the trail will be lined with spring blooms. Walk through stands of old Douglas fir. You can see Victoria and the Strait of Juan de Fuca from the top of Mount Wells. Allow two hours to finish the three-kilometer loop.
The Galloping Goose Path
This 60-kilometer walking, hiking, and cycling trail follows sections of an old railway line. It links North Saanich, Swartz Bay, Victoria, and Sooke. The Selkirk Trestle, Todd Trestle, and Thetis Lake Regional Park are some of the most beautiful parts of the trail.
Victoria's Best Beaches
Beautiful Victoria The Capital City features a lot of great beaches. The city is bordered by the Pacific Ocean. Gonzales Beach, Esquimalt Lagoon, and Cordova Bay are all great places to swim. There is a camp site at Island View Beach Regional Park. It is north of the city center. If you’re looking for the perfect sunset photo op in Victoria, stop by. Visit Tourism Victoria’s interactive map to discover other fantastic beach and sun attractions.
Long Beach
On the west side of Vancouver Island, about 20 km south of Tofino, is Long Beach. This paradise really lives up to its name. It has the largest beach in Pacific Rim National Park. There are 16 kilometers of beautiful, wave-washed sand. This beach is great for walking, lying in the sun or surfing. Swimming in this area may be risky. Parks Canada’s website has maps showing potential dangers and the safest locations for swimming and surfing. There are 94 drive-in campsites and 20 walk-in campsites. There is also one TENTik cabin at the Green Point Park on Highway 4. It is next to Long Beach. It’s best to make reservations.
China Beach
This beach on Vancouver Island is on the Juan de Fuca Strait. Located off of Highway 14. It’s about a 90-minute drive west of Victoria. From the parking area, the path to the beach meanders through old growth forest. Here you will see Douglas fir, Sitka spruce, and Western red cedar. Enjoy the fine white sand, stunning views, and a waterfall. The beach will take your breath away. Juan de Fuca Provincial Park has 78 drive-in campsites where dogs are allowed. You can book your spot online.
Beach Mystic
Along the 47-kilometer Juan de Fuca backpacking path is Mystic Beach. It is located next to China Beach. Mystic Beach is an excellent place to see marine life. You may see harbour seals, California sea lions, Stellar’s sea lions, and grey whales. On the beach, backcountry camping is permitted. Permits can be obtained online from Juan de Fuca Provincial Park.
Cycling Tours in Victoria
Beautiful Victoria The Capital City offers cycling routes throughout the region. Make sure you have your bike with you! Cycling is a great way to travel about Victoria. There are many choices for longer rides or short rides through the downtown area. The Pedaler (321 Belleville St., 778-265-7433), provides guided tours and bike rentals.
Galloping Goose Trail
Cycling along the Galloping Goose Trail is a great way to see Greater Victoria. This restored railway line connects a number of municipalities. It also travels through a beautiful wild stretch of West Coast forest. Enjoy the beautiful bridge crossings. Easy grades make the Galloping Goose pleasurable for everyone.
Bear Mountain
Bear Mountain is the home of the Canadian National Mountain Bike Team. It has some of the best mountain riding in Victoria. This includes a singletrack for beginners, a flow route for intermediates, and a difficult singletrack. There are places to rent mountain bikes in the region as well. Bear Mountain is located to the north of Langford.
Lochside Trail
This designated recreational trail links Swartz Bay to downtown Victoria. Throughout the course of the 29-kilometer trail, there are several chances to stop for lunch at cafés along the way. The path is paved and suited for touring bicycles