Kitty Coleman Woodland Gardens
Discover a wild woodland oasis with stunning rhododendrons, a unique stone labyrinth, and vibrant artisan festivals.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Rhododendrons in full bloom
Kitty Coleman Woodland Gardens
Best Time
Rhododendrons in full bloom
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover a wild woodland oasis with stunning rhododendrons, a unique stone labyrinth, and vibrant artisan festivals.
"A unique spot with a hippy vibe, offering a wilder garden experience and beautiful blooms."
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Trails can be uneven and overgrown. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are essential for exploring the woodland paths.
🌸 Spring Bloom is Magical
For the most stunning views, visit in spring when the rhododendrons are in full, spectacular bloom.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Rhododendron Spectacle
Throughout the gardens
Thousands of rhododendrons create a breathtaking floral display, especially in spring. A must-see for nature lovers!
The Stone Labyrinth
Central gardens
A unique and meditative stone labyrinth offers a peaceful and intriguing experience for visitors.
Artisan Festivals
Artisan's Glade
Experience local art and crafts at vibrant festivals held during long weekends, showcasing talented vendors.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Rhododendrons
Embrace the Wild Charm
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Trails can be uneven and overgrown. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are essential for exploring the woodland paths.
🌸 Spring Bloom is Magical
For the most stunning views, visit in spring when the rhododendrons are in full, spectacular bloom.
📅 Check Event Schedules
Artisan festivals and other events draw crowds. Plan your visit to coincide with them or avoid them based on your preference. 
🐾 Pet-Friendly Exploration
Well-behaved pets are welcome, making it a great spot for a walk with your furry friends.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Trails can be uneven and overgrown. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are essential for exploring the woodland paths.
🌸 Spring Bloom is Magical
For the most stunning views, visit in spring when the rhododendrons are in full, spectacular bloom.
📅 Check Event Schedules
Artisan festivals and other events draw crowds. Plan your visit to coincide with them or avoid them based on your preference.
🐾 Pet-Friendly Exploration
Well-behaved pets are welcome, making it a great spot for a walk with your furry friends.
🌳 Embrace the Wildness
These gardens are natural and wild, not perfectly manicured. Enjoy the rustic charm and unique atmosphere.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors often praise the stunning rhododendron blooms in spring and the unique, wild charm of the gardens. The artisan festivals are a highlight for many, offering a vibrant community atmosphere. However, some find the trails overgrown and challenging for strollers, and a few feel the general upkeep could be improved outside of special events.
"We were looking for a quiet place to go for a walk, without the hustle and bustle of loads of people, and for a place to keep out of the heat, and found this place! With 24 acres to explore, there are loads of trails to follow, and plenty of spots to take a seat and enjoy the scenery. Don't expect Butchart-style gardens, these are much more wild than that, but still beautiful. We even got to meet Bryan who owns and maintains the gardens (he's 85), and sat speaking with him for a couple of hours on the stage. We're hoping to go back again, especially at the end of August as there's an event on. Thanks for your time Bryan, and thank you for having these beautiful gardens!!"
Corinne Garner
"Unique spot with some interesting things to see. Has a hippy kind of vibe to the place. Maze was probably the highlight of our experience. But overall we were a bit disappointed, it's quite a ways out of the way. Trails seemed neglected and overgrown. Took baby stroller and it was difficult to get trough alot of spots. Combination of trails being unclear and overgrown made it confusing. Ground was very wet when we visited but in the summer there would be great picnic spots. If your in the area it's definitely worth a look."
Andrew Tosczak
"Amazing place to visit we went for the art fair.
I was told in the spring when the rodedendrums are in bloom it's a spectacular sight to see
I will definitely be going back in the spring time to experience it."
travis j
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Kitty Coleman Woodland Gardens is located at 6183 Whitaker Road, Courtenay, BC. It's a bit out of the way, so driving is the most common method. Parking is available on-site.
Public transport options are limited for reaching Kitty Coleman Woodland Gardens due to its somewhat remote location. It's best to plan for private transportation.
From Courtenay, head north on the Inland Island Highway and take the exit for Piercy Road. Turn right onto Piercy Road, then left onto Whitaker Road. The gardens will be on your right. Always check local traffic conditions before you go.
It's approximately a 15-20 minute drive from Courtenay and about 30-40 minutes from Campbell River.
Some visitors have noted that the trails can be unclear and overgrown, so having a general sense of direction or using a GPS can be helpful.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is an entrance fee, often around $10, especially during special events like the Art & Bloom Festival.
Generally, there is a fee for entry, particularly during peak seasons or events. It's advisable to check their official website or social media for the most current pricing and any potential free entry days.
For major events like the Art & Bloom Festival, it's often possible to purchase tickets in advance to save time. For regular visits, tickets are typically available at the entrance.
Operating hours can vary, especially depending on the season and any scheduled events. It's best to confirm the current hours before your visit.
The gardens are pet-friendly, and typically there isn't an additional fee for pets, but it's always good to confirm this policy.
🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience
Explore woodland trails, admire the rhododendron collection (especially in spring), walk the stone labyrinth, and enjoy the natural, wild beauty. +1
The trails are natural and can be uneven and overgrown, making them challenging for strollers and wheelchairs. It's more suited for walking with sturdy footwear.
Yes, there are lovely spots for picnics, especially during drier months. The natural setting makes it a pleasant place to relax.
Cell service can be spotty in this natural setting. There is no public Wi-Fi available, so download any necessary information beforehand.
Expect a 'hippy' vibe with a focus on natural beauty and a more wild, less manicured garden experience. It's a unique and peaceful escape.
📸 📸 Photography
The rhododendron blooms in spring offer incredible photo opportunities. The stone labyrinth and scenic woodland paths also make for beautiful shots.
Yes, photography is generally allowed and encouraged to capture the natural beauty of the gardens.
Early morning or late afternoon light provides the most flattering light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and enhancing the natural colors.
While not explicitly stated, it's always best to check with management regarding drone usage to ensure compliance with park regulations and respect for other visitors.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive garden views and rhododendron displays, while a macro lens can be useful for close-ups of flowers and foliage.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
However, the uneven and sometimes overgrown paths may present challenges for strollers, so a carrier might be a better option for very young children.
🚶♀️ Nature Walkers & Garden Enthusiasts
Visitors seeking a manicured, perfectly curated garden might find it different from expectations, but those who enjoy a more rustic, wild charm will be delighted.
🎨 Art & Craft Lovers
+1 These events bring together a diverse range of talented artists, offering unique pieces from pottery and jewelry to paintings and more. +1 It's a fantastic opportunity to discover local artisans and find special souvenirs or gifts. The woodland garden setting provides a beautiful and inspiring backdrop for the art displays, making the festival experience even more enjoyable.
Keep an eye on their event schedule, as these festivals are popular and draw significant crowds, offering a lively and engaging atmosphere. +1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Rhododendron Collection
During the spring months, typically April through June, the gardens transform into a vibrant tapestry of color as thousands of these magnificent shrubs burst into bloom. Visitors can wander through dedicated areas showcasing a diverse array of rhododendron species and hybrids, each offering unique petal shapes, sizes, and hues. The sheer scale and beauty of the bloom make it a highly anticipated event for locals and tourists alike. Beyond the visual spectacle, the rhododendrons contribute to the garden's unique atmosphere. Their lush foliage provides shade and a sense of enclosure, enhancing the feeling of being immersed in nature. Even outside of peak bloom, the evergreen nature of many rhododendrons ensures that the gardens retain a lush, green character throughout the year. The presence of these impressive plants is a key reason why many visitors plan their trips specifically for the spring season.
For the best experience, consider visiting on a weekday morning to avoid the largest crowds and enjoy a more serene appreciation of the floral display. The natural, somewhat wild setting of Kitty Coleman Woodland Gardens allows the rhododendrons to be appreciated in a less formal, more organic environment, which many visitors find particularly charming.
Navigating the Trails and Terrain
While the gardens offer ample space to explore, with 24 acres to discover, the condition of the trails can vary. Some visitors have noted that certain paths can be difficult to navigate, especially with strollers or for individuals with mobility challenges.
Despite the potential challenges, the trails lead to various points of interest, including the stone labyrinth and scenic spots along the river. The 'wild' nature of the gardens means that you're truly walking through a natural woodland environment, which many find refreshing. It's advisable to go at your own pace and enjoy the journey through the diverse flora.
Artisan Festivals and Community Events
+2 These events transform the gardens into a bustling marketplace, showcasing a wide array of local artists and craftspeople. Visitors can browse unique handmade items, from pottery and jewelry to paintings and upcycled crafts, offering a fantastic opportunity to support local talent and find one-of-a-kind treasures. +1The 'Art & Bloom Festival' in May is a particularly popular event, coinciding with the peak rhododendron season, creating a beautiful synergy between art and nature.
These festivals are often described as having a lively and friendly atmosphere, with vendors eager to share their creations and stories. It's a chance to experience the creative spirit of the Comox Valley community in a stunning natural setting. +1Beyond the art festivals, the gardens have also been noted as a venue for community gatherings and music events.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit