Viewing Cherry Blossoms in Victoria, Canada
Every spring, British Columbia’s capital - Victoria - transforms itself into a magical wonderland as thousands of cherry blossoms burst into bloom. If you’ve ever longed to stand beneath a cherry blossom tree as the petals gently fall around you (and who hasn’t?) then pack your bag and head to Canada’s “Garden City”.
The roof of the Legislature building peeks over the top of cherry blossom trees
I was lucky enough to call Victoria home for 10 years and each year in early February I would start the impatient countdown to spring blossoms. After a mild but generally wet, grey winter, it was always a thrill to see the first buds start to appear. It was the prelude to a spring season that is filled with the most extraordinary beauty.
A magnolia blooms in front of Pendray Inn
Victoria is an ideal place to see cherry blossoms (along with many other types of flowering trees). It’s small and easy to get around, traffic is generally light outside of rush hour, and despite the floral beauty that is literally everywhere, it never gets too crowded.
There are also plenty of other things to see and do in the city when you’re not busy being amazed at the floral extravagance.
Here’s your guide to making the most of cherry blossom season in this lovely city.
Why Victoria?
While the rest of Canada is still shivering, Victoria’s mild climate makes it one of the first places in the country to welcome spring, and with it, the cherry blossoms.
The city is home to thousands of cherry trees, many of which were gifted from Japan in the 1930s.
These trees now grace streets, parks, and gardens, creating stunning pink and white canopies that draw visitors and locals alike.
Cherry blossoms bloom all over Victoria
The city even conducts an official “flower count” each March. During this fun event, citizens count all the flowers they can see. In 2023 they tallied over 33 billion blooms!
Find out more about the flower count here.
So if its flowers you’ve come to see, you will not be disappointed!
Top Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots
Beacon Hill Park
Beacon Hill Park is right downtown, just a short walk from the Empress Hotel. This 75 hectare (183 acre) park is a beautiful green space that’s popular with both locals and visitors.
In spring the cherry blossom and magnolia trees are a magnificent. There are also plenty of garden beds filled with spring bulbs and there are daffodils blooming everywhere.
A little later in spring keep an eye out for fields of purple camas lilies. Plan a picnic among the flowers!
Pathways meander through the park and around the ponds which are filled with ducks and turtles.
You may even see the resident peacocks or nesting herons (hint: look up at the trees). Harder to spot, camouflaged in the trees, are barred owls.
It’s the perfect place for a leisurely stroll or a picnic under the trees.
James Bay Neighborhood
James Bay is an upscale neighbourhood next to to Beacon Hill Park. It’s surrounded by the waters of the Juan de Fuca Strait with views across to the Olympic Mountains in Washington.
This is the old part of Victoria, filled with beautiful homes and many streets lined with cherry trees.
In spring it’s a popular spot for photographers, and a great area to explore.
Cherry trees line the streets of James Bay
While you’re here, be sure to visit the home of one of Canada’s most famous artists, Emily Carr.
You can also walk along the nearby Dallas Road Waterfront Trail for some fine views across the Strait.
All this cherry blossom viewing can make a person hungry. Fortunately, on the harbour side of James Bay you’ll find Fisherman’s Wharf, a quirky community of floating homes and restaurants. The perfect spot to stop for some lunch. I highly recommend the fish and chips!
From here you can walk back towards Victoria along the Inner Harbour.
For a special treat, try a horse drawn carriage ride around the Beacon Hill Park and James Bay area. Sit back and soak in the atmosphere to the clip clop of horse’s hooves.
Another thing to do while you’re in this area is to have a posh afternoon tea. After all, this is Victoria - one of the most English cities outside of England.
One option is the Pendray Tea House at the Pendray Inn located on the Inner Harbour. This romantic Victorian-era building was built in the 1890’s by the Pendray family. Once known as the Gatsby Mansion, it really does look like something straight out of the novel.
Afternoon tea with all the trimmings is also served at the Empress Hotel, where you can sip your tea and feel like royalty.
Could there be a better way to spend a day than strolling among the cherry blossom trees and enjoying fresh baked scones with plenty of jam and cream?
Government Street
In the heart of downtown Victoria, Government Street offers a blend of quaint urban charm and natural beauty. The cherry trees along this street provide a contrast to the historic architecture and shops.
If you love books then don’t miss Munroe’s Books – it’s been a Victoria institution for over 60 years. Located in a heritage building, it’s often included on lists of the world’s most beautiful bookstores. Book lovers could easily spend hours here. Don’t say I didn’t warn you!
Victoria is also a well-known destination for tea lovers. There are several tea shops in the downtown shopping area. A fun way to spend some time is exploring the hundreds (possibly even thousands!) of tea blends. If you can’t find a tea you like here, then it doesn’t exist. My personal favourite is Silk Road’s Rose Petal Black Tea.
Victoria’s Gardens
Victoria is home to one of the most famous gardens in the world – Butchart Gardens.
But you may not be as familiar with some of its other outstanding gardens that are also open to visitors.
Horticulture Centre of the Pacific
The Horticulture Centre of the Pacific (HCP) is a vibrant botanical garden and educational hub known for its stunning display of diverse plants and its commitment to horticultural excellence.
Spread across 9 acres, the gardens feature an array of 26 themed areas, including the Japanese Garden, the Mediterranean Garden, and the Herb Garden. Each area is meticulously designed to showcase plants from various climates and regions.
One of its standout attractions is the Takata Japanese Garden - a serene space filled with traditional elements like stone lanterns, a koi pond, tumbling stream and carefully pruned trees. Take a while to sit and absorb the atmosphere.
The Doris Page Winter Garden is also one of my favourites – filled with flowers that bring colour to the garden in winter like helebores and cyclamins.
In spring, a walk through this garden is a colourful adventure. There are many kinds of trees in bloom as well as garden beds filled with spring bulbs, including many kinds of tulips. In late spring you’ll also find a spectacular (and I mean spectacular) display of rhododendrons and azaleas in flower.
They also have a restaurant - Charlotte and the Quail - that serves delicious home cooked light meals.
Hatley Castle Gardens
The Hatley Castle Gardens, located on the grounds of Royal Roads University in Colwood, are a beautiful example of Edwardian garden design. Surrounding historic Hatley Castle, the gardens span 565 acres and feature formal designs inspired by English, Japanese, and Italian traditions.
There are cherry blossoms throughout the grounds and garden. As you walk up towards the castle from the parking lot, you’ll see a large blossom tree that makes for a great photo with the castle in the background.
Blossom trees in bloom in front of Hatley Castle
There are also numerous blossom trees near the Japanese Garden pond. Look for reflections in the still water for some interesting photos.
Plum blossoms in flower next to the lake at Hatley Castle Gardens
You can read more about Hatley Castle Gardens here.
Finnerty Gardens
One of Victoria’s less well-known gardens can be found on the grounds of the University of Victoria.
Finnerty Gardens is best known for its huge collection of rhododendrons.
But it’s also filled with plenty of other plants and flowers and is particularly lovely in spring. With huge magnolia trees and plum blossoms in bloom at the same time as the rhododendrons and azaleas, its perfect for those who love some garden eye candy.
The garden beds are filled with bluebells, poppies, fawn lilies, snowdrops and much more. There are also some pink dogwoods that are stunning when in bloom (around April).
With its winding paths, secluded benches and graceful trees, its the perfect place to just stroll and enjoy nature.
The garden is free to enter and the best time to visit is Sunday when parking is free. Parking Lot 6 is closest to the garden entrance.
Read more about Finnerty Gardens here.
Butchart Gardens
Of course, no visit to Victoria during cherry blossom season would be complete without a stop at Butchart Gardens. There are cherry trees throughout the gardens and formal garden beds filled with early spring bulbs.
Crocus, daffodils and hyacinths are all in flower alongside the cherry blossoms.
And one of the advantages of a visit at this time of year is that there are no large crowds.
You can find out more about Butchart Gardens here.
When is the best time to view cherry blossoms?
The cherry blossoms in Victoria typically bloom from late February to late March, with peak bloom in mid-March.
They are followed by other flowering trees like plum blossoms that flower well into April. Keep an eye on local bloom trackers or social media updates to catch the blossoms at their best.
Tips for Enjoying Cherry Blossom Season
Visit Early: Arriving at the formal gardens early in the day ensures fewer people and better lighting for photos.
Pack a Picnic: Many cherry blossom spots, like Beacon Hill Park, are perfect for picnics. Bring a blanket and some snacks to enjoy a relaxing afternoon.
Respect the Trees: Avoid shaking the branches or picking the blossoms to ensure the trees remain beautiful for everyone.
Dress Comfortably: Spring weather in Victoria can be unpredictable, so dress in layers and wear comfortable shoes for walking. And make sure you have wet weather gear for sudden downpours.
As the locals will happily point out - if you don’t like the weather just wait 15 minutes.
A Celebration of Spring
Cherry blossom viewing in Victoria is more than just a visual treat; it’s a celebration of renewal, beauty, and the fleeting nature of time.
I’ve always found spring in Victoria to be absolutely enchanting. Everywhere you look there are flowers blooming. And there’s always a distinct sense of joy as life returns in full colour after the muted tones of winter.
If, like me, you love photographing flowers then you’ll be able to enjoy long days exploring the city with your camera.