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, 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.
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.
There is no designated hiking trail to reach 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.
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.