Abkhazi Garden - Victoria, British Columbia

Mireille R.

Accueil chaleureux. Superbe jardin: sentiers paisibles.

Polly P.

The Garden Itself:
Abkhazi Garden is truly spectacular, meticulously cared for, and brimming with charm. Its history—founded in 1946 by Georgian Prince Nicholas Abkhazi and his wife, Princess Marjorie—adds a fascinating layer to its beauty. Though the grounds may not be as vast as other gardens on the island, every corner is so thoughtfully designed that it feels like a living work of art, perfect for photography enthusiasts.

The Tea House:
The on-site tea house is a delightful spot for lunch or afternoon tea. The menu looks exquisite, and the popularity of the place (it was quite busy during our visit) suggests great food and service. However, reservations are a must, so plan ahead if you want to enjoy this part of the experience.

Donation Policy:
While the garden is officially free to enter, donations are encouraged—which is completely fair, given its upkeep. Unfortunately, our experience was severely tarnished by the way donations were solicited.

We were literally stopped at the entrance and told we could not enter without making a donation first. This felt pushy, inappropriate, and entirely at odds with the garden’s otherwise welcoming atmosphere. It completely overshadowed our visit.

A Suggestion for Improvement:
A more respectful approach would be to mention donations at the end of the visit, after guests have had a chance to appreciate the garden’s beauty. I would have happily donated—and generously—after seeing how well-maintained and stunning it was. But being cornered at the entrance left a sour taste and made the experience feel transactional rather than welcoming.

Steven S.

A quite lovely and beautifully maintained local garden. The honestly impressive scope of plants and trees, among cascading lily ponds and large natural stone terracing, keeps impressing as you meander along the many intersecting paths. Simply wonderful.

Be sure to get the garden's fascinating history from a volunteer, and donate what you can when visiting!

Dhamar P.

Very nice and beautiful place! We went on a trip, and it was our last day of vacation in Victoria. We were on a tight budget and wanted to enjoy free attractions. But to our surprise, even though the website says entrance is free, we weren’t allowed to enter the garden without first making a “donation over 10 dlls.”
We felt a bit uncomfortable, as we didn’t have much money left. So I suggest that if visitors are not allowed in without donating, it would be more honest to list it as an entrance fee instead of calling it a donation.
Other than that, it’s a very beautiful place.

B J.

Delightful little spot just tucked away a few minutes from downtown Victoria. Food at tea house was delicious. Nice selection of teas. Cute garden

Nóra K.

A truly magical and unforgettable experience.
We visited the Abkhazi Garden in Victoria, BC yesterday and were absolutely enchanted by its beauty, tranquility, and history. From the moment we stepped inside, we felt transported into a storybook — a peaceful botanical haven filled with charm and meaning.

The staff were incredibly warm and welcoming, and we want to give special thanks to Margaret, a wonderful volunteer who has been with the garden for 25 years. Her knowledge and passion were truly inspiring. She shared so many fascinating stories and historical details about the royal couple who created the garden, which added so much depth and heart to our visit.

We were also lucky enough to enjoy a traditional afternoon tea at the charming Teahouse. The setting was delightful, and the food was delicious and beautifully presented. Our waitress — a young woman whose name, unfortunately, we don’t remember — was incredibly sweet, graceful, and attentive. She added the final touch of magic to an already perfect afternoon.

We can’t recommend Abkhazi Garden enough. It’s not just a place to visit — it’s a place to feel, reflect, and be moved by nature and history. We will treasure this memory and look forward to returning again soon.

Nabeel H.

It's a beautiful historic walkthrough garden built by a couple in the 1900s. It's the same layout as back then, only the dead plants have been restored.

As you enter, you're greeted, and asked to pay a mandatory donation of $10 per person. The walkthrough takes around 30 minutes, but can take longer if you take your time. It is very beautiful, and home to many trees and flowers.

There is a person that answers questions for you, in the garden, and there are 6 zones to walk through. It's about 1 acre in size.

I would recommend checking this out, however, it is a tad pricy for the length of which it takes.

Olivia R.

Came here mid afternoon. We walked around the garden for a little then had the elevensies tea at the tea house. Every thing was beautiful and delicious! The ambiance was very nice.