Pioneer Square Old Burying Ground
A historic graveyard turned tranquil park, offering a peaceful green escape with a tangible link to Victoria's pioneering past.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Shady respite from the heat
Pioneer Square Old Burying Ground
Best Time
Shady respite from the heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic graveyard turned tranquil park, offering a peaceful green escape with a tangible link to Victoria's pioneering past.
"A peaceful urban oasis with fascinating history, perfect for a quiet lunch or moment of reflection."
🧺 Perfect Lunch Spot
Bring a picnic to enjoy the shade and historical ambiance. Great for a quiet midday break.
🚶♀️ Easy to Access
Conveniently located near downtown and Christ Church Cathedral, making it a simple stop.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Headstones
Throughout the grounds
Discover weathered tombstones from Victoria's pioneering families, offering a tangible link to the past.
Tranquil Green Oasis
Central lawn and shaded areas
Enjoy a peaceful lunch break or quiet moment amidst mature trees and well-maintained flower beds.
Christ Church Cathedral
Adjacent to the grounds
Admire the stunning architecture of this historic cathedral, a landmark right next to the burying ground.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the History
Respect the Space
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Haunted public areas?
🧺 Perfect Lunch Spot
Bring a picnic to enjoy the shade and historical ambiance. Great for a quiet midday break.
🚶♀️ Easy to Access
Conveniently located near downtown and Christ Church Cathedral, making it a simple stop.
How to Que for Pioneer Square?
How is living in Pioneer Square, actually?
🌳 Mature Tree Canopy
Enjoy the cool shade provided by the abundant old-growth deciduous trees, especially in summer.
📜 Historical Context
Learn about the site's past from the Victoria Historical Society for a richer experience.
Ghost question for anyone living in Vic particularly around the Rockland Ave area
Tips
from all over the internet
🧺 Perfect Lunch Spot
Bring a picnic to enjoy the shade and historical ambiance. Great for a quiet midday break.
🚶♀️ Easy to Access
Conveniently located near downtown and Christ Church Cathedral, making it a simple stop.
🌳 Mature Tree Canopy
Enjoy the cool shade provided by the abundant old-growth deciduous trees, especially in summer.
📜 Historical Context
Learn about the site's past from the Victoria Historical Society for a richer experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors appreciate the Pioneer Square Old Burying Ground for its historical significance and its role as a peaceful urban oasis. It's a great spot for a quiet lunch or a moment of reflection, offering shade from mature trees and a tangible connection to Victoria's past. Some find the historical information less accessible and note that parts of the park can be less maintained or occupied by street youth.
"Downtown greenspace with a lot of history relating to the early days of Victoria. Sadly it's seen better years and much of the information is not readable anymore. Plus it's impossible to view the part in the back as it has been taken over by street youth."
David Phipps
"Nice park just outside of the main city centre areas. Lots of space to sit out on the grass in the sun or under a tree, as well as on one of the many benches.
This park is a mix of grassy areas, flower beds, tombstones/graves and pathways. Great spot to stop for lunch."
James Stewart
"I love this small park that is extremely accessable. My favorite break spot to have lunch. It also has a lot of fascinating history. Right next to the cathedral church and apparently it's an old graveyard. Very peaceful"
Erik Marchildon
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Pioneer Square Old Burying Ground is easily accessible, located just a few blocks from downtown Victoria, adjacent to Christ Church Cathedral on Quadra Street. It's a pleasant walk from most downtown hotels.
While there isn't dedicated parking for the park itself, there are several public parking lots and street parking options available in the surrounding downtown area.
Yes, numerous bus routes service the downtown area, making it very convenient to reach the Pioneer Square Old Burying Ground via public transportation. Check local transit schedules for routes near Christ Church Cathedral.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Pioneer Square Old Burying Ground is a public park and is free to enter and explore.
As a public park, it is generally accessible during daylight hours. There are no specific posted opening or closing times, but it's best to visit during reasonable daylight hours.
Yes, the grounds contain historic headstones and gravesites from Victoria's early settlers. Visitors are welcome to view them respectfully.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy a peaceful walk, have a picnic lunch on the grass or benches, admire the historic headstones, and appreciate the mature trees. It's a great spot for quiet reflection.
The park offers lovely opportunities for photography, with its historic gravestones, mature trees, and adjacent cathedral. The natural light filtering through the leaves can be quite beautiful.
Public restrooms are not typically located directly within the burying ground itself. However, you can usually find facilities in nearby downtown areas or at the Christ Church Cathedral.
While generally a peaceful spot, like any urban park, it's advisable to be aware of your surroundings, especially during off-peak hours.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, being in the heart of downtown Victoria, there are numerous cafes, restaurants, and eateries within easy walking distance of the Pioneer Square Old Burying Ground.
Absolutely! The park is a popular spot for picnics, with plenty of grassy areas and benches to sit and enjoy your meal.
📸 📸 Photography
Focus on the weathered headstones for historical shots, the mature trees for natural beauty, and consider framing the Christ Church Cathedral in your photos. The interplay of light and shadow can be very atmospheric.
The park's serene atmosphere and natural elements can make it a charming backdrop for portraits, especially during the softer light of morning or late afternoon.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Encourage them to look at the different shapes and sizes of the headstones, sparking curiosity about the past. Remember to emphasize respectful behavior due to the site's origins. It's a peaceful alternative to more crowded attractions for a brief, educational outing.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Peace Seekers
Its central location means you can easily incorporate a visit into your exploration of downtown Victoria. The historical context adds an interesting layer to your quiet time, offering a unique blend of peace and historical discovery.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Walk Through History
Visitors can explore the grounds, observing the variety of inscriptions and the enduring nature of these stone markers. The park's transformation from a solemn graveyard to a peaceful urban green space reflects the evolving landscape of Victoria. It’s a reminder of the city’s origins and the passage of time, providing a unique historical perspective right in the city center.
An Urban Sanctuary
Many locals cherish this spot for its tranquility and accessibility. It's a place where one can find a moment of peace amidst the urban environment, offering a chance to recharge. The park's serene atmosphere, combined with its historical depth, makes it a dual-purpose destination for both reflection and relaxation.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit