Visit Victoria's Gardens and Castles |
Victoria offers the perfect blend of history and the outdoors. Steeped in colonial charm, the city is home to beautiful Victorian architecture, replete with homes turned into museums and castles (literally!) dotting the landscape. In addition, the area's relatively mild climate provides the ultimate locale for stunning gardens and scenic parks. Hop in the car or take a walk and enjoy everything Victoria has to offer.
First stop:
Craigdarroch Castle
1050 Joan Cres.
Built in the 1890s by wealthy coal baron Robert Dunsmuir, this 4½ storey, 39 room castle impresses 150,000 visitors each year with its Victorian style, 17 fireplaces and exceptional views of Victoria and the surrounding area. A short drive or relaxing walk from the Inner Harbour, Craigdarroch Castle provides a historical look at the city at the turn of the century.
Second stop:
Abkhazi Gardens
1964 Fairfield Rd.
Minutes from Craigdarroch Castle, the modest 1.4 acre Abkhazi Gardens shows off an amazing display of rhododendrons as well as spectacular views of Juan de Fuca Strait and the Olympic Mountains. Commonly known as "the garden that love built", Abkhazi Gardens are imbued with stories of the original owners and the love affair they developed with both one another and the gardens themselves – Prince Nicholas Abkhazi and Princess Peggy Abkhazi's love story spanned seven decades and their romantic history is embodied in this beautiful attraction. Third stop:
Hatley Gardens & Castle
2005 Sooke Rd.
Head across town and enjoy the charm of Hatley Gardens & Castle! With Italian, Japanese and Rose Gardens, this charming park is located on the grounds of the Royal Roads University and is home to 600+ acres of walking and biking trails old growth forest. Best of all, it is all open to the public. Also on the grounds is Hatley Castle, built in 1908 by James Dunsmuir, a coal baron and son of Robert Dunsmuir who commissioned the building of Craigdarroch Castle. Wind your way through the colours and smells of the gardens and finish this stop with a tour of Hatley Castle in all of its Edwardian glory.
Next up:
Victoria Butterfly Gardens
1461 Benvenuto Ave., Brentwood Bay
Escape to a world of whimsy and colour as you open the door to the Victoria Butterfly Gardens. Home to 35 species of free-flying butterflies that number in the thousands, this unique attraction amazes visitors of any age – there is never a shortage of things to look at. Witness the full life cycle of the butterfly from caterpillar to chrysalis to colourfully winged adult through various viewing areas. Don't miss the array of birds and fish that also populate the grounds. Last stop:
Butchart Gardens
800 Benvenuto Ave., Brentwood Bay
This world-famous attraction is a must-see when in Victoria. Covering 55 acres, the Gardens are a testament to the beauty of all things flora. The Gardens were originally started in 1904 by Jennie Butchart and after 100 years of maturing, the results are simply stunning. Walk the paths that wind through different themes, from the charming Sunken Garden to the fragrant Rose Garden, and take in the colours and smells. It doesn't get better than the Butchart Gardens.