Services & Accessibility

Public Areas

Although the physical area of The Gardens is large, we’ve made sure most paths are gradual and easy to walk. If you have young children you can leisurely explore the grounds.

All public areas are accessible by wheelchair, except for a viewpoint area within the Sunken Garden known as "The Mound", and the wharf and the gravel path leading to it from the wharf viewpoint.

Only motorized or standard wheelchairs are permitted. Due to the design and layout of the gardens, we are unable to accommodate Segways. Attendant-assist washrooms are available.

Use of selfie sticks is not permitted.

Use of tripods for photography -- If you would like to use a tripod, we ask you use it as a monopod if possible, and in a manner that does not block the paths for other visitors.

The Gardens is a property-wide smoke and vapour free environment.

Garden Etiquette

Please note, costumes and period style or historical dress is not permitted in The Gardens. For more information please view our Garden Etiquette or call us at 250-652-4422.

Selfie sticks are not permitted at The Gardens for the safety and enjoyment of all visitors.

Garden Etiquette Translations:
Chinese
Japanese
Korean

Baby Strollers

Strollers are available on a first-come, first-served basis at the Visitor Centre (no reservations). While free of charge a $10 refundable deposit is required.

Baby Changing Areas

To make visits more pleasant for young families, we’ve equipped all our washrooms with baby changing areas.

First Aid

For first aid assistance please visit the Visitor Centre or, in an emergency, contact any staff member.

Lost & Found

To report a lost item, or to turn in an item please visit the Visitor Centre.

Luggage/Small Items Storage

The Visitor Centre is able to hold, at no charge, luggage and other small items for you while you tour The Gardens.

Maps

Printed visitor maps, in 22 languages, are available at the Visitor Centre. We also have an interactive map you can view right now.

Parking

Cars: Parking is free. We have parking spaces dedicated to serve visitors with mobility issues.

Bicycles: Bike racks are located in all parking areas. Visitors arriving by bicycle may also take advantage of the no-charge storage in our Visitor Centre, for helmets and bags.

RVs: Parking is free but no overnight parking is possible. RVs are parked in the bus lot.

Pay Phones

There are pay phones available in the Bus Parking Lot. If you need assistance finding one, please ask any staff member.

Pets

Pets are welcome, but must be kept on short leashes. To purchase a leash ($7.99) or pick up a refuse bag, please drop by the Visitor Centre. We have five pet water fountains throughout The Gardens.

With the exception of guide dogs, we cannot accommodate pets on boat tours or inside our dining or food services areas. All boat tour passengers must agree to have the guide dog present.

Note: We ask pet owners not to bring pets to the Firework shows as the loud sounds can distress most animals.

Picnicking

Picnic tables are on the grass adjacent to the main car parking area. For other areas, check with staff in our Visitor Centre.

Postal Services

The Visitor Centre sells postage stamps and has a mail drop box to send postcards to friends and family.

Umbrellas

If it rains, we lend umbrellas for your onsite use. If it begins to rain they will be put out as soon as we are able in all parking lots and throughout The Gardens.

Wheelchairs

Wheelchairs are free of charge with $10 refundable deposit. They are available on a first-come basis (no reservations.) Escorts/assistants are not available to push wheelchairs.

Only motorized or standard wheelchairs/personal mobility scooters and walkers are permitted. Due to the design and layout of the gardens, we are unable to accommodate Segways.

Scooters may be rented with advance notice from Motion Specialties in Sidney or Victoria.

Wharf

If you plan to arrive by boat, please refer to our mooring diagram detailing wharf and cove conditions. For local marina info and UTM coordinates please refer to our wharf-information PDF.

Our dock is intended for dinghy docking. All dinghies must depart the dock by closing time. Please follow instruction from Gardens' staff at all times.