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The Butchart Gardens
A wonderful reclamation of a gravel quarry into an ecological and visual
delight. Check out their summer fireworks and their Christmas wonderland.
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Abkhazi Garden A heritage
home, exquisite garden and a touching love story. (link to Abkhazi Gardens
(TLC page)
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Government House and Gardens -
a tranquil setting for a grand house and garden.
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Horticulture Centre of the
Pacific – Not just a garden, but an educational trip in itself – this is
the home of Pacific Horticulture College as well as Glendale Gardens.
Gardening buffs will not want to leave!
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Ross Bay Cemetery. A lot of
Victoria’s history and some of her most colourful characters are here.
Tours available.
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Beacon Hill Park,
Victoria's best-kept green secret. Enjoy the hundreds of ducks, the
occasional blue Heron and the heronry, the gigantic sequoia trees, the
charming little ponds, the exciting petting zoo and much more.
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Elk and Beaver Lakes: good
swimming in summer. Windsurfing and fishing all year. The home of the
Canadian Olympic Rowing team.
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Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary - a
mile or so walk around a pretty lake and a visit to the nature centre for
some interesting facts about the wildlife in the area.
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Thetis Lake Park – a beautiful
man made lake with trails and great swimming.
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Goldstream Park Salmon
spawning grounds in the fall, waterfalls, woodland trails and a
campground.
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Mount Douglas Park: beaches,
woodland, a healthy climb and one of the most spectacular views on the
Island!
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Mount Tolmie:
not as high as Mount Doug, but it still has some spectacular views.
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Witty’s Lagoon: a wonderful forest, and a white sand beach that extends
for miles before you need to swim. Lots of great sand and water for the
kids.
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East Sooke Park Hike along the
windswept rocky coast, to experience solitude and harmony with nature.
Some of the best bird watching at this end of the Island.