News Stories
Creating holiday magic – volunteers bring cherished holiday tradition to life
November 26, 2024
Stories from Milner Christmas Magic volunteers and staff. Each year, Milner Gardens & Woodland transforms into a dazzling wonderland thanks to the dedication of volunteers and staff who bring Milner Christmas Magic to life. “We started from humble beginnings more than twenty years ago using tea lights in tin cans to light the driveway, to today, using thousands of LED lights and immersive... Read more
Flower Power: Milner Gardens & Woodland receives national recognition
October 31, 2024
The Rhododendron Species Garden highlighted as the only one of its kind in Canada. Vancouver Island University’s Milner Gardens & Woodland received 5 Blooms and a special mention for Natural Heritage Preservation for The Rhododendron Species Garden from Communities in Bloom (CiB). “We are incredibly proud to receive this level of recognition from the Communities in Bloom judges and... Read more
Celebrate autumn during Milner Gardens & Woodland’s Scarecrow Spectacular
October 10, 2024
What: Scarecrow Spectacular When: October 25 to 27, from 11 am to 3 pm Where: Milner Gardens & Woodland Experience the beauty of fall at Milner Gardens & Woodland during the second annual Scarecrow Spectacular – a fun-filled family event. “We were thrilled with the incredible response to last year’s inaugural Scarecrow Spectacular and with the level of creativity our participating... Read more
VIU’s Milner Gardens & Woodland competes in national competition
August 13, 2024
Volunteers and staff showcase the beauty and history of Milner Gardens to Communities in Bloom judges during evaluation tour. Vancouver Island University’s Milner Gardens & Woodland is participating in the 30th Edition of Communities in Bloom (CiB) in the Special Attractions category. Communities in Bloom Judges Tina Liu, from Ottawa, Ontario, and Leslie Cornell from Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan... Read more
Milner Gardens & Woodland illuminated with thousands of lights this holiday season
November 27, 2023
Visitors can stroll through the dazzling lights during Milner Christmas Magic. Make memories with family and friends this holiday season during Milner Christmas Magic – the annual festive light display. “We’re heartened by the fact that this event has become a staple in so many families’ holiday traditions, so we are pleased to be bringing it back with more lights than ever before. If visiting... Read more
Milner Garden’s all-new Scarecrow Spectacular offers family-friendly fun
October 17, 2023
What: Scarecrow Spectacular When: October 27 to 29, 11 am to 3 pm Where: VIU’s Milner Gardens & Woodland Enjoy a day of family fun during Milner Gardens & Woodlands’ first annual Scarecrow Spectacular. “We wanted to bring the beauty of fall in the gardens to the forefront with an all-new visitor experience,” said Emily Weeks, Operations Coordinator for Milner Gardens. “Guests are in... Read more
Milner Gardens & Woodland’s festive light display is full of holiday magic
November 22, 2022
The beloved outdoor festival of lights begins on Friday, December 2. Milner Christmas Magic returns this year with an expansion into the new Rhododendron Species Garden, all lit up in colour. The annual event hosted by Vancouver Island University’s (VIU’s) Milner Gardens & Woodland offers visitors a dazzling experience walking through thousands of twinkling lights strung along the garden... Read more
Health professionals can prescribe access to VIU’s Milner Gardens through national program
July 4, 2022
VIU’s Milner Gardens & Woodland partnering with BC Parks Foundation on PaRx initiative to allow people free access to nature to benefit their health. Spending time connecting with nature is a powerful way for people to improve their health and well-being, and now those most in need can access Vancouver Island University’s (VIU’s) Milner Gardens & Woodland for free through a nature... Read more
Christmas Magic Returns this Holiday Season to VIU’s Milner Gardens & Woodland
November 24, 2021
Outdoor festival of lights runs Fridays to Sundays during the first three weeks of December. The garden paths and buildings at Vancouver Island University’s (VIU’s) Milner Gardens & Woodland will twinkle and glow with thousands of lights during Milner Christmas Magic this holiday season. After cancelling last year’s event due to COVID restrictions, the annual outdoor festival of lights is... Read more
VIU’s Milner Gardens & Woodland Receives Provincial Support to Aid in Recovery from Pandemic
July 30, 2021
The public garden is one of 80 anchor attractions and tour bus operators in BC receiving funding. After a year and a half of drastically reduced visiting hours and revenues, Vancouver Island University’s (VIU’s) Milner Gardens & Woodland will receive a grant from the BC Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport to aid in recovery from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The public garden... Read more