Abkhazi Garden — Attraction in Victoria

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...

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...

This is a lovely volunteer-managed site that combines the gardens with a bit of the story of the previous owners, who created them. The ideal time to come is likely in rhododendron season, but we were there when the lilies were blooming, and the greenery provided nice shelter on a warm summer day. My companion had both mobility and vision issues (walking with a cane) and in the shade, he tripped over a jutting piece of cement that was hard for him to see. He found the slopes, uneven stairs and 75-year-old pavement to be a challenge. If you combine your visit with tea, be warned that it is not cheap, and you can't have "just tea". However, the scones are out of this world. I would recommend a visit if you love gardens and high tea, and are looking for a more intimate experience than Butchart Gardens. Your money supports a beautiful heritage site and a...