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Victoria’s Best
Car-Free Day Hike
Fondly nicknamed the “Garden City”, Victoria’s lush landscape is home to
a wide variety of breathtaking outdoor spaces. The city’s crowning jewel is
Beacon HIll Park. It spans more than 200 acres from the capital’s downtown
to its shores along the Salish Sea. And with its close proximity to the Inner
Harbour, it offers the ideal day hike for the car-free traveler.
BUT DON’T LET THE WORD ‘hike’ scare
you off. Exploring Beacon Hill Park
is more a meandering stroll than
back-country trek. Here, elevation
gains are limited and even dirt foot-
paths are well manicured. Paved roads
and walkways also abound, which
horse-drawn carriages are known to
frequent.
The park’s topography varies widely,
ranging from rugged coastline and
nature preserves to finely manicured
flower beds and story-book esc picnic
areas. A flock of peacocks call the park
home.
So too do a variety of farm animals
that take up residence at the Beacon
Hill Children’s Farm from early spring
through late fall. The furry friends
range from goats, sheep and pigs to
alpacas, miniature horses, and Guin-
ea pigs. During open hours (spring
20
explore: NW | The Official Magazine for kenmore air | Spring 2019
10 am – 4 pm, summer 10 am – 4 pm,
fall 10 am – 4 pm), children of all ages
are welcome to visit the goat petting
area.
There are also art attractions in the
park, like the park’s infamous Story
Pole. Erected in 1956 it stands at just
shy of 128 feet. The beautiful design
was carved by a team lead by Mun-
go Martin, Kwakiutl tribal chief and
renowned carver. You’ll find it near the
park’s southeastern edge.
Start ‘Off the Road’
Maximize your adventure by starting
at the Bridge Way entrance located
at Douglas St. and Michigan St. Leave
the paved road by meandering up the
gentle slope to the Garry Oak Mead-
ow. Here you’ll find the grey trunks of
Garry Oaks tucked among craggy rocks
and thick tufts of grass.
Follow the trail through the park’s
center, the Beacon Hill Park Lakes. The
man-maintained lakes are shaded by
weeping willows and decorated with
lily pads. Ducks and turtles alike sun
themselves in the water, as everyone
from stroller-wielding moms to adven-
turing locals make their way through
the paved walkways.
Visit the Peacocks
Continue on to Sundial Garden. The
lovely round floral display is frequent-
ed by strutting peacocks. Passing
several more lakes, cross over Circle
Drive and into the large field, which is
filled with wildflowers during the late
spring and early summer. Follow the
field’s footpath over the small bluff to
a row of towering trees. Here you’ll be
treated to your first stunning view of
the Salish Sea.