Esquimalt Gorge Park - Kinsmen Beach

BEACH INFO: Esquimalt Gorge Park is located on the northern tip of the township of Esquimalt, British Columbia. It was first established as BC Electric Gorge Park in 1905 and in 1907, BC Electric officially opened Japanese Tea Gardens there, along with an amusement park and a floating sampan tearoom. The Japanese Gardens at Esquimalt Gorge Park was the first Japanese Gardens in North America, but the gardens fell victim to neglect and vandalism when the Takata family was relocated to the Interior BC and beyond during the early stages of WWII. In recent years, the township of Esquimalt has taken steps to refurbish the garden. A grand re-opening ceremony was held in 2009. The park's popularity went into a decline until the 1950s when it was given to the Township of Esquimalt. It was upgraded through the generosity of the Kinsmen Club, after whom the park was named until 2006. The gently rolling landscape of the park includes horticultural and forested areas. There are perennial borders, a rose garden, and many fine heritage trees, including a few hundred-year old umbrella pines. Benches are found along the waterway path, and picnic tables are scattered throughout the lawn areas. Gorge Creek was restored in 2005 and is now home to native plants and wildfowl unique to the region. The park is found on Tillicum Road just south of the Gorge Waterway. You can also enter on foot from Sioux Place, off Craigflower Road. Dogs must be leashed and are not permitted in the playground area. AMENITIES: Playground with swing-set Picnic tables Park benches Drinking fountain Paved pathway along the water Gorge Nature Centre Washrooms