The scenic capital city of British Columbia, Canada is Victoria, known as “the city of gardens” on account of its abundant flora and stunning beauty. Located on the southern coast of Vancouver Island, the city’s temperate climate and plentiful sunshine make it possible for its gardens to thrive.
Victorians revel in the perpetual bloom and like to boast about the many flowers that are already blossoming by February, when the rest of the country (and much of the province) is still in the frosty grip of winter. Flowers such as crocuses, daffodils, early rhododendrons, and most notoriously the pretty pink cherry blossom trees are the first of the year to illumine the city with colour.
Fairholme Manor is like staying at a garden within a garden. The bed and breakfast’s park-like grounds are brimming with flower beds set within ‘the city of gardens’. Fairholme’s suites offer guests a wonderful view of the flora below and the array of colours–all against the backdrop of ocean and mountains. Fairholme’s private gardens hold not only flowers, but also organic herbs and vegetables, which are used in Sylvia Main’s delicious breakfasts. On top of all of this foliage, inn is also right next door to Government House’s picturesque gardens.
A visit to the city of gardens is incomplete without a trip to its most famous garden: Butchart Gardens. Located in Brentwood Bay, just north of Victoria, Butchart Gardens is an epic 50 acres of vibrant plant-life, flowers, and trees, with paths networking throughout the lovely grounds. The Gardens are open all year, offering a different visual delight in each season. In the winter months, the gardens are outfitted with holiday lights and decorations and an outdoor skating rink is set up, and in the summer, there are firework displays once a week and nightly entertainment.
The unique abundance of flora in Victoria make it a picturesque and memorable spot to visit, which is what gives it the reputation of being “the best bloomin’ city in Canada”!
Before planning this year’s vacation, make sure you check out this article on Victoria City of Gardens. Known for its temperate climate and beautiful flora, Victoria, British Columbia has many gardens to visit, including its most famous Butchart Gardens.
