Blossoms and Beauty: Gardens of Vancouver and Victoria

With this meticulously planned tour, embark on an enchanting journey through the lush landscapes and vibrant gardens of Vancouver and Victoria. Over eight days, you’ll explore some of the most beautiful and diverse botanical gardens in British Columbia, from the serene Japanese gardens and classical Chinese gardens in Vancouver to the world-renowned Butchart Gardens in Victoria. Along the way, you’ll experience the charm of historic towns, the majesty of coastal vistas, and the region’s rich cultural heritage.

Blossoms and Beauty: Gardens of Vancouver and Victoria Itinerary

Day 1

Afternoon – Queen Elizabeth Park
Begin your journey with a visit to Queen Elizabeth Park, a stunning urban oasis offering panoramic views of Vancouver. Explore the beautifully landscaped gardens, including the Quarry Garden and the Bloedel Conservatory, home to exotic plants and free-flying birds.

Check into Delta Suites Marriott
Settle into your comfortable accommodations at the Delta Suites Marriott, conveniently located in downtown Vancouver.

Day 2

Morning – Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden
Experience tranquility at the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden. This serene and authentic representation of a Ming Dynasty scholar’s garden is the first classical Chinese garden built outside of China. Enjoy a guided tour to learn about the garden’s history, architecture, and cultural significance.

Lunch-on-your-own on Granville Island
Head to Granville Island, a vibrant food, art, and culture hub. Explore the Public Market, where you can sample a variety of local and international cuisines.

Afternoon – VanDusen Botanical Gardens
Wander through the VanDusen Botanical Gardens, a 55-acre paradise featuring themed gardens, hedge maze, and showcases over 7,500 plant species from around the world. View the garden’s diverse ecosystems, including specialized collections like the Sino-Himalayan Garden, the Mediterranean Garden, and the Canadian Heritage Garden.

Dinner-on-your-own in Vancouver
Discover Vancouver’s culinary scene with dinner at one of the city’s many acclaimed restaurants.

Day 3

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at Troll’s, a cozy café in Horseshoe Bay, before embarking on one of the most scenic drives in British Columbia.

Britannia Beach
Stop at Britannia Beach to visit the Britannia Mine Museum, where you can learn about the region’s mining history and even pan for gold.

Shannon Falls
Marvel at the beauty of Shannon Falls, one of BC’s tallest waterfalls, with a short hike to the viewing platform.

Whistler tour and free time
Arrive in Whistler for a guided tour of this famous resort town, followed by free time to explore the shops, cafes, and scenic trails.

Optional gondola ride to the top of Whistler
Take an optional gondola ride to the top of Whistler Mountain for breathtaking views and photo opportunities.

Lil’wat First Nations Cultural Center
The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre (SLCC) in Whistler, BC, is a unique cultural destination that celebrates the heritage of the Squamish and Lil’wat Nations. It is the first center of its kind in Canada, located on the shared traditional territories of these two Nations. Learn about their rich heritage with featured exhibits, art, and cultural demonstrations.

Return via the Sea-to-Sky Highway
Drive back to Vancouver along the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway, with stops in Brackendale for ice cream and Squamish for a quick visit.

Dinner in Vancouver
Enjoy a delicious dinner at Steamworks, a popular brewpub known for its craft beers and hearty fare.

Day 4

UBC Botanical Gardens
Explore the UBC Botanical Gardens, home to a diverse collection of plants, includes the impressive Greenheart TreeWalk, a canopy walkway offering a unique perspective of the forest from nearly 20 meters above the ground, providing breathtaking views of Vancouver’s coastal temperate rainforest. The innovative, eco-friendly design ensures minimal impact on the trees and surrounding ecosystem

Nitobe Memorial Gardens
The Nitobe Memorial Garden, located at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, is a stunning 2.5-acre traditional Japanese garden considered one of the most authentic outside of Japan. Designed by renowned landscape architect Kannosuke Mori, the garden features meticulously pruned trees, serene ponds, and winding paths that create a harmonious and reflective environment. It honors Dr. Inazō Nitobe, a Japanese scholar and diplomat whose goal was to bridge cultural understanding between Japan and the West.

Lunch-on-your-own in Steveston
Head to the charming fishing village of Steveston for lunch, where you can enjoy fresh seafood and explore the historic waterfront.

Ferry to Tsawwassen
Take a scenic ferry ride from Tsawwassen to Victoria, enjoying the beautiful coastal views along the way.

Grand Pacific Hotel in Victoria
Check into the elegant Grand Pacific Hotel, located near Victoria’s Inner Harbour.

Dinner-on-your-own in Victoria
Explore Victoria’s dining scene with dinner at one of the city’s many excellent restaurants.

Day 5

Private Breakfast at Butchart Gardens
Start your day with a private breakfast at Butchart Gardens, a world-renowned garden featuring stunning floral displays and beautifully landscaped grounds.

Butchart Gardens
The Butchart Gardens, located in Brentwood Bay near Victoria on Vancouver Island, is a world-renowned floral display garden that spans 55 acres and attracts over a million visitors annually. Established in 1904 by Jennie Butchart, the gardens transformed a depleted limestone quarry into a stunning array of themed gardens, including the Sunken Garden, Rose Garden, Japanese Garden, and Italian Garden. Each garden offers a unique aesthetic experience, showcasing a diverse collection of plants and flowers that change with the seasons.

High Tea at the Fairmont Empress
Indulge in the traditional high tea at the Fairmont Empress, a luxurious experience featuring a selection of fine teas, pastries, and finger sandwiches.

Optional Governor General’s House admission
Visit the Government House, the official residence of the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, and explore its beautiful gardens and historic rooms.

Afternoon and evening on-your-own
Spend the rest of the day exploring Victoria at your leisure, with options for shopping, sightseeing, or relaxing.

Day 6

Gardens of the Horticultural Center of the Pacific
Visit the Gardens of the Horticulture Centre of the Pacific (HCP) for its diverse and meticulously maintained plant collections, which offer endless inspiration and learning opportunities. The themed gardens, such as the Takata Japanese and Zen Garden and the Garry Oak Meadow, showcase a variety of horticultural styles and sustainable gardening practices.

Government House Gardens
Explore the Government House Gardens, which include formal gardens, woodlands, and a charming tea house.

Abkhazi Gardens
Abkhazi Garden has a unique blend of history, horticulture, and design. Created by Prince and Princess Abkhazi, this one-acre garden features a stunning array of rhododendrons, Japanese maples, and native Garry oaks. The garden’s design incorporates West Coast elements with influences from the prince’s homeland of Georgia, creating a harmonious and picturesque landscape. Additionally, the garden’s pathways, ponds, and rock formations offer inspiration for garden design and plant selection. The on-site teahouse provides a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the serene surroundings. Visiting Abkhazi Garden is a delightful experience for any gardener seeking inspiration and a deeper appreciation for garden artistry.

Lunch at Tea House
Enjoy a delightful lunch at the tea house within the Abkhazi Gardens, offering a serene setting and delicious fare.

Ferry back to Mainland
Take the ferry back to the mainland, enjoying the scenic journey.

Inn at the Quay Hotel
Check into the Inn at the Quay, a waterfront hotel offering comfortable accommodations and stunning views.

Dinner at Boathouse Restaurant
Dine at the Boathouse Restaurant, located within the hotel, known for its fresh seafood and waterfront dining experience.

Day 7

Return home
After a week of exploring beautiful gardens and scenic landscapes, it’s time to head home with wonderful memories of your Vancouver and Victoria Garden Tour.

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Stewart Greg

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