Victoria 
Beacon Hill is one of the easiest parks to find in Canada.
Simply hit the Trans Canada and follow it all the way to its western terminus in Victoria.
Beacon Hill Park in Victoria, which is also home to Mile Zero marker, is much more than a highway marker, though. The area contains one of Victoria’s largest city parks. Within the park are many interesting sights, beautiful landscapes, trails, and recreational activities.
Also nearby, and within walking distance, are some of Victoria’s equally-as-iconic sights to see. The Harbour and Wharf are a 15-minute walk from Beacon Hill Park. The area has more parks and gardens, dining, tour operators, photo-worthy architecture, and public art.
What is meant by Mile Zero: The Trans Canada Highway stretches across the country from Victoria to St. John’s at a whopping 7,821KM. This makes it the fourth longest highway in the world and makes Victoria “Mile Zero” on the highway’s west end/terminus. Hitting Mile Zero is obvious to anyone driving or on foot or bike, as the highway simply ends at the water! A monument at the end of the road signsify Mile Zero.
St. John’s also has a mile zero at its eastern end.
Top things to do at Beacon Hill Park
Plan for a few hours at the park, at least. The time you spend here will depend on what you want to see and do. To see the park on a walk would take anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours.
- To walk the entire grounds and see all of Beacon Hill Park will make for a 4.3-4.5km walk, or about 30 minutes. However, take advantage of the opportunities to explore the many other trails which branch off of the main outer loop.
- The park is filled with many excellent places for photos with unique backdrops: the Moss Lady, the Mile Zero Monument, a Terry Fox Statue, the World’s Tallest Free-Standing Totem Pole, the stone bridge, the gardens, the ponds, or the Strait of Juan De Fuca.
- Beacon Hill Park is home to many different sports areas, including pickleball and tennis courts, soccer fields, a ball diamond, lawn bowling areas, playgrounds, and a cricket field.
- Take time to smell the roses and many, many other plants and flowers within Beacon Hill’s manicured gardens. Much of the park is built around native and endangered plants as well, with interpretive signage marking these locations.
Fresh Local Food Near the Park
Within walking distance of Beacon Hill Park are many great local restaurants and takeout options for a break from the park.
- The Beacon Drive In Restaurant is conveniently right across the street from the park and is highly rated for its burgers, hot dogs, and sandwiches.
- Head to the Breakwater Bistro for that fresh local seafood. You may even catch some live music during dinner times.
- Cook Street, which leads northeast from Beacon Hill, offers a few great local options including Thunderbird Korean Fried Chicken, Pizzeria Prima Strada, or Moka House Coffee.
- And for plenty more seafood spots, upscale restaurant options, or many more family restaurant options, walk the 20-minutes to Fisherman’s Wharf and the Victoria Harbour.
More to do near Beacon Hill Park
Victoria is an easy city to explore on bike and foot, and getting to some of the city’s nearby attractions from Beacon Hill Park will only take about 15 to 20 minutes of walking (one-way).
- Before heading north to the tourism centre of Victoria, follow the trails west from Beacon Hill Park toward Holland Point Park and the Breakwater. Along the way and on the Breakwater are displays of public art and opportunities to spot small marine life. This is also where cruise ships dock in the city, which is impressive to see for the first time!
- Follow the trails east from the park for a couple of public beaches and more great views of the Strait.
- Walk about 20 minutes northwest of Beacon Hill to find some of Victoria’s biggest attractions like Fisherman’s Wharf, the Royal BC Museum, the Legislative Assembly building and gardens, or the rest of the harbour.
Exploring Victoria’s Waters & Marine Life
Take advantage of the seaside opportunities for sightseeing, touring, and simply getting around Victoria. These are all great ways to see the Strait, the ships, and possibly marine life.
- One unique transportation option in Victoria is the city’s water taxis, which stop at the Victoria Harbour near Beacon Hill.
- The same company which operates the water taxis also operates ferry tours around the harbour.
- To get the most out of seeing the waters and marine life around Victoria, sign up for a whale-watching excursion. These, for the most part, depart from the Wharf and Harbour area. May to October are considered the best months for this activity, which is offered by Orca Spirit Adventures, Prince of Whales Whale & Marine Wildlife Adventures.
- Beacon Hill is itself a waterfront park that is also connected to many other waterfront parks. A walk along these parks may offer chance sightings of marine life out in the waters.
Planning your trip – Beacon Hill Park
What: A geographically important, amenity-rich and beautiful park in Victoria. Beacon Hill Park is about 740,000 m2 of beautiful natural features, constructed features, flowerbeds, parklands, and pathways. Part of the park faces a great view of the Strait of Juan De Fuca. The park is home to sports courts and fields, picnic areas, washrooms, and parking.
Location and how to get there: 100 Cook Street, Victoria
Cost: free
Best time to go: open year-round, dawn to dusk
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