In 1908, Laura and James Dunsmuir likely didn’t anticipate the legacy or the National Historic Site they’d create by commissioning Samuel Maclure for the construction of a Tudor-revival manor for their family home. The estate, designed in the spirit of early 20th century mansions, showcased the Dunsmuir family’s influence and affluence, and has become an important part of Vancouver Island’s history, including serving as home for the Royal Roads Military College from 1940 – 1995 and Royals Roads University today.
While Hatley Castle is the centrepiece of the estate, there’s much more to the park and National Historic Site: gorgeous Japanese, Italian, and Rose formal gardens that follow Edwardian design; 15km of walking and hiking trails through old-growth forest; a protected migratory bird sanctuary; an historic First Nations’ site; and a spectacular view of the Olympic Mountains across the Juan de Fuca Strait. You’ll find everything that makes the West Coast unforgettable only 25 minutes from downtown Victoria.Explore Hatley Park National Historic site at Royal Roads University to create memories with your family.
Lights, Camera, Action
As one of Vancouver Islands most prestigious film locations, it is no wonder directors, film crews, and photographers have been drawn to the beauty of Hatley Park for over 80 years. Hatley Castle and its heritage gardens have been showcased internationally in feature films and made for TV movies. Our unique setting and architecture makes Hatley Park a desirable location for film crews world-wide.
As one of Canada’s largest national historic sites, protecting our heritage lands is a priority when hosting film crews. Our Film Liaison is on site to share valuable guidelines that will help preserve and protect the heritage site for years to come.
Plan your trip – Explore British Columbia’s Gardens
Let us help you plan your perfect British Columbia visit—we’ll show you the most beautiful Gardens to visit and other points of interest along the way.
From coastal tourist hotspots through to wide-open interior and forested northern towns, the British Columbia Communities in Bloom program provides a measurement of a community’s desirability as a place to live, work and visit. Participants showcase their hometown’s best features from street tidiness and floral displays to unique heritage and environmental treasures. BC’s CIB participants are proud geographical links to the Gardens British Columbia Member Network.
Plan your trip – Explore British Columbia’s Gardens
Let us help you plan your perfect British Columbia visit—we’ll show you the most beautiful Gardens to visit and other points of interest along the way.
The Bloedel Conservatory contains three separate climatic zones under one roof: Tropical, Subtropical and Desert. It is home to more than 500 varieties of plants from around the world as well as more than 200 free-flying exotic birds.
Experience Bloedel Conservatory, a fun, family-friendly indoor attraction located at the peak of Vancouver in Queen Elizabeth Park. Discover 120 exotic birds and over 500 kinds of tropical plants inside the dome and then explore the fountains, gardens and sculptures around Queen Elizabeth Park.
Photo and Video Gallery
- Swipe left/right to see more
- Swipe left/right to see more
Garden Amenities
EVENT RENTALS
WEDDING RENTALS
Host a memorable eventBloedel Conservatory is an exotic setting for a cocktail party, anniversary celebration, fundraiser, birthday party or a wedding and can be booked for a reasonable fee seven days a week! Bloedel Conservatory is available for larger events (up to 150 people). Please phone 604-257-8584 for more details.Learn more about event rentals on Bloedel’s website.
Weddings under the domeWeddings are limited to a maximum of 30 people. A rental fee is charged per booked session. Two time slots are available – morning (before public opening) and evening (after public closing). Note that special licensing is required for food and alcohol and prices increase accordingly, and rice, confetti, candles and blowing bubbles are not permitted. Please phone 604-257-8584 to make a booking or for more information.Learn more about wedding rentals on Bloedel’s website.
Plan your trip – Explore British Columbia’s Gardens
Let us help you plan your perfect British Columbia visit—we’ll show you the most beautiful Gardens to visit and other points of interest along the way.
A place of reflection, where each step reveals a new harmony, the garden is designed to suggest a span of time – a day, a week or a lifetime – with a beginning, choice of paths, and ending.
A traditional Japanese Tea and Stroll Garden ranked consistently in the top 5 Japanese Gardens in North America. The Nitobe Garden includes a rare authentic Tea Garden with a ceremonial Tea House. Each tree, stone and shrub has been deliberately placed and is carefully maintained to reflect an idealized conception and symbolic representation of nature. There is harmony among natural forms – waterfalls, rivers, forests, islands and seas – and a balance of masculine and feminine forces traditionally attributed to natural elements.Nitobe Memorial Garden is part of UBC Botanical Garden located on the University of British Columbia Point Grey campus at a separate location.
Across the pond at Nitobe Memorial Garden.
Photo and Video Gallery
- Swipe left/right to see more
Garden Amenities
WEDDINGS
TEA CEREMONIES
The natural location for your next event. A traditional tea and stroll garden, considered to be among the top Japanese gardens outside Japan. With a capacity of up to 25 people this garden is the perfect backdrop for an intimate ceremony.Learn more about wedding rentals on their website.
The Urasenke Foundation of Vancouver hosts tea ceremonies at Nitobe Memorial Garden throughout the summer. Visitors attending the ceremony can witness the formal preparation of tea and participate as guests. Tea ceremonies take place on the last Saturday of the month throughout the summer. More information can be found on their website.
Plan your trip – Explore British Columbia’s Gardens
Let us help you plan your perfect British Columbia visit—we’ll show you the most beautiful Gardens to visit and other points of interest along the way.
18-acre destination garden store located in the scenic Fraser Valley. Open year round!
Minter Country Garden… ‘Where Great Gardens Begin’! There is so much to see and do, all year long, at our destination garden centre! Shop for the highest quality home-grown and locally sourced plants, as well as the newest plant introductions from around the world. While you’re here, check out the latest ladies fashions, enjoy a light meal in our café, browse through the tea, gift and hot tub shops, join us for seasonal events and more. Pet-friendly. Family owned and operated since 1957.
From ideas and inspiration to helpful advice and ‘how to’ expertise, the team at Minter Country Garden is here to help you grow the garden you’ve always dreamed of!
Photo Gallery
- Swipe left/right to see more
Garden Amenities
GARDENINGSEMINARS
SEASONAL FAMILY EVENTS
CAFé AND ON-SITE SHOPS
Stay ‘in the know’ as you grow! We are pleased to offer an extensive range of seminars throughout the year, from pruning basics to the principles of planting stunning containers. All education seminars are free of charge (project seminars include a supply fee only). Visit the events page on our website to see what’s coming up next!
Gardening is an activity the whole family can enjoy, so our seasonal events are designed with everyone in mind! Whether it’s visiting with live owls, tasting an heirloom apple, taking a photo with Santa or participating in a fairy tea party, we invite folks to come and play and learn together. Details on upcoming family events are posted on our website.
With a garden café and three specialty boutiques on-site, we truly are a destination garden store. While you’re here, take a moment to visit Aromatica (fine teas and handmade soaps), My Little Gift Box (home décor) and Softub Oasis (light-weight hot tubs). For more information on these locally owned and operated businesses, visit our website.
Plan your trip – Explore British Columbia’s Gardens
Let us help you plan your perfect British Columbia visit—we’ll show you the most beautiful Gardens to visit and other points of interest along the way.
We use cookies to ensure you have the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.OKPrivacy & Legal