Finnerty Gardens is located on the southwest corner of the University of Victoria. It is a year-round botanical garden with many paths and ponds.
More than 500 species of rhododendrons have turned the gardens into heaven for flower lovers. Finnerty Gardens has one of Canada's best and largest collections of rhododendrons. Generally, rhododendrons and azaleas blossom in spring and show off their beauty in the best possible way so that some species exceeding 6 m (20 ft.) in height.
You can plan to visit the Finnerty Gardens in May or April.
With 15.3 acres (6.19 hectares) area, Finnerty Gardens is located in the famous city of Victoria, south of Vancouver Island. This woodland garden is placed southwest of the University of Victoria. Its elevation is about 65 m (213.2 ft).
You can access Cadboro Bay by driving about 3 km (1.8 miles) to the east. There are also several parks near Finnerty Gardens if you are interested in planning an incredible adventure. Some of them are Cadboro-Gyro Park at the east, Peacock Hill Park to the southwest, and Tolmie Park to the west. If you are a fan of playing golf, Uplands Golf Club and Cedar Hill Golf Course are close to the Finnerty Gardens. You can also drive 4.5 km (2.8 miles) to the southeast to enjoy Willows Beach and Willows Park.
From Victoria:
The fastest route to get the Finnerty Gardens from downtown Victoria is Cedar Hill Rd. The route is 6.9 km (4.2 miles), and it takes about 12 minutes.
Take Bay St, Cook St. and Cedar Hill Rd. to Pear St. in Saanich. After 4.9 km (3 miles), continue on Pear St. to Cedar Hill Cross Rd. Drive 800 m (2624.6 ft) and continue on Cedar Hill Cross Rd. to Oak Bay. After 800 m (2624.6 ft) more, continue on West Campus Gate to your destination. Drive 350 m (1148.2 ft) to reach Finnerty Gardens.
From Nanaimo:
Getting to Finnerty Gardens from Nanaimo is possible via Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 S. The route is 114 km (70.8 miles), and it takes about 1 hour and 33 minutes.
Take Wallace St. to Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 S for 550 m (1804.4 ft). Follow Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 S to McKenzie Ave in Saanich. Take exit six from Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 S. Drive 105 km (65.2 miles). Continue on McKenzie Ave to your destination in Oak Bay. After 8 km (4.9 miles), you will reach Finnerty Gardens.
"Alumni Chip Trail" is an easy loop with a 4.2 km (2.6 miles) length. It is located around the University of Victoria and features Finnerty Gardens. With 29 m (95.1 ft) of elevation gain, this hiking trail is suitable for all skill levels and accessible all year round.
To refer to the history of Finnerty Gardens, Dr. Richard Stoker, a British Officer, dwelt in Lake Cowichan before 1900 and planted the rhododendrons' seeds they had collected in Afghanistan in their summer house.
In 1912, George Simpson purchased the house and developed 200 species of rhododendron plants in the house.
In 1986, Mrs. Simpson relocated the flourished garden to the University of Victoria.
The Interfaith Chapel, or Multifaith Center, is a beautiful place for weddings and memorials located next to the gardens. There are plenty of couples who hold their wedding ceremony in this starry-eyed, colourful center. Visiting the gardens is free. Parking lot number 6, near the Chapel, is free on Sundays and statutory holidays, while you must pay 1.25 CAD per hour on other days.
As the garden is placed in Victoria, there are several adventures around to make your trip memorable.