Esquimalt Gorge Park

Esquimalt Gorge Park, an historic waterfront retreat, blends natural beauty, restored heritage gardens, and community-focused amenities along the scenic Gorge Waterway

To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key.

Location

Esquimalt, B.C.
Google maps

About

Esquimalt Gorge Park was established in 1905 by the B.C. Electric Railway Company as a tourist attraction, with the most convenient way to reach it being aboard one of their streetcars heading to the park
The 11.65 hectare park has historically served as an outdoor retreat, with the B.C. Electric Company hosting picnics, concerts, and other forms of entertainment in the late 1800s
The park has a Japanese garden, a rose garden and a rhododendron garden
The Takada Japanese Garden, designed by Isaburo Kishida and established in 1907 was once operated as a tea house by the Takada family for many years
Kishida also designed the Butchart Japanese gardens and the gardens at Hatley Park
The garden was North America’s first Japanese garden and was sadly destroyed in the 1940s but has been restored by the Township of Esquimalt
The park's popularity waned until the 1950s, when it was transferred to the Township of Esquimalt and eventually it was revitalized by the Kinsmen Club
The park houses the Gorge Waterway Nature House and it offers public education through hands-on learning, informational resources, and nature presentations
Off to the left of the parking lot is an estuary walk
There is plenty of parking and lots of walking paths within the park and along the Gorge
If you need to host an event, the pavilion in the park is a great option