People and dogs are flocking to Canton’s award-winning Victoria Park every day. What is it like wondering around this Victorian open space with a modern twist?
![Autumn leaves in Canton Park Cardiff.](https://cardiffjournalism.co.uk/intercardiff/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2019/10/Autumn-Leaves-In-Canton-Park-Cardiff.jpg)
Among the trees you will find flower gardens and Victorian architecture alongside modern play areas and sports facilities.
![A pavilion in Canton Park Cardiff.](https://cardiffjournalism.co.uk/intercardiff/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2019/10/Canton-Park-Victorian-Pavillion_.jpg)
“It’s great for the community to have a space like this.”
Liz Lucock, of Ely, has been coming to visit Victoria Park for 30 years while her mother, Angela, has been walking the paths for more than half a century.
“We used to come down when we were children. It was an adventure. The park has changed a lot since then but it’s still a safe environment.”
First opened in 1897, the park has a rich history and even spent time as a zoo.
![A statue of Billy the Seal in Canton Park Cardiff.](https://cardiffjournalism.co.uk/intercardiff/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2019/10/Billy-The-Seal-In-Canton-Park-Cardiff.jpg)
Visit today and most of the animals you see bouncing around are dogs.
“You’ll learn the dogs by name but not the owners,” said the walker of Poppy and Teddy.
![A dog looks at their owner hoping for a treat in Canton Park Cardiff.](https://cardiffjournalism.co.uk/intercardiff/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2019/10/Dog-Looking-At-Owner-In-Canton-Park-Cardiff.jpg)
All good walks must come to an end however and the park closes 30 minutes before sunset. Something Paul the Ranger strictly enforces with a bike and whistle.
![A ranger in Canton Park Cardiff.](https://cardiffjournalism.co.uk/intercardiff/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2019/10/Ranger-In-Canton-Park-Cardiff.png)