Why is Victoria, BC Called the Garden City?

Victoria has been home for all my life, and let me tell you, the nickname "Garden City" couldn’t be more accurate. If you’ve ever strolled through Beacon Hill Park or admired the flower baskets downtown, you already get it. The city’s love for plants and green space is everywhere, and it’s part of what makes living here so special. I’ve seen Victoria grow (pun intended!) into one of the most naturally beautiful cities in the country, and it never gets old.

I’ll walk you through why Victoria proudly carries the Garden City name, from the ideal climate and famous gardens to the community's green spirit. Whether you’re considering moving here or just curious about what makes this place bloom, I hope this guide gives you a local’s look into what makes Victoria truly special.

Victoria’s Perfect Climate for Gardening

One of the biggest reasons Victoria is the Garden City is because of its unique climate. The city is located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, surrounded by ocean and protected by mountains. This gives it the mildest climate in all of Canada.

• Warm summers that don’t get too hot
• Mild winters with very little snow
• Plenty of sunshine all year
• Rainfall mostly in the fall and winter

This mild weather makes it possible to grow flowers, shrubs, and trees almost year-round. Gardeners can plant earlier in the spring and enjoy their gardens later into the fall than anywhere else in the country. Trust me, my own front yard is full of colour most of the year, and I don’t have to do much besides water and enjoy it!

Butchart Gardens: A World-Famous Attraction

No discussion of the Garden City would be complete without mentioning Butchart Gardens. This world-famous garden is located just outside of Victoria, in Brentwood Bay. It covers over 55 acres and attracts more than a million visitors each year.

Butchart Gardens started in 1904, when Jennie Butchart turned an old limestone quarry into a stunning sunken garden. Over the years, more gardens were added, including a Japanese Garden, Rose Garden, Italian Garden, and Mediterranean Garden.

Visiting Butchart Gardens is always a fun event, especially during the holidays when the lights go up. Even now, I try to make it out at least once a year. It’s a place that really shows how deep Victoria’s gardening roots go.

Gardens Are Everywhere

It’s not just Butchart Gardens. In Victoria, gardens are everywhere and I mean everywhere. I’ve driven through nearly every neighbourhood over the years, and no matter where you are, you’ll see lush flower beds, climbing vines, and trees that bloom with personality. Even the tiniest homes on the block often have a colourful front garden that shows off a bit of pride.

Public Gardens and Green Spaces

The City of Victoria and surrounding municipalities have really leaned into this love for landscaping. Some of my favourite spots include:

• Beacon Hill Park – A local classic. I’ve spent countless weekends walking the trails, watching the ducks, and checking out the flower beds. And who can forget the peacocks?
• Government House Gardens – Tucked up in Rockland, these gardens are a peaceful escape with amazing views. You’ll often find folks having a quiet stroll or reading a book here.
• Abkhazi Garden – This one is personal. It’s romantic, quiet, and full of history. My partner and I love grabbing tea here on lazy Sunday afternoons.

Even downtown, flowers seem to find their way into every corner, from window boxes to rooftop planters. Spring and summer truly transform the city into a living bouquet.

The Hanging Baskets of Downtown Victoria

If you’ve ever driven or walked through downtown in the summer, you’ve seen them, the hanging flower baskets on every lamppost. They’ve been part of the city’s look since 1937, and honestly, it wouldn’t feel like summer without them.

Over 1,000 baskets go up each year, filled with bright blooms that add colour and charm to every street. I always smile when I see them for the first time in June (my birthday month!), it’s a sign that patio season is here and everything’s coming to life again.

A City That Loves Plants

Living here, it’s clear that gardening isn’t just a hobby, it’s a lifestyle. May locals have a year round flower garden here. From local garden clubs and flower festivals to school fundraisers at plant sales, the love of plants runs deep.

Spring is when the city really comes alive. A few local highlights I look forward to every year include:

• The Victoria Flower Count – It’s a friendly little tradition where people count local blooms just to show off how early our spring arrives.
• Annual Garden Tours – A chance to peek into private backyards and get some ideas for your own space.
• Community Plant Sales – Whether it’s at a school or community centre, these are great for finding unique local plants and chatting with other green thumbs.

Even new developments have to make space for gardens and trees, it's just how we do things here.

Historical Roots of the Garden City

The Garden City nickname isn’t some modern marketing trick. It has roots going back to the early 1900s, tied closely to our city’s British heritage. Like many locals, I’ve always felt a little pride in how much of that tradition we've kept alive.

Early settlers brought their love of English gardens, and over time, that love turned into a full-on obsession with flowers and greenery. Generations later, that same spirit lives on in our parks, in our neighbourhoods, and even in how we design our homes and public spaces.

Environmental Planning and Urban Beauty

Victoria doesn’t just look good, it lives green too. We’re big on protecting natural areas, planting native species, and supporting pollinators. That’s not just the city’s doing, it’s a community effort. People here care about sustainability, and it shows in every planter box and boulevard garden.

• Protected parks and green spaces all over the city
• Programs that encourage composting, gardening, and sustainability
• Bike-friendly neighbourhoods and walkable streets
• Even public art that celebrates our love for nature

I think that’s what makes Victoria special - we don’t just plant flowers because they look good. We plant them because we believe in living well and protecting what we’ve got.

Why the Garden City Name Matters

For me, the nickname "Garden City" is more than just words. It’s part of our identity. It tells people what kind of community we are - peaceful, nature-loving, and proud of our beauty. When I meet someone new who just moved here, I always say, “Just wait until spring, you’ll see why it’s called that.”

And the best part is how gardens bring us together. They give neighbours a reason to chat, families a place to relax, and the whole city something to feel proud of. It’s not just about the flowers, it’s about the feeling that comes with them.

Thinking of Moving to Victoria?

If you're thinking of moving to Victoria, BC, I can honestly say you’re in for something special. Life here is a little slower, a little greener, and a lot more peaceful. It’s the kind of place where you’ll find yourself taking evening walks just to smell the lilacs or stopping mid-errand to admire a blooming cherry tree.

Some things you’ll notice right away:

• You’ll walk more because the parks and trails just invite you out.
• You might start gardening even if you’ve never touched a trowel before.
• You’ll breathe a little easier, literally and figuratively.
• And you’ll start to feel connected to nature, not just see it.

Whether you’re here to retire, raise a family, or just start a new chapter, Victoria offers a place where nature and community go hand in hand. And as someone who’s spent a lifetime here, I promise it’s worth it.

Victoria, BC is called the Garden City for many good reasons. Its mild climate, world-famous gardens, beautiful public spaces, and strong community values all make it a city filled with flowers, trees, and green beauty. The name isn’t just a nickname, it’s a way of life.

From Butchart Gardens to the hanging baskets downtown, from Beacon Hill Park to the flower beds outside your neighbour’s front door, Victoria blooms with pride. If you’re thinking about making Victoria your new home, know that you’ll be joining a community that truly values nature, beauty, and a peaceful, garden-filled life.

Explore more about moving and living in Victoria, BC on this website made just for you Moving To Victoria BC. I built it to help you get to know this amazing city and make your move as smooth (and green) as possible.