Beacon Hill Park is a 75-hectare (200-acre) area in Victoria, British Columbia, along the Juan de Fuca Strait. Tourists and locals enjoy the plentiful attractions there, including forest and coastline walks, two playgrounds, a waterpark, playing fields, a petting zoo, tennis courts, numerous ponds, and groomed gardens. To the Songhees people, the hill is known as Meeacan (also written Meegan), which means "belly." The hill is culturally significant because it was once a burial ground for the First Nations Coast Salish people, its indigenous residents. It offers breathtaking views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Washington's Olympic Mountains.
Other ecosystems that support many of the same plants and wildlife are interspersed within the Garry oak environment. Grasslands and rocky habitats, such as coastal bluffs, are examples of these types of environments. More plant species exist in these ecosystems than in any other terrestrial ecosystem in coastal British Columbia, and many of these species are unique to Canada, preparing a unique opportunity for wildlife viewing tours.
Despite the fact that much of this park has been groomed and occupied with various structures, much of the native flora has been retained. There still has Garry oak, arbutus, Douglas-fir, western redcedar, camas, trillium, snowberry, Oregon grape, and fawn lily. Raccoons, river otters, squirrels, and a variety of birds can all be observed on a regular basis. Swans, turtles, ducks, Canada geese, and blue herons can all be found in the ponds.
In the center of Victoria, Beacon Hill Park is the place to go whether you're looking for a tranquil place to walk, a gorgeous picnic spot, an excellent place for bird viewing, or a place to connect with other wildlife.