It’s one thing to hear about the gorgeous spring blooms in Victoria, BC, but it is another thing to see them yourself. Due to the temperate climate of Vancouver Island, spring flowers thrive in Victoria and spread colour throughout the city. These blooms are hard to miss, but there is no doubt that some areas are filled with more flowers than others. The city even conducts a “Flower Count” every March and awards the areas with the most blooms! If you are a photographer, birdwatcher, or just want to soak in the magical blooming colours, below are the best places to catch a glimpse of the spring blossoms:
Butchart Gardens
This National Historic Site is a famous place that is on most tourists must-see lists. Although beautiful at any time of the year, Butchart Gardens especially comes alive in the springtime. Mid-April is the best time to see the blooms, but any time from March to May is equally as luscious. If you are planning to visit, keep in mind that the gardens are about a 40 minute drive from the downtown area.
Learn more about our Butchart Gardens tours.
Abkhazi Garden
A little closer to downtown lies Abkhazi Garden, a place created by Prince and Princess Abkhazi in 1946. Hedges run around the perimeter of the garden, giving it a hidden secret-garden feel once inside. The garden contains giant trees and tasteful terraced landscapes, and to solidify the magical feeling guests can even take afternoon tea in the Victorian home that stands on the grounds. Visitors can either walk or drive to this site from downtown Victoria.
Government House
Head to the home of the BC Lieutenant Governor at Government House to see gardens of a grand capacity. The gardens contain everything from ponds to an orchard to a Garry oak meadow. The garden even has a pristine rose garden that anyone will be sure to fall in love with. While you are there, take in the view of the Olympic mountains along with the flowers. Guests can also tour Government House once a month on select dates.
Beacon Hill Park
Beacon Hill Park is the perfect place for a spring afternoon stroll or picnic. Birdwatchers frequent this park too for the variety of ducks, geese, peacocks, and small birds that relax here too. This park holds plenty of meadows for lazing the day away on, and these meadows are surrounded by 300 year old Garry oaks, ocean views, and gorgeous flowers.
Finnerty Gardens
In Finnerty Gardens visitors will find over 1500 rhododendrons along with thousands of other blooms. University of Victoria students enjoy this stunning display located right on their campus, but the gardens are open to the public and should not be missed. There is a self guided walking tour that visitors can follow to the Mystic Vale forests that surround the university.
The Streets of Victoria
While the gardens of Victoria and the surrounding area are worth seeing, the beautiful blooms of spring can also be seen right on the city streets. Over 1600 baskets of flowers hang throughout downtown, and streets such as on the Fairfield and James Bay neighbourhoods hold many blooms along with cherry and plum trees.
The city comes to life in the spring, and seeing flowers in Victoria brings hope for the warm summer months to come. Take time to stop and smell the roses in Victoria or take a sightseeing tour!
Blossom Buggy Flower Shop
Want to bring flowers home to enjoy, or gift them to a loved one? Blossom Buggy is a flower shop located in the historic Crystal Garden building at 717 Douglas St, directly behind the iconic Empress Hotel! Lovely florist Treena will greet you and help you pick out the perfect bouquet! Custom bouquets are also available upon request. Check out her gorgeous arrangements on Instagram, @blossom_buggy.