Attractions
Educational Heritage Attractions
Heritage Churches
& Synagogues
Heritage Parks & Gardens
Quick Links: Beacon Hill Park | Government House | Hatley Park | Heritage Acres | Victorian Garden Tours Ltd. |
ABKHAZI GARDEN
TLC The Land Conservancy of British Columbia
1964 Fairfield Road
250-598-8096
www.abkhazi.com
Open 11 am to 5 pm everyday including holidays from March 1st to September 30th
Adults: $10:00; Seniors & Students: $7:50; Family: $25 (two adults only); Children twelve and under: free;
One of the world's best and most unique small gardens. Known affectionately as "the garden that love built," this one acre jewel was created by Prince and Princess Nicholas Abkhazi in the middle of the last century. The garden's future was at risk in early 2000 when a strong community campaign resulted in TLC The Land Conservancy purchasing the property in February 2000. This magical garden takes full advantage of its dramatic site that contains quiet woodland, rocky slopes and gorgeous vistas. The rhododendron woodland includes tree-like plants over 100 years old. A charming tea room and gift shop are located in the Abkhazi house.
BEACON HILL PARK
(Friends of Beacon Hill Park)
Park open to the public. Named by Hudson's Bay Company in 1846, established as City of Victoria park in 1882. Zoo began 1890, now a petting farm. Sports fields, cricket club. Band concerts held since 1890's. Alpine gardens, wildflower meadows, rose gardens, lakes, Mayor's Grove of Trees, native Garry Oak forest.
GOVERNMENT HOUSE
1401 Rockland Avenue
250-387-2080
www.ltgov.bc.ca
Year round: Dawn to dusk.
Grounds free.
Government House is the office and residence of the Lieutenant Governor, the provincial representative of Her Majesty The Queen of Canada. The grounds embrace 14.6 hectares of a rare Garry Oak ecosystem and 5.7 hectares of formal gardens. All formal garden areas are wheelchair accessible. An interpretive centre, coffee shop and gift shop are open during the summer months. Self-guided tours of the grounds are free, or contact the Friends of Government House Gardens Society at 250-356-5139 for a guided tour. Free parking is available.
HATLEY PARK
National Historic Site
Royal Roads University, 2005 Sooke Road
Colwood, via Highway 1 and 1A
Ph: (250) 391-2666
Ph2: 1-866-241-0674
www.hatleypark.ca
Garden and Grounds:
Access to grounds: all year, dawn to dusk (free admission)
Access to heritage gardens: all year, (call for seasonal opening hours)
Tours:
Hatley Castle Tours (30 to 60 minutes): all year (call for tour times)
Garden Tours: July and August (call for tour times)
Museum: year round (free admission)
Admission:
Grounds Free
Garden Access: $9 for Adults, $8 for Seniors, $6 for Youth, Children are free, Family of 5 is $27
Hatley Castle Tours: 30 minute Tour: $15 Adult; $14 Senior; $9 Youth; Child (6-12) $9; Child (under 6) free; and Family of 5 $42.
60 minute Tour: $17 Adult; $16 Senior; $11 Youth; Child (6-12) $9; Child (under 6) free; and Family of 5 $48.
A highly diverse and picturesque National Historic Site covering 650 acres. This magnificent 1908 Edwardian estate began as the home of industrialist James Dunsmuir and later the site of a military college until 1995 when it became Royal Roads University. The massive Scottish inspired castle is the centre piece of an estate that contains a series of beautiful formal gardens, lush old growth forests and ocean vistas.
HERITAGE ACRES (Saanich Historical Artifacts Society)
7321 Lochside Drive, Saanichton (north off Island View Road)
250-652-5522
www.shas.ca
email: heritageacres@shas.ca
Daily: Mid June - Mid Sept: 9:30 am - 4 pm; Rest of year: 9:30 am - 12 noon.
Admission by donation. Membership: Single $20; Family $30.
29-Acre Site featuring nature trails, picnic areas and park land. The Society collects, restores, houses, displays and demonstrates artifacts telling the story of farming, country life and industry on early Vancouver Island. Artifacts are displayed in various locations around the property and within museum buildings. Relocated, restored and replica buildings are grouped into a village setting that depicts early 1900 BC life. Group tours can be prearranged by calling the office about one week in advance.
VICTORIAN GARDEN TOURS LTD.
250-380-2797 for reservations
www.victoriangardentours.com
Year-round narrated guided tours of Victoria's public and private gardens. Gardens that can be toured include turn of the century gardens, heritage rose gardens, Japanese style gardens and private gardens that have gained recognition for their unique west coast garden style. Learn about Victoria's colourful past as you visit these wonderful gardens. You can even meet the spirit of Emily Carr and join her for tea. Complimentary transportation, umbrellas, and personalized service provided.