Beacon Hill Park is a beautiful, historic park in the heart of Victoria, BC. It offers a wide range of activities and natural beauty to explore.
The park is meticulously landscaped with manicured gardens, a mixture of exotic and native trees, and ponds full of numerous ducks and other waterfowl. Peacocks roam freely throughout the park but tend to stay close to the ponds and petting zoo (most likely for easy access to food).
It's a true treasure for both locals and visitors alike. While there, take in all the natural beauty and cultural history it has to offer.
At 200 acres, the park is huge. Use the following information to guide you to the best parts.
Getting There
- Beacon Hill Park is centrally located in Victoria and is easily accessible by car, bike, or on foot.
- If you're staying downtown, you can walk to the park, as it's just a short walk up from the Royal BC Museum.
- However, due to the size of this park, and especially if you have little ones in tow, you may want to drive to one of the many parking lots closer to the play park, gardens, or petting zoo. Yes, there is a petting zoo!
- For a few designated trails within the park, use the AllTrails app.
You can also download this map for easy reference.
Key Attractions at Beacon Hill Park
- Mile 0: Start your visit at the iconic Mile 0 marker, where many trans-Canada journeys begin or end. It's a great photo opportunity.
- Children's Farm: Visit this charming petting zoo, home to various farm animals, including goats, peacocks, and bunnies.
- Flower Beds and Gardens: Stroll through the beautifully manicured flower beds and themed gardens. The Rose Garden is particularly stunning in the summer.
- Tropical Gardens: Explore the exotic plant life inside the subtropical garden greenhouse.
- Totem Pole: Admire the intricately carved totem pole near the park's center.
- Moss Lady: Find this lying statue behind the bandshell on the park's west side, near Douglas Street.
- Accessibility: The park is generally accessible to people with mobility challenges, but some areas may have uneven terrain.
Beacon Hill Park Petting Zoo
One top reason families visit this park is the Children's Farm.
We were lucky to see recently born piglets (nine of them!) and baby goats during our visit. Although the piglets were adorable, the goats were the biggest hit with my children. With names like Hugs, Kisses, and Cuddles (a few of the more popular named goats), my children were thrilled to interact with these fuzzy little (truly snuggly) kids.
Any time of year is a great time to visit the park. However, if you also want to ensure you see some recently born farm animals (and peacocks in their full display), I would suggest mid to late Spring as the best time to go.
If visiting farm animals isn't your cup of tea, there are plenty of other amazing things to do at Beacon Hill Park.
Top 11 Beacon Hill Park Attractions
- Wildlife Watching
- Watch for the park's resident peacocks, ducks, swans, and other waterfowl.
- Birdwatching is popular here, so bring your binoculars if you're a bird enthusiast.
- Recreation
- Beacon Hill Park has several sports courts and fields, making it a great place for a game of tennis, soccer, or frisbee.
- Bring a blanket and have a picnic on the spacious lawns.
- Nature Walks
- Wander through the forested areas and take a leisurely stroll along the numerous walking paths. The park's lush greenery is a treat for nature lovers.
- Photography Opportunities
- Don't forget your camera! Beacon Hill Park offers numerous picturesque spots for photography, from the rose gardens to the waterfront views.
- Events and Performances
- Check for any special events, concerts, or performances happening in the park during your visit. Beacon Hill Park often hosts community events and festivals.
- Beacon Hill Park Drive
- A scenic loop road winds through the park, offering a relaxing drive or bike ride. It's a great way to see the park's various attractions, especially if you have limited time.
- Seasonal Highlights
- Visit during different seasons to experience the park's changing beauty. Spring brings vibrant flowers, summer offers sunny picnics and concerts, fall showcases colourful foliage, and winter can be a peaceful time for a brisk walk.
- Art in the Park
- Watch for public art installations and sculptures scattered throughout the park. They add to the park's cultural charm.
- Beacon Hill Park History
- Take a moment to learn about the park's history, which dates back to the late 19th century. Plaques and signs provide information about the park's past and its role in Victoria's heritage.
- Dog-Friendly Park
- If travelling with your furry friend, note that Beacon Hill Park is dog-friendly. Just make sure to keep your dog on a leash in designated areas.
- Relax and Unwind
- Most importantly, take your time to relax and soak in the tranquillity of Beacon Hill Park. Whether reading a book, meditating, or enjoying the scenery, it's a wonderful place to unwind.
Food and Refreshments
- While the park itself doesn't have restaurants, you can find many dining options just a short walk from its entrances. Consider grabbing a coffee or a snack from a nearby café to enjoy during your visit.
Other Areas of Interest in Victoria
There is so much to see and do around Beacon Hill Park. For a great start, check out these two articles.
If you are looking for a peaceful place to walk, a picnic site with beautiful surroundings, the perfect spot to birdwatch, or an area to interact with farm animals, Beacon Hill Park is the place to visit.
By following these tips and suggestions, you'll be well-prepared to make the most of your visit and create lasting memories in this beautiful natural oasis in Victoria, BC. Enjoy your time exploring this wonderful destination!
Have you been to Beacon Hill Park?
Let me know your thoughts in the comment section below.
Well the pictures are beautiful unfortunately that is not the reality of the park . Lisa Helps and her wisdom was quick to destroy the only decent park we have .That’s a feather in her cap.
Yes, it’s a sad situation. Hopefully, one that will be rectified soon.
Keep in mind that the park is riddled with homeless people’s tents. Not all of the inhabitants are completely crazy, but some are. Take heed. Be extra aware of your surroundings. If you do go, go in the morning before noon, as it’s a lot more mellow, before the zombies awaken.. The washrooms were just renovated and painted, but 80% of the parks inhabitants will try to ruin it one way or another. Try and enjoy it while you can, as the mayor’s logic and her cronies will also try and wreck it further. By afternoon the zombies will come out of their tent’s and start fights with each other. It was really neat watching the old people’s reaction to the fights that were breaking out as they were walking through the park. Great times we are living through.
This article was written some time ago, and sadly a lot has changed over the years. It’s such a terrible situation. Why the mayor would allow a tent city in one of Victoria’s most beautiful locations is mind-boggling. And yet, it seems to be happening in most major cities across BC. I’m not sure what the answer is, but whatever is happening now is clearly not working. Thank you so much for providing this info.