Victoria Incentive Attractions Educational Heritage Attractions |
Heritage Parks & GardensQuick Links: Beacon Hill Park | Government House | Hatley Park | Heritage Acres | Victorian Garden Tours Ltd. |This listing is for Summer 2020 ABKHAZI GARDEN Abkhazi Garden is open 11 am to 5 pm everyday April 1 - September 30 Teahouse at Abkhazi Garden is open 11am to 5pm everyday except Mondays April 1 - September 30 Admission to the Garden year-round is by cash donation. Cash and tap for credit and debit available. The Teahouse at Abkhazi Garden specializes in Afternoon Teas (11am-5pm) and lunches (11am-2:30pm). To make a reservation please call 778-265-6466. The last sitting and garden entrance is at 4 pm. The last reservation is at 3:30pm. One of the world's best and unique small gardens. Known affectionately as "the garden that love built," this one acre jewel was created by Prince Nicolas and Princess Peggy 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 The Land Conservancy of British Columbia (TLC) purchasing the property in February 2000. TLC has opened the Garden to the public year-round. This magical garden takes full advantage of its dramatic site that contains quiet woodland, rocky slopes and gorgeous vistas. Abkhazi Garden is famous for its over 100 year old Rhododendrons, amongst other beautiful plantings, and for it's year-round appeal. The former Abkhazi home, designed by famed architect John Wade, is now a tea room and gift shop. 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. This listing updated 7 July 2022 FORT RODD HILL AND FISGARD LIGHTHOUSE NATIONAL HISTORIC SITES For hours of operations: For admission: Come explore Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites, located 14 kilometers west of downtown Victoria. Fort Rodd Hill was built in 1895 and operated until 1956 to protect the Royal Navy base at Esquimalt Harbour. Peek through original gun barrels, venture into intriguing underground magazines, and find camouflaged searchlight emplacements... Step inside Fisgard Lighthouse, tour the exhibits and marvel at the stories of its keepers who once helped mariners find their way safely home. Fisgard is the oldest lighthouse on the west coast, built in 1860. Visit our website regularly for up-to-date information on summer programs, events, activities and cultural heritage information. This listing updated 18 July 2023 GOVERNMENT HOUSE Open Daily from Sunrise to Sunset Free Parking is available Government House is the office and residence of the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, the provincial representative of His Majesty The King of Canada. The grounds embrace 14.6 hectares of a rare Garry Oak ecosystem and 5.7 hectares of formal gardens; some of which are wheelchair accessible. A tea room and costume museum are open from May to September (see website for hours). Please contact the Friends of Government House Gardens Society at friends@fghgs.ca to arrange a guided tour. This listing updated 18 June 2021 HATLEY PARK Hatley Castle and formal gardens at Royal Roads University is a hidden gem on an island paradise. Our 565 acre historic estate, located 25 minutes outside of downtown Victoria, was home to James Dunsmuir, former Premier of British Columbia, Lieutenant Governor, and coal baron. The Edwardian castle was built by renowned architect Samuel Maclure in 1908. Hatley Gardens - Self-Guided Exploration Complimentary, Daily. Check website for hours of operationThis listing updated 7 July 2022 HERITAGE ACRES (Saanich Historical Artifacts Society) website: www.heritageacresbc.com Daily: June 1 - September 30: open 9 am - 4 pm 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. The 29-acre site features nature trails, picnic areas and park land. This listing is for Summer 2020 VICTORIAN GARDEN TOURS LTD. 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. |
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