Victoria’s Historic Heights: A Walk Through Beacon Hill
From living fossils and First Nations history to sweeping ocean vistas, this tour reveals Beacon Hill Park like you’ve never experienced it before.Duration
Roughly 3 hours
Price
$15.00 CAD
Availability
Year Round
Get a local historian in your pocket
Our self-guided tours are a fun way to explore the city without having to worry about joining a scheduled tour.
- No data or roaming charges – the tour uses your phone GPS to guide you along.
- Listen to stories and history of the beautiful Beacon Hill Park.
- Discover hidden gems narrated by a local guide.
- Stop and start the tour at your own leisure. Go at your own pace!
Details
Tour Start Location: Corner of Southgate Street and Douglas Street, opposite to the Helm’s Inn.
Ending Place: Nursery Road, Victoria.
Cost: $15
Dietary Concerns
Most of the suggested restaurants can cater to most allergies and almost all of them have vegetarian options.
Highlights
• Marvel at living fossils, including Dawn Redwood trees that date back 100,000 years.
• View the ancient burial cairns of the Lekwungen People who inhabited the area for generations.
• Spot the Pacific Great Blue Heron colony nesting in tall pines – the largest on Vancouver Island
• Listen to stories and history narrated by a local guide using our free GPS-triggered APP.
Tour Information
Availability: Every day
Technology Needed: App works on both Apple and Android phones. May need Apple ID to download APP.
Seasonal: Please note sometimes the tour describes flora that may not be in season (for instance cherry blossom trees).
Walking Distance: Roughly 3 km, total walking time approximately 3 hours.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do self-guided tours work!
Does the APP work on any cell phone?
Yes, the APP will work on both Apple devices and Android phones. If you have an Apple phone, please note that you will need to know your Apple ID in order to download the APP.
Will I need WIFI to use the APP?
No. Once you have downloaded the APP and added the tour, your phone uses GPS to locate you and play the tour. We do have free WIFI at our kiosk – you will need WIFI in order to initially download the APP.
What is included in the cost?
The cost includes the 3-hour history tour narrated by a local guide.
Can you share the tour?
Yes. You are welcome to download the tour on to one phone and listen to it with other people.
Do I have to do the tour all in one day?
No! You are welcome to start and stop the tour at your own time and pace. The tour remains on your phone until you decide to delete the APP.
How long does a self-guided tour take?
We suggest planning for a 2 hour experience if you do the tour all at once. However you could speed up the tour or take your time.
How much walking is there?
Depends on the tour however please note that you will be outside and walking for at least 1 hour, more on the James Bay Self-Guided Tour. We suggest wearing comfortable shoes and dressing for the weather.
What sights will I see?
On this route we are going to take you to some popular tourist sights as well as some off the beaten path back alleys. Major attractions include Fisherman’s Wharf, The Pendray Mansion, The Legislature Building, The Royal BC Museum, and Emily Carr’s house.
Are tours offered only in English?
Currently our self-guided tours are only offered in English however we are working on having them translated into a few more languages for 2023.