Explore:NW ExploreNW Spring 2020 | Page 26

I T I N E R A R Y | S H O R T H O P S Now’s the Time to See Victoria’s Cherry Blossoms minichka photo Thanks to its mild climate, Victoria boasts thousands of cherry blossom trees. From February to May, the stunning blooms are known to create pink archways throughout the city. The picturesque backdrops are just another reason to take advantage of the B.C. capital’s pedestrian- friendly streets — but you’ll want to see them before they’re gone. IN FEBRUARY OF 2019, CITY counselors approved a plan to push the urban zones towards native species. A push which some worry will be at the expense of non-native gems like the city’s famous cherry trees. But the blooms haven’t been pushed out yet. In fact, spring is the ideal time to soak them in. And the mature cherry trees throughout the city can show off anywhere from 250,000 to 750,000 24 explore: NW | The Official Magazine for kenmore air | Spring 2019 blossoms, making the petals hard to miss. Along the Inner Harbour, you’ll be treated to a plethora of bright flowers, with particularly breathtaking displays outside the Hotel Grand Pacific and The Robert Bateman Centre. But it’s the heart of Downtown Vic- toria where you’ll find the most well- known views along none other than View Street. Here the plum trees, one of the many varieties of cheery trees found throughout the city, are often the first to bloom. Blanshard Street, from Fort Street to Fairfield Road, offers another tranquil walk. And for those looking to enjoy a pink picnic, there are few better des- tinations than the grounds at Hatley Castle and Gardens. Though the garden offers year-round displays, it is particu- larly eloquent during the big bloom.