Victoria Sights and Landmarks Guide, British Columbia

Victoria, British Columbia, is the Garden spot of Canada and justly famous for its lush formal gardens, where millions of visitors flock yearly. Listed are the most notable but just a few of the must see gardens of Victoria. 

Beacon Hill Park was created in the 1880's and it reflects the serenity of this time. This park has a sports field, wildflower meadows, a golfing green, a cricket patch and lovely paths that wind through the 180-hectacre park. It also houses a petting zoo that is a favorite for those traveling with children. 

The most famous of Victoria’s attractions are the Butchart Gardens, which encompass over 55 acres of panoramic views and spectacular gardens. The gardens were built in 1904 on an abandoned quarry and have come to be the place that best defines Victoria. Highlights are the butterfly garden planted with flower and plant species that attract butterflies, a superb rose garden, and an exotic sunken garden. 

The Finnerty Gardens are located on the University campus and is a Rhododendron lover’s delight with hundreds of different types and varieties planted in lovely landscaping patterns. 

If you are not a gardener or if you want something different, several other sights are also natural. Victoria is a haven for wildlife and there are splendid opportunities for whale watching. Victoria and all of Vancouver Island are well known viewing sites for migrating and resident whales. Boat tours are offered with knowledgeable local guides that will point out and identify whales as they rise from the sea just meters from your boat. There are other wildlife-watching opportunities on the island, with black bears, rare cougars, deer and native elk roaming Vancouver Island’s roads and highways, something to keep in mind if you plan to rent a car and drive about the area.

Architecture buffs will enjoy the many intact and restored examples of Victorian residences that dot Victoria.

The Parliament Buildings are an impressive example of this style. Victoria has several highly rated museums, such as the Royal British Columbia Museum, which offers special exhibitions throughout the year, with topics that range from Dinosaurs to Genghis Khan to Leonardo da Vinci and his works. 

 This year is an especially good time to visit Victoria since 2008 marks the Independence for the region and the 150 year anniversary of the end of British Colombia as a Crown colony.

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