Spanning 75 hectares (190 acres) along the shores of Juan de Fuca Strait in Victoria, British Columbia, Beacon Hill Park offers you a scenic retreat beloved by both tourists and locals. You should visit to explore a rich blend of natural beauty, cultural history, and diverse recreational features. The park sits on land set aside in 1858 by Governor Sir James Douglas and officially established as a municipal park in 1882.
The southern Beacon Hill, known traditionally to the Songhees people as míqәn ("warmed by the sun"), serves as a culturally significant First Nations Coast Salish burial site and provides breathtaking vistas of the Strait and the Olympic Mountains. As you wander the park's woodland and shoreline trails, you will encounter landscaped gardens, expansive meadows, and vibrant native flora like Garry oak, arbutus, and camas. Watch for wildlife including roaming peacocks, squirrels, and pond life such as turtles, swans, and blue herons.
Key sights you can see include the impressive 38.8-meter (127-foot) totem pole carved by Chief Mungo Martin and his team, the 1945 Emily Carr tribute pebble bridge, and "Mile 0" of the Trans-Canada Highway at the park's southwest corner. You can also catch summer concerts at the Cameron Bandshell or enjoy pleasant picnics.
What to see at Beacon Hill Park
- See the 38.8-meter (127-foot) single-cedar totem pole erected in 1956
- Take in scenic vistas of the Juan de Fuca Strait and the Olympic Mountains
- Spot local wildlife including peacocks, turtles, swans, and blue herons
- Cross the 1945 Emily Carr tribute pebble bridge over the stream
- Visit "Mile 0" of the Trans-Canada Highway at the southwest corner
Visiting tips
Head to the southern end of the park if you want to make use of the off-leash dog area.
How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: June through September
How to get there & what’s nearby
Beacon Hill Park is easy to reach on Victoria’s public transport, and pairs naturally with St. Andrew's Cathedral and Royal British Columbia Museum. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Victoria travel guide.
See the full Victoria travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.