Victoria BC Attractions
Beacon Hill Park
Victoria BC is world famous for gardens and parks. The city has dubbed and truly deserve to name “The City of Gardens” in Canada.
Victoria BC Attractions -Close to Down Town
If you are a traveler to Vancouver Island, Victoria downtown is most likely your first stop. Beacon Hill is the park closest to downtown. Beacon Hill parks welcome all guests to Victoria. In fact, this is a public park with free admission.
The Beacon Hill park is another Victoria Landmark. So make a point to visit during your stay in Victoria.
Walk, take a horse carriage tour in the park or at least drive around before you leave the city.
February to Late Fall ...
February is the coldest for most Canadian cities. And in February many cities could be still under several feet of snow. Yet, Spring settles early in Victoria. You see Victoria get painted with colorful flowers, sometimes early as late February.
Park is very close to downtown Victoria. It is a 1 km walk from the Museum, IMAX theater and Parliament Buildings.
Directions
Walk pass Royal BC Museum/IMAX on Belleville street to Douglas street junction. Then turn right and climb up the hilly road on Douglas street. You will then see the entrance to the park. It is a big park, over 190 acres, so there is lot to walk and lots to see.
What to see?
So, what are the main highlights when you are in the park? Read more and you may find some of our helpful suggestions…
Beacon Hill Children's Farm
If you are with kids my number one recommendation is to start with the petting zoo.
In fact, it is a good central location. Next to the petting zoo, is a car park, so you get to park your car and start your day trip.
We visit this park several times a year. My daughter helped me with adding her experience at Beacon Hill park petting zoo. She wrote this small essay when she was in grade 4.
The petting zoo is close to several other interesting spots on the park. It is close to Rose Garden, Sun Dial garden and right at small lakes packed with Canadian mallard ducks and geese. You find hundreds of ducks waiting for your birdseed treats.
The other bird that you see in the park will sure to amaze you. It is not a native bird. They are Peacocks. They are tropical birds that made the Beacon Hill park their home. You'll see them in the petting zoo and roaming around freely in the park.
Gardens
Rose Garden and Sundial garden are lovely during the spring and summer months. We often go there for walks.
Camas meadow
Nearby camas meadows are very scenic during springtime. Mark your calendar for the Annual camas day organized by friends of the Beacon Hill Park Society. http://www.friendsofbeaconhillpark.ca
It is a very good day for guided walks and to see all native wildflowers and plants.
Going passed Camas meadows toward the sea you can see another Victoria, BC landmark - One of the world tallest Totem Poles.
Totem Pole - Beacon Hill Park
One of the world tallest Totem Poles is located in the park. Many like to snap a picture of this landmark.
Cricket Pitch
Are you a fan of Cricket or like to see a Cricket game? You know, Cricket is the national game of UK England. During spring and summer Cricket pitch at Beacon Hill park is a good place to view a Cricket game.
Outdoor Theatre
Cameron Bandshell is also known as STAGE is a free outdoor performance theater.
During the summer and fall, this is a good place for free music, dance, events and concerts.
http://www.victoria.ca/EN/main/residents/culture/outdoor-venues/cameron-bandshell.html
Very close to the outdoor theater, you see this bird sanctuary...
Heronry?
Do you like to see a Great Blue Heron? It is the largest North American Heron. Beacon Hill Park is one of the best spots to see them during their nesting months.
There is a large Blue Heron nesting area located in the park. Here you can take see them. Take photographs of their activities like nest building and feeding young ones.
Their enemies are bald eagles. You can see them roaming around and sometimes even attacking their nests.
http://www.beaconhillparkhistory.org/articles/112_herons.htm
Rhododendron
Spring time during the Rhododendron season. Walk up to the Beacon Hill Park’s Fraser Rhododendron collection.
You will be amazed to see this colorful collection. This collection is dedicated to George Fraser for his work building the park.
Free Outdoor Movies
What a fun way to spend a hot summer evening – Watch a free movie under the stars …
Every summer, there are a number of free movies get scheduled to show in the park. Go with a blanket a chair and some snacks for a free movie night.
Free movies https://www.freebfilmfest.com
Mile Zero
Mile 0 is an important Canadian landmark, located just outside the park.
Drive all the way to the end of Douglas street and then Highway 1 to Dallas road intersection. This is the beginning of over 8000km Trans Canada Highway.
It runs from the Pacific Ocean on the west to the Atlantic Ocean on the east.
- Home
- Petting Zoo
