Esquimalt Gorge Park
Location
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Esquimalt, B.C.
About
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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
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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
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The park has a Japanese garden, a rose garden and a rhododendron garden
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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
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Kishida also designed the Butchart Japanese gardens and the gardens at Hatley Park
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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
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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
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The park houses the Gorge Waterway Nature House and it offers public education through hands-on learning, informational resources, and nature presentations
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Off to the left of the parking lot is an estuary walk
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There is plenty of parking and lots of walking paths within the park and along the Gorge
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If you need to host an event, the pavilion in the park is a great option
Lands
Amenities
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Playground
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Walking paths
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Picnic tables
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Washrooms
Online
Videos