Irving Park Labyrinth

By Linda Chan
Photo by: Renee Lindstrom

Sheltered amongst the magnificent old trees and the beautiful Japanese plum trees on the far side of Irving Park (located at the corners of Menzies and Michigan Streets) in James Bay is a labyrinth made of flat stones sunk into the grass, hardly visible until you're on top of it.

This seven circuit-stone labyrinth was created in 1999 by Candis Elliott, a development worker with the James Bay Community Project; Terry Loeppky worked with City of Victoria Parks staff to finalize a design requiring almost zero maintenance. In 2002, The Gifu Prefecture Cherry Blossom Society planted an avenue of 21 shirofugen ( pinky white double blossoms in May) trees leading to the labyrinth and surrounding it to promote peace and an understanding of Japanese Culture.

Plans are in the works for the Irving Park Labyrinth to become official with directional signage placed at the entrance of Irving Park by City of Victoria Parks and Recreation. To celebrate this and Labyrinth Friendship Day, there will be an event held at Irving Park Labyrinth on September 16th from 7 pm to 8:30 pm. To find out about more about this event, please visit: GreateryyjLabyrinths on Facebook or .

On September 23 from 7 pm to 8:30 pm, please join us for James Bay Fall Equinox Labyrinth Walk, a candle lit walk on the Irving Park Labyrinth to celebrate the Fall Equinox. This will be hosted by Oneness Wednesdays (Church of Truth) and will be facilitated by Renee Lindstrom of Labyrinths of Victoria. Event is by donation. More info: