Plan your garden adventure on Vancouver Island.

The Horticulture Centre of the Pacific (HCP) started with volunteers in 1979, today it is a hidden gem that captivates and inspires all year around, one of Canada’s top garden treasures. “Come for a visit, leave feeling like one of the family.”

After filling your head with new latin names for plants and flowers you love, head on over to The Butchart Gardens (visit time 2-3 hours). Tip: after you enter the gardens stop by the Visitor Center and reserve for lunch or afternoon tea.

After your visual senses have been satiated, drop by Victoria Butterfly Gardens – just 5 minutes from Butchart (visit time 1 hour).

Haven’t seen enough and still not dark yet? Head on over to Colwood and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Hatley Castle and Gardens, including a wonderful Japanese Garden, and like The Butchart Gardens, a National Historic Site of Canada. Keep in mind closing time is dusk.

Not to be missed while you are in the area is Fort Rodd Hill which is a proverbial stone’s throw from Hatley.

Adjacent to Fort Rodd Hill you will find an iconic Victoria landmark: The Fisgard Lighthouse

Stay an extra day and experience one of Canada’s best museums, the Royal British Columbia Museum! 

When you are ready, head over to the Nanaimo area and continue your adventure dining on Nanaimo’s inner harbour.

Head south, out to the Cowichan Valley Lavender Labyrinth (visit time 30 -90 minutes). Take a walk through the Cowichan Valley Lavender Labyrinth. In the words of owner Christopher Carruthers, “you won’t get lost”! Perhaps one of the most captivating features of the Cowichan Valley Lavender Labyrinth is the multitude of lavender cultivars represented. Featuring over twenty varieties, from the classic English and Mediterranean lavenders to the lesser known lemon lavender (whose scent is akin to rosemary), this diversity in colour, shape and scent is an experience not to be missed.

Cowichan Lake isn’t far from there, and is not to be overlooked. Don’t miss the wine and culinary delights of Cowichan when you are in the area.

Heading back north up the island past Nanaimo, continue on a little ways past Qualicum Beach, stop to take in Milner Gardens & Woodlands (visit time 60-120 minutes). A one-of-a-kind woodland estate and gardens nestled in the peace that only an old-growth forest can provide; an oasis that rejuvenates the soul.

If you’re a fan of cheese or wine, stop by Little Qualicum Cheeseworks to pick up some of their delicious artisan cheeses, and be sure to try their unique berry-based wines.

Welcome to the home of the Naa’Waya’Sum Gardens, the IISAAK Learning Lodge, and the Little Costa Rica Cafe.

The Tofino Botanical Gardens has entered a new phase of life. In 2021, the 10-acre site was sold to the IPCA Innovation Program – a project of MakeWay Charitable Society – and renamed the Clayoquot Campus. The unique space, established in 1997, has shifted to a focus on supporting Indigenous-led conservation.

The Naa’Waya’Sum Gardens and Little Costa Rica Cafe are now open to the public! Come by for a visit, witness the live carving of totem poles, explore the trails, sip a hot drink on the patio, and learn about Nuu-chah-nulth art and culture.”

Head back to Nanaimo and stop and explore the remarkable Cathedral Grove in MacMillan Provincial Park — you’re going to need an hour here to walk the loop and take it all in.

Loop back and catch Goats on the Roof (the Old Country Market) in Coombs – always fun for kids and adults alike!