Unveiling the Beauty of Victoria's Horticultural Centre of the Pacific

Tucked away amidst the picturesque landscapes of the Pacific Northwest, the Horticultural Centre of the Pacific offers a captivating blend of botanical beauty, educational opportunities, and tranquil moments, as well as a lovely onsite cafe serving delicious, local fare.

There’s something for everyone at the Horticultural Centre of the Pacific!

Exploring the Gardens

Dive into the lush foliage of themed gardens throughout the HCP’s sprawling 40-acre grounds. From the vibrant blooms of the Rhododendron Garden to the serene tranquillity of the Japanese Garden, each space holds a different energy, carefully cultivated and maintained to provide a unique botanical sensory experience.

Enjoy peace and tranquillity within the Japanese Garden.

Learn what there is to know about Rhododendrons before venturing into the blooms.

The HCP is also home to the Pacific Horticulture College, which has been ‘cultivating’ professional gardeners and botanical experts since 1987. The College often hosts events and programs to further botanical education within the community, and for interested visitors!

A stunning spring bloom at the Horticultural Centre of the Pacific.

The W̱sáneć Ethnobotany Trail

Delve into the rich tapestry of endemic plants that call the Pacific Northwest home, and learn how they are used for food, medicine, shelter, and spiritual purposes within the W̱sáneć (Saanich) culture. Each plant has a sign with the W̱sáneć name, the English name, and in some cases a brief description.

Learn all about plants and their ethnobotanical purpose within the W̱sáneć culture of Vancouver Island.

We recommend picking up the accompanying free pamphlet when you purchase your admission at the entrance, as it provides further education about each plant and a phonetic pronunciation of their Indigenous names. If you’d like to learn more about the W̱sáneć People and their history on Vancouver Island, please visit their website or follow them on Instagram @wsanecleadershipcouncil.

Journey down the Ethnobotany Trail of the W̱sáneć People.

Educational Experiences

Immerse yourself in a world of horticultural learning at the HCP. Participate in workshops, lectures, and guided tours led by expert horticulturalists, and uncover the secrets of plant propagation, garden design, and sustainable gardening practices.

A small succulent garden thrives in the mid-day sunshine.

The Bonsai Garden

This garden is truly a feat of botanical curation. With dozens of species – most endemic to Vancouver Island – you can marvel at these carefully maintained little trees, some of which are well over 100 years old!

Bonsai trees in the beautiful Bonsai Garden at the Horticultural Centre of the Pacific.

This area provides several benches and shaded areas so that you can sit, enjoy the warm summer breeze, and take in the breathtaking beauty that is Bonsai.

Enjoy a moment of serenity within the Bonsai Garden at the HCP.

Learn More at the Plant Identification Centre

Tap into the HCP’s extensive resources for plant enthusiasts! Explore the Plant Identification Centre, where you can access a comprehensive plant database and seek guidance from knowledgeable staff to enhance your own gardening endeavours. The HCP is run by staff and dedicated volunteers, who are more than happy to answer all your plant and gardening-related questions!

Volunteers help tend to the thousands of plant species grown within the gardens.

Relaxation and Refreshment

Grab a coffee, or a quick snack, or sit down for a unique farm-to-table culinary experience at Charlotte & the Quail. This lovely onsite cafe overlooks the verdant gardens and provides a wonderful way to start or finish your visit at the HCP. They offer a rotating menu of appetizers, pastries, coffees and cocktails, the ingredients for which are sourced locally and have a rich history in the area.

“Charlotte and the Quail features an ever-changing menu with local, seasonal ingredients, including fresh produce grown by HCP volunteers in our Veggie Garden! There are delicious options for vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free guests and meat-eaters too.” – from the HCP’s website.

For the Spring and Summer of 2024, we recommend the Roasted Chicken Tartine paired with the seasonal lemonade. For vegans, vegetarians, and gluten-free individuals, there are options and substitutions available for most dishes – just let your lovely server know!

You can also view the whole menu here, or follow them on Instagram @charlotteandthequail for seasonal specialties and announcements.

Delight in a beautiful day among the flowers before stopping in for a bite at Charlotte & the Quail.

Explore the Plant Sale & Find the Perfect Gift for Gardeners

Throughout the year, the HCP offers various plant sales. These plants are taken from those cultivated on-site, which tend to overgrow their space in the gardens over time and need thinning out. You can choose from a variety of cultivars, often including rarer or harder-to-find species. Our guest guides brought home a beautiful ‘Terracotta’ Yarrow cultivar, producing rich orange flowers in contrast to the standard white or pink – but the pollinators stole the show as they danced among the surrounding flowers!

Native pollinators thrive at the HCP!

The HCP also has an onsite gift shop, chock-full of native and wild seeds, books & guides, gardening implements, and adorable yard decor.

Plan Your Visit

Whether you’re seeking inspiration for your garden, a peaceful retreat from the city, or simply a moment of quiet contemplation, the HCP offers an oasis of beauty and serenity amidst the bustling cityscape of Victoria, BC. The HCP is about a 25-minute drive from the Oswego Hotel, and we promise it’s worth the trip – and yes, they’re dog-friendly!

The centre is open daily from 9 am – 4 pm, but occasionally has special hours or closures on statutory holidays, so be sure to check their website before you plan your trip. Senior and student admission is $12, Adult (16 and under) admission is $16, and those under 16 have free entry.

Enjoy forest bathing at its finest!

Be sure to follow the HCP on Instagram @hcpgardens to see what’s in bloom!

Lily of the Valley takes in the morning dew at the HCP.