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Milner Gardens & Woodland

Milner Gardens & Woodland is among the top ten public gardens in Canada. This magic garden overlooks the Strait of Georgia and is well known for its rhododendrons in spring and Japanese maples in fall. Strolling through this gorgeous spot, in the woods, on the edge of an oceanside bluff, is marvellous, even when the charming rhododendrons are not in bloom. The plants, shrubs, garden paths and an old-growth stunning silk tree are the other attractions of this picturesque area.


Milner Gardens & Woodland Location

Milner Gardens & Woodland, with 28 hectares (70 acres) area, is a seaside garden located in Qualicum Beach on the east coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. The Camellia Tea Room at Milner Gardens & Woodland offers lovely tea and light foods that attract many people. Milner Gardens & Woodland is also a desired place for a wedding.


How to Get to Milner Gardens & Woodland by Car

From Nanaimo:
The fastest route from Nanaimo to Milner Gardens & Woodland is BC-19 N. It is 50.8 km (31.5 miles) and takes about 40 minutes.
Take Third St to BC-19 N for 3.3 km (2 miles). Follow BC-19 N to Memorial Rd/BC-4 E in Nanaimo G. Take exit 60 from BC-19 N and drive 42.4 km (26.3 miles). Follow Memorial Rd/BC-4 E to Island Hwy W/BC-19A S in Qualicum Beach. After 5.2 km (3.2 miles), you will reach Milner Gardens & Woodland - Vancouver Island University.

From Victoria:
Getting to Milner Gardens & Woodland from Victoria is via Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N and BC-19 N. It is 161 km (100 miles) and takes about 2 hours.
Take Government St to Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N for 1.2 km (0.7 miles). Follow Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N and BC-19 N to Memorial Rd/BC-4 E in Nanaimo G. Take exit 60 from BC-19 N and drive 155 km (96.3 miles). Follow Memorial Rd/BC-4 E to Island Hwy W/BC-19A S in Qualicum Beach. After 5.2 km (3.2 miles), you will reach Milner Gardens & Woodland - Vancouver Island University.


The Hike to Get to Milner Gardens & Woodland

There is no designated hiking trail to reach Milner Gardens & Woodland.


History of Milner Gardens & Woodland

In 1937, Ray Milner, who retired from a busy, successful life, purchased the estate and spent time improving the garden with his first wife, Rina. Unfortunately, Rina passed away in 1952. Mr. Milner got married again to a British aristocrat, Veronica, in 1954, and they began extensive work on the garden. Veronica's mother was a cousin of British Prime Minister Winston Churchill.
Veronica named the estate Long Distance. "We called this house this name because it was so far away from my old home and because the telephone was always ringing for him!" She said.
In 1986, the Prince and Princess of Wales visited the garden. In October of 1987, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip stayed at the estate for three days.
Mrs. Milner was an eminent artist. Her artist's eye and expert on horticultural are the gold points that formed the garden. She collected most of the garden's plants while she accompanied her husband on his many business trips abroad.
Vancouver Island University purchased the estate in 1996 for the study of native Flora and Fauna. In May 1996, the garden was assigned as "The Milner Gardens" in Ray and Veronica Milner's honour.


Things to do around the Milner Gardens & Woodland Area

Milner Gardens & Woodland is a charming spot that can provide a pleasant time for any visitor. Walking through the trails while enjoying the spectacular scenery can be a memorable experience.

The Best Gardens Near Milner Gardens & Woodland

Milner Gardens & Woodland

Milner Gardens & Woodland

Milner Gardens & Woodland is on the list of the top ten public gardens in Canada. It is among old-growth Douglas fir forest, on the edge of an oceanside bluff. The garden is well known for its rhododendrons in spring and Japanese maples in fall. Strolling through the wide walkways makes a great family time. Enjoy it and have tea in its traditional tea room.

Milner Gardens & Woodland Activities

Windsurfing

Windsurfing in Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park will improve your adventure levels.

Kayaking & Canoeing

For paddling lovers, canoeing and kayaking in Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park can be an excellent choice.

Fishing

Fishing can be done in Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park, which is 12.4 km (7.7 miles) to the southeast.

Swimming

Swimming is permitted in Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park.

What you Can Expect to Do Near Milner Gardens & Woodland

Hiking on Bowen Park Loop

Hiking on Bowen Park Loop

Hiking on Bowen Park Loop is a lovely urban walk along a river with stunningly beautiful nature that promotes a rich forest, a waterfall, and a scenic pond. This easy hiking trail is so well maintained with lots of facilities. Spend hours hiking on this loop as part of the Trans Canada Trail and have a memorable day in the park, great for different kinds of activities.

Nanaimo Diving

Nanaimo Diving

Ranked as the best cold-water diving destination in BC, Nanaimo waters are saturated with new diving experiences. BC Ferries, dive shops, accessible shores, and the chance to observe cute beaches have made Nanaimo an ideal destination for visitors. Diving enthusiasts find themselves in the heavens when they come to Nanaimo, for it is home to spotless diving spots.

Nanaimo Yacht Club Whale Watching

Nanaimo Yacht Club Whale Watching

For those marine life lovers, Nanaimo Yacht Club Whale Watching is a great opportunity. Participants can ride boats and surf the surrounding waters with the chance to explore the area and observe whales living near Nanaimo due to the high population of orcas and whales around there.

Protection Island Ferry Whale Watching

Protection Island Ferry Whale Watching

Protection Island Ferry provides its participants with high chances of watching whales and other marine creatures, along with the scenic view of three spectacular islands. You may also rent a boat to surf the water, and if you are in luck, encounter these gigantic marine beasts.

Nanaimo Whale Watching

Nanaimo Whale Watching

On Vancouver Island, you can spend every single day arriving in a new city comprising magnificent adventures. While you stay in the second-largest city on the island, you may enjoy several incredible activities, including whale watching. Whale watching in Nanaimo gives you the chance to explore the Salish Sea ecosystem and observe marine life from April-October.

Camping in Deep Bay RV Park

Camping in Deep Bay RV Park

Despite its name, if you favour it, you can do tent camping with a sea view right in the center of Vancouver Island. one of the most significant fishing camps, Deep Bay s full of surprises for anglers. Not to mention that if you visit, you can observe various fantastic wildlife there. So, put your hesitates aside, and plan to visit Camping in Deep Bay RV Park this weekend.

Camping in Ford's Cove Marina

Camping in Ford's Cove Marina

Looking for a place on Hornby Island to stay the night while enjoying yourselves? You would better stop by camping in Ford's Cove Marina and camp with your RV or tent. This campground has cute oceanic views and glorious sunsets with gorgeous mountains. The Ford's Cove Marina Campground sites are charming, well-maintained, and spacious, with a pleasant grassy and treed atmosphere and beautiful scenery.

Camping in Qualicum Bay Resort

Camping in Qualicum Bay Resort

As a popular destination for campers from Nanaimo or Courtenay, Qualicum Bay Resort is one of the best places for nature admirers. Amuse your eye with the beautiful scenic view of this campground located on a beautiful beach. You are provided with almost every kind of camping and incredible landscape for those in the RV campground.

Camping in Lighthouse RV Park and Campground

Camping in Lighthouse RV Park and Campground

The great adventure in Fanny Bay will always hunt its visitors. The Lighthouse RV Park and Campground offer undeniable opportunities for camping of all kinds with a beautiful view of the ocean ornamented by mountains and islands. This campground offers excellent accommodation with every essential amenity. Not to mention that you can lose yourself in its charm, quiet, and unique sites and find it again.

Camping in Bradsdadsland Campsite

Camping in Bradsdadsland Campsite

Spacious, unique, private, and complete facility sites are provided in Bradsdadsland Campsite for visitors to have a perfect time camping on Hornby Island. Embrace this fantastic opportunity for adventure while you are in one of the gems of Hornby Island. You would feel peaceful while camping in the beautiful Bradsdadsland, away from your daily boring daily routine. While watching sunsets, enjoy the ocean view ahead of you.

Camping in Cumberland Lake Park Campground

Camping in Cumberland Lake Park Campground

By camping in Cumberland Lake Park Campground, the freedom you feel is seductive. The sandy beaches are perfect for spending some time walking or lounging on enjoying the lake's beautiful view and forest. So, do not miss another day of your vacation and head to the Camping in Cumberland Lake Park Campground to fulfil your desires for adventure.

Nanaimo Kayaking and Canoeing

Nanaimo Kayaking and Canoeing

If you are trying to get away from your lethal daily routine and your adventure flow has been stopped, why don't you plan a trip to the only multi-functional port city on Vancouver Island, Nanaimo? An assemblage of several distinguished bodies of water has made Nanaimo one of the best paddling locations in the world. You are provided with tons of other activities on both land and the sea.

Norris Rocks Diving

Norris Rocks Diving

Diving in Norris Rocks is two birds with one stone. You have the chance for an exciting deep-diving and also observing the unbelievable underwater wildlife inhabiting the area. After jumping into the water, go deep to gaze upon giant octopuses and deep-water locations.

Flora Islet Diving

Flora Islet Diving

If you are wandering around Hornby Island and thinking about a way to multiply the adventure of your day, do not hesitate and head to Flora Islet. On the other hand, no boats? Don't worry! This excellent diving zone is accessible by ferry. Enthusiasts who come to the site on summer days have the chance to see six-gill sharks.

China Creek Diving

China Creek Diving

According to your level of proficiency or your preference, the depths for diving vary from shallow to deep in China Creek. Comprising a wall dive with an incredible view of Port Alberni and amazing marine creatures underneath the water surface multiplies the beauty of this diving experience.

Milner Gardens & Woodland Outline

Specifications

Climate

Timing

Highlights


1. All the climate data are on average.
Friday, February 5 to Saturday, March 27
[Open Fridays and Saturdays]
11:00am - 3:00pm with viewing to 3:30pm
(Winter admission rates apply)

Thursday, April 1 to Sunday, April 25
[Open Thursdays through Sundays]
11:00am - 4:30pm with viewing to 5:00pm
(Shoulder season admission rates apply)

Thursday, April 29 to Sunday, September 5
[Open Thursdays through Sundays]
11:00am - 4:30pm with viewing to 5:00pm
(Summer admission rates apply)
Overlooks the Strait of Georgia
Rhododendrons
Japanese maples
Plants, shrubs, garden paths and an old-growth stunning silk tree

What you Can Expect to See Near Milner Gardens & Woodland

Great Central Lake

Great Central Lake

Great Central Lake is a popular destination near Port Alberni for hot summer days. As it is nestled beneath low mountains, and secondary-growth forests mostly surround it, there is a reflection on the water, making a scenic view. Photography, boating, hiking, swimming, and camping are suggested while you are in the area. So go on the adventures and pour your heart into them.

Parksville

Parksville

Parksville is known for its scenic, superb sandy beaches. This city is also famous for hiking trails, waterfalls, wildlife, parks, entertainment centres, and many fantastic restaurants and pubs. The city's most popular annual festival is Sandcastle Competition. Englishman River Falls, Little Qualicum Falls, and Englishman River Falls Provincial Park are among the most visited places.

Colliery Dam Park

Colliery Dam Park

Colliery Dam Park with Chase River, huge trees, Granny Falls, and two small ponds is a tranquil and wooded park. The spectacular views with some nice bridges make the park a good choice for photographers. It is possible to walk your dog off-leash at the upper dam. You can go hiking, seasonal swimming, boating, and fishing for rainbow trout.

Maffeo Sutton Park

Maffeo Sutton Park

Maffeo Sutton Park is a waterfront park with a perfect view of Nanaimo Harbour. It is a family park mainly known for its nice walking trails, playground, and picnicking areas. Swy-A-Lana Lagoon Fishing Pier is a nice spot located southeast of the park for fishing and swimming. This scenic oceanside park's Lions Pavilion Stage hosts community and musical events.

Beaufort Park

Beaufort Park

Beaufort Park is a year-round destination in Nanaimo. Each season's nature and wildlife diversity make eye-catching scenery for visitors, so take a camera with you. A multi-purpose court suitable for sports like basketball and pickleball, and a tennis court are available. There are also a community garden and a food forest, and a dog off-leash area.

Pipers Lagoon Park

Pipers Lagoon Park

Pipers Lagoon Park is a waterfront park with Shack Island, the ocean, and Neck Point Park views. Stay there for sunrise and sunset, and don't miss watching the scene. The park is home to bird species and other animals, making it a perfect destination for wildlife photographers. Hiking and jogging, beachcombing, flying a kite, and doing water sports are other options.

Bowen Park

Bowen Park

It seems that all you need is available at Bowen Park; a waterfall, duck pond, wilderness and picnic areas, and lots of facilities and sports fields. The Millstone River passes through the park, where can be considered as your hiking trail. The duck pond and a beautiful rhododendron grove with more than 350 species are amusing. Be there for some exercise or relaxation in the woods.

Nanoose Bay

Nanoose Bay

Nanoose Bay is known as a place to relax with its large pebble beach, somewhere between Nanaimo and Parksville. The scene is stunning, specifically in the evening when the sun meets the ocean. No matters how many times you visited the beach, it is always peaceful and attractive. Nanoose Bay is home to many sea animals, and the beach is perfect for digging up some clams.

Chinese Memorial Gardens Park

Chinese Memorial Gardens Park

Walking from the ferry terminal to downtown Nanaimo, you can find a beautiful small garden, Chinese Memorial Gardens Park. A small public park with full-grown shrubs and trees and gracious lawns performs as a relaxing spot. The painted, formed pagoda structure and carved stones decorated it. The scenery is eye-catching and is mainly used for the background of family portraits.

Neck Point Park

Neck Point Park

Neck Point Park is a beachfront park with some lookout spots where land meets the ocean. It is a popular choice for photography, hiking, scuba diving, and historic and scenic features. Fishing, paddling, and swimming are other options you have to entertain yourself. This waterfront park has awesome sea life; also, you can see bunnies very commonly.

Qualicum Beach

Qualicum Beach

An excellent picnicking area and sunny weather attract many families in summer to relax on Qualicum Beach. This sandy beach is placed in an area with many facilities and attractions to enjoy your day. Let life lead you to the beach with the incredible landscape of Lasqueti Island Ecological Reserve hills, blue sky and the ocean. Choose kinds of water activities which you delight in doing.

Beach Estates Park

Beach Estates Park

If you plan to be away from urban life and spend hours in the woods watching wildlife and get relaxed, take a visit to Beach Estates Park, west of Departure Bay. With a beautiful designated hiking trail, Beach Estates Park is interesting for hikers and runners. The park's nature includes a lush forest with magnificent tall trees, a small river, a rocky beach, and Beach Estates Falls.

Westwood Lake Park

Westwood Lake Park

Silence is wiser than speech in nature. To get this atmosphere with a scenic view near Nanaimo and to have an excellent family time, Westwood Lake Park is a smart year-round choice. It is a perfect place with a playground for kids, an off-leash area, and a lifeguard patrolled freshwater swimming site. Hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and boating are other adventures to take.

Wall Beach

Wall Beach

Wall Beach is a rocky beach north of Nanoose Bay. The peaceful atmosphere gives you an excellent chance to live in the sunshine, feel alive by the ocean air, and relax. It is the best escape anyone can have to get rid of work pressure. Do what makes you happy and improve your health. The beach has a dive site to dive, swim, and explore the rich marine life.

Parksville Beaches

Parksville Beaches

Parksville Beaches is a public beach with endless tidal flats of sand and rock. In July, a fantastic event takes place; the Sand Castle Sculpture Competition and Exhibition. In summer, soaking in the sun and watching the splendid sky could be relaxing. As the beach has an extensive area, it suits children's taste to spend hours running freely, playing and beachcombing.

Planning for Milner Gardens & Woodland

Suitability

Camping & Resort

Services

Terms and Conditions

Seasonal Admission Rates include tax.

Summer
Adult: $12.00
Youth (13-18): $7.00
Children (12 or under): Free
Members & VIU Students (with cards): Free

Shoulder
Adult: $9.00
Youth (13-18): $5.00
Children (12 or under): Free
Members & VIU Students (with cards): Free

Winter
Adult: $6.00
Youth (13-18): $4.00
Children (12 or under): Free
Members & VIU Students (with cards): Free


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