Welcome to spring, Victoria… or at least the budding beginnings of it!
Springtime brings a reminder of the city’s sparkling beauty—everywhere we turn, we see green grass, budding leaves and flowers scattering the ground and blooming in trees.
Definitely beats the snow that still blankets other areas of Canada, that’s for sure!
So, get outside, count your blessings and sniff some flowers at a number of different gardens around the city.
We’ve even included the iconic Butterfly Gardens just in case you’re looking for a sprinkle of tropical in your garden adventures (especially while it rains outside)!
Here’s a list of 5 gardens to check out in and around Victoria to explore this spring:
Abkhazi Garden
It’s a charming estate host to not only a garden, but an exquisite heritage home that has been transformed into a teahouse—it’s open to the public year round.
Known as ‘the garden that love built,’ it can be found along Fairfield Road in Victoria and you may have passed by without truly knowing about this hidden gem.
Stretching out at just under an acre, this textural landscape has a mix of water features, rock, moss, and a variety of trees, shrubs, and flowers.
- Where: 1964 Fairfield Road
- When:
- April 1st to August 31st—7 days a week from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- September 1st to March 31st—Wednesday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Finnerty Gardens
Despite being nestled in the heart of the University of Victoria campus, this space is open to the public all-year round!
Whether you’re a bird watcher, gardener, botanist or just seeking a lovely place to walk, Finnerty is the perfect place to enjoy a nice walk.
Take yourself on a self-guided tour using their pamphlet.
Finnerty is free to visit!
- Where: University Drive, UVic Campus
- When: Open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Butchart Gardens
This iconic garden has been in bloom for 120 years and is a worldwide tourist attraction as well as a favourite yearly visit for residents!
Take a leisurely walk amongst 900 bedding plant varieties, all expertly curated to give the gardens a refined, and lush look that is guaranteed to leave you in awe.
They even have their Spring Prelude indoor garden open right now—made up of beds of daffodils and tulips that bloom alongside tropical plants and orchids, creating a fantasy garden.
- Where: 800 Benvenuto Avenue, Brentwood Bay
- When:
- March 1st to March 31st—seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- April 1st to May 31st—seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Hours change during the summer
Government House Gardens
Located on the historic grounds of the Government House, the gardens have seen many additions and improvements since its creation in 1911—designed by G.K. Maclean.
This garden is free to visit and they allow dogs as long as they’re leashed!
There is a tea room located on the grounds as well, however, it only operates seasonally and won’t be open again until late May.
- Where: 1401 Rockland Avenue
- When: Open seven days a week during house hours
Victoria Butterfly Gardens
Humid, naturally-lit, filled with tropical animals and plants, the Butterfly Gardens is the perfect place to spend a couple of hours out of the drizzle.
You begin by browsing their collection of exotic bugs and slowly move towards their vibrant jungle adventure that’s been beautifully crafted for visitors and animals alike.
The ceilings are high to allow for spacious flying zones and growing trees. There are also multiple water features and plenty of gorgeous flowers to peek at.
Ticket prices vary, but a general adult ticket is $18.50 and tickets for children between the ages of 5 and 7 is $7.50.
- Where: Butterfly Gardens, 1461 Benvenuto Avenue, Brentwood Bay
- When: Wednesday, March 6th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Did we miss your favourite? Let us know in the comments!
