VIU Milner Gardens and Woodland

Visitor Information

Notice of Special Closure: The Gardens are temporarily closed until Saturday, March 23rd for construction. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and look forward to welcoming you back soon. 

Seasonal Hours 

Month Dates and Hours
January Closed
February - March  Open Fridays and Saturdays, 11am - 3:30pm, beginning February 9th, 2024.
April - September Open Thursdays - Sundays, 11am - 5pm, beginning March 28th, 2024.
October Open Fridays and Saturdays, 11am - 3:30pm, beginning October 4th, 2024.
November Closed
December Open for Milner Christmas Magic | Dates TBD

See Special Event Details

Seasonal Admission Rates 

 (Including Tax)

Age Group

Cost

Summer 2024

(April 25th - September 1st)

Shoulder 2024

(March 28th - April 21st & September 5th - September 29th)

Winter 2024

(February 2nd - March 23rd & October 4th - October 26th)

Adult $14.00 $10.00 $7.00
Youth (13-18) $8.00 $6.00 $5.00
Children (12 or under) Free Free Free
Members and VIU Students (with cards) Free Free Free

Important Information

  • No pets are permitted on the grounds except for certified guide dogs.
  • Garden admission is cut off 30 minutes before closing. We recommend giving yourself at least one hour in the Gardens.
  • Payment of admission is required to access Milner House, the Camellia Tea Room, the Plant Sales Nursery, and the Pool House Gift Shop.
  • The Welcome Centre accepts cash, debit and credit. Plant Sales, Pool House Gift Shop and Camellia Tea Room take debit/credit only - no cash. AMEX is not accepted anywhere onsite. 
  • If you are visiting on a Saturday between May and September, there will likely be a wedding occurring on site.
  • Picnicking is permitted at the tables outside of the Pool House Gift Shop, Croquet Lawn and Orchard. Not on the Grand Lawn. 
  • In the event of rain, Milner does provide umbrellas for guests to borrow while on-site.
  • Smoking is only permitted in the designated smoking area outside the Pool House Gift Shop. Please ask a Milner Team Member to direct you.
  • Commercial photography or filming of Milner property is not permitted unless otherwise discussed with management. Inquire at milnergardens@shaw.ca
  • If you are planning a private tour or are interested in large group rates, please contact milnergardens@shaw.ca.
  • If you are planning a visit for a school group or other group involving children, check out our Shoots with Roots program, or contact Pam Murray at 250.752.8573 Ext. 3124 to discuss your options.

Accessibility Information

  • Our parking lot is equipped with three accessible parking stalls beside our Welcome and Interpretive Centre
  • a 6 or 8 person shuttle cart is available to transport guests from the Welcome and Interpretive Centre down to Milner House and back. It can accommodate collapsible wheelchairs, walkers or strollers on the back.
  • Accessible washrooms can be found at the Welcome and Interpretive Centre, Pool House Gift Shop and Milner House.
  • The public access portion of Milner House and Camellia Tea Room is located on the first floor and is wheelchair accessible though the front entrance/exit only. 
  • The Milner driveway is a long, gentle slope of packed gravel that some guests with wheelchairs, walkers or strollers may find challenging.
  • Forest and garden paths are regularly maintained to be kept clear. Some sections contain boardwalks that may be slippery when wet. 
  • Shuttle cart access is along the Milner driveway only - not through garden or woodland paths, or onto the Grand Lawn.

Directions to the Gardens