Skip to content
BusinessesGrow
Sport & OutdoorOutdoor AdventureHistoricSeasonal

Milner Gardens & Woodland

2179 West Island Hwy · Qualicum Beach, BC

Why you should go…

Milner Gardens & Woodland, run by Vancouver Island University, preserves a 1929 private estate on the shore of the Salish Sea near Qualicum Beach. Trails wind through one of Vancouver Island's remaining old-growth Douglas-fir and cedar stands to an English-inspired garden with about ten acres of rare rhododendrons. The Milner House, once visited by Princess Diana, holds the Camellia Tea Room, and there is a nursery and gift shop. Hours and admission change by season; free guided tours run Thursdays and Fridays from April to September.

  • #gardens
  • #rhododendrons
  • #old-growth
  • #tea room
  • #vancouver island

Good to know

General sport & outdoor guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Weather calls the shots

    Check the forecast the morning of and keep an indoor backup in your pocket for the day it turns.

  • Shoes, water, sun cover

    The three things that decide whether you last the whole outing or cut it short after an hour.

  • Parking and launches fill early

    On a nice weekend, lots and trailheads are often full by mid-morning.

  • Daylight shrinks in shoulder season

    Spring and fall visits need an earlier start than the same trip in July.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Milner Gardens & Woodland, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Tours
    Outdoor Adventure

    Horne Lake Caves

    $50+

    Guided caving tours in Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park near Qualicum Beach, from a family-friendly cave walk to a five-hour rappelling adventure.

    1.6 mi awaySwitch it up: Tours

  • Attractions
    Family Favorite

    North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre

    Under $25

    Wildlife rehabilitation centre near Parksville where visitors see more than 60 non-releasable eagles, owls, hawks and black bears, open daily 9 am to 4:30 pm.

    5.1 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Sightseeing

    Tourism Vancouver Island (4VI)

    Free

    Regional tourism association for Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands and the Sunshine Coast, operating the vancouverisland.travel guide from a Nanaimo office.

    25 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Outdoor Adventure

    Vancouver Parks

    Free

    The board that runs Vancouver's public parks, including Stanley Park, VanDusen Botanical Garden and Bloedel Conservatory.

    57 mi awayMore like this

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Iconic

    Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

    $50+

    Vancouver's famous 460-foot suspension bridge above the Capilano River, with treetop walkways and a cliffside walk.

    58 mi awayMore like this

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Iconic

    Grouse Mountain

    $50+

    North Vancouver mountain resort with an aerial tramway, hiking trails, wildlife viewing and a mountaintop bike park.

    59 mi awayMore like this