You don't have to leave the city to see lovely gardens. You can roam the colorful paths of this park, which starts just three blocks from the Inner Harbour. Its expanse includes flowers, lakes, playgrounds and a petting zoo. Other attractions include sports fields, a band shell and the world's tallest freestanding totem pole. The 128-ft/39-m masterpiece was created by renowned Kwakwaka'wakw artist Mungo Martin in 1956. Petting zoo is open May-September daily 9 am-5 pm; shorter hours the rest of the year. Douglas Street and Dallas Road, Victoria. Phone 250-361-0600. http://www.beaconhillpark.com.
