This land was purchased by the Hudson Bay Company and used from as early as 1843 to ward boats off Brotchie Ledge, a dangerous underwater shipping hazard. Company officers would light two beacons on the top of the hill to mark Brotchie location for incoming ships. The land was set aside as a protected area by Sir James Douglas, governor of the Colony of Vancouver Island, in 1858. In 1882, the land was officially made a municipal park of the City of Victoria and given its present name. The City of Victoria soon brought in by-laws prohibiting cattle grazing, games of chance, discharging firearms and cleaning carpets on the grass. The stories this park could tell!
Wander the trails and pathways of the park to discover the world tallest free-standing totem pole, water fountains, an abundance and variety of gardens, duck ponds, a free putting course for golfers, a farm animal petting area for children, playgrounds for children, an active, outdoor musical pavilion, massive fir and cedar trees, a bald eagle nest, cricket pitch, lawn bowling, sports fields, and endless vistas across the strait.
A special treat each spring is a visit to the west side of the park along Douglas Street to see the great blue heron colony. This massive bird has been designated as a species at risk by British Columbia's Ministry of the Environment, Lands and Parks so it's wonderful to see nature at its best and most precious so close to home. Mother Nature has strict rules, however, so it's not unusual to see the bald eagles invading the nests and snacking on a young, helpless baby heron. What a treasure to explore!
Each July, Beacon Hill Park is the venue for Victoria's spectacular annual nighttime festival of lights called Luminera. Started as a humble lantern festival a few years ago, this has become a magical spectacle of thousands of handmade paper lanterns combined with family-based activities, live music, pageantry and performance art.
Beacon Hill Park has long been a favourite spot for weddings. A number of Dashwood Manor Bed and Breakfast guests have had their ceremonies along the beach, by the ponds or amongst the magnificent gardens at Beacon Hill Park. If you are considering having your wedding in our city, we can suggest marriage commisioners, great locations for intimate ceremonies and restaurants to celebrate the occasion.
More Links
Weddings West, a website for wedding planning with a directory for wedding commissioners. For more information about commissioners, ask us about Liz Graham, Joan Hoffman (jnlhoffman@shaw.ca) or Laurie Smith (laurieesmith@shaw.ca), three experienced, resourceful and friendly commissioners we have worked with over the years.
Look for the stone bridge near the central west side by