Kelowna 
As spring ushers in a season of rejuvenation and growth, Gardens BC is inviting both locals and tourists to immerse themselves in the vibrant beauty and diversity of British Columbia’s gardens.
Tuscan Farm Gardens in Abbotsford/ Photo Credit: Gardens BC
With the introduction of seven new garden-centred travel itineraries, discovering the natural wonders of regions such as Chilliwack, Abbotsford, Harrison River Valley, The North Shore, Langley, Prince George, and Parksville Qualicum Beach has never been easier.
The meticulously crafted itineraries highlight the main garden regions across Fraser Valley, Metro Vancouver, Vancouver Island, and Northern BC and offer practical information on dining, accommodations, and amenities like picnic spots, pet-friendly areas, and wheelchair-accessible grounds.
Ready for a garden visit?
Here is a list of the nine available garden itineraries to experience across BC:
Chilliwack
In the Fraser Valley, Chilliwack offers a blend of agricultural and urban experiences. Start with breakfast at Little Beetle, then explore the Great Blue Heron Nature Reserve’s trails and observation tower.
Visit Greendale Acres for seasonal farm activities and enjoy craft beer at Field House Brewing. Minter Country Garden offers gardening insights and shopping, while Gwynne Vaughan Park and Little Mountain Garden Centre provide serene outdoor spaces.
Conclude with European cuisine at The Offy and stay at the vintage Royal Hotel for a comprehensive local experience.
Abbotsford
Embark on a journey through Abbotsford’s vibrant gardens, farms, and wineries, offering a sensory exploration of lavender fields, berry rows, and artisanal delights. Start with breakfast at Brambles Bistro in Tanglebank Gardens, a family-owned gem offering an inspiring outdoor experience.
Venture next to Five Acres Flower Farm for dahlia and peony blooms, then to Tuscan Farm Gardens to immerse yourself in lavender scents. Baron’s Bistro provides a unique lunch spot with airplane views, while the International Friendship Garden showcases striking sculptures.
Maan Farms offers seasonal farm experiences with great food and a winery tasting room, leading to Ripples Estate Winery for artisanal wines in a garden oasis.
Conclude your day with a farm-to-table dinner at Restaurant 62, followed by rest at the Clarion Hotel, all making Abbotsford a must-visit for those seeking to connect with nature and local produce.
Harrison River Valley
Journey to the Harrison River Valley in the Fraser Valley, exploring Agassiz and Harrison Hot Springs. Begin with a hearty breakfast at The Horn of Plenty Café, then visit Creekside Cheese + Creamery for organic cheeses.
Sample artisan cider at Homestead Craft Cider, and immerse in the serenity of Harrison Lavender. Earthwise Society offers a chance to walk through ecological gardens.
Don’t miss the vibrant Harrison Sunflower Festival and the colourful Harrison Tulip Festival.
Enjoy casual dining at Muddy Waters Cafe and relax at Lagoon Beach. Conclude with a West Coast dinner at Morgan’s Bistro before unwinding at the scenic Harrison Hot Springs Resort, a blend of rustic charm and modern comforts amidst nature’s beauty.
Harrison River Valley Itinerary
Vancouver’s North Shore
This 3-day itinerary takes you across Vancouver’s North Shore, blending natural wonders, cultural gems, and culinary delights.
Start at Lighthouse Park in West Vancouver, where you can experience ancient forests and ocean views. Discover the Ambleside Butterfly Garden and enjoy the Harmony Arts Festival.
The Spirit Trail offers scenic walks from West Van to Deep Cove, including a visit to the bustling Lonsdale Quay Market. Explore the tranquil Chiba Gardens, enjoy seafood at PIER 7, and relax at Seaside Hotel.
Day two highlights include breakfast at Lift Breakfast Bakery, adventures at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, sustainable farming at The Edible Garden Project, and the peaceful Park & Tilford Gardens.
Enjoy craft beer at Wildeye Brewing and explore Dÿkhof Nurseries. Visit Maplewood Farm for a close encounter with farm animals, and end the day in the quaint Deep Cove.
Vancouver’s North Shore Itinerary
Langley
Explore Langley’s garden highlights in a day filled with authentic farm experiences, scenic parks, and trendy dining. Start at Krause Berry Farms & Estate Winery for breakfast at their waffle bar. Visit Full Bloom Lavender Farm to immerse yourself in fragrant fields.
Stroll through Derek Doubleday Arboretum’s diverse gardens. Enjoy lunch at Haven Kitchen + Bar, then browse the extensive plant selections at Darvonda and Cedar Rim Nurseries. Reflect at The Memory Grove and the new Memory Garden in Fort Langley.
Dine at Sabà Bistro and choose between Sinocan Winery Guest Suites or Sage and Solace for a stylish stay, capping off the day with wine tasting or flower-picking.
Parksville Qualicum Beach
This 2-day trip takes you through Parksville and Qualicum Beach’s enchanting oceanfront communities. Begin your journey at Nanoose Bay Cafe for breakfast, then explore the Parksville Museum’s heritage.
Visit Arbutus Meadows Farm for a unique farm experience, and discover gardening treasures at Cultivate Garden. Enjoy an organic lunch at Realm Food Co., then explore the Parksville Community Park Arboretum. Sample artisan cheeses at Little Qualicum Cheeseworks, dine at the Bayside Restaurant, and stay at The Beach Club Resort.
Day two includes breakfast at Pacific Brimm Cafe, cultural insights at McMillan Arts Centre, a quirky stop at The Old Country Market, famous for the living goats on its roof, a tropical visit to Butterfly World, and artisanal baking at Wild Culture Bakery.
Conclude with the tranquil Milner Gardens & Woodland, a fine dinner at De L’île Restaurant, and a luxurious stay at Qualicum Beach Inn, for a comprehensive and memorable exploration of the region’s natural beauty and local flavors.
Parksville Qualicum Beach Itinerary
Prince George
Embark on a 2-day journey through Prince George, exploring its natural beauty and historical sites. Start at the Forests For The World for a hike, then visit the David Douglas Botanical Garden to appreciate diverse plant species.
Enjoy the vibrant flower beds of Rainbow Park, and lunch at Trench Brewing & Distilling. Explore Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park’s rich history and visit The Cut Banks for views of downtown. Dine at Northern Lights Estate Winery.
Day two begins with breakfast at Ritual Coffeeworks, followed by a trip to Huble Homestead Historic Site. Stop at Uncle John’s Greenhouse and Art Knapp Plantland for gardening delights.
Enjoy lunch at CrossRoads Brewing & Distillery, walk the trails of Cottonwood Island Nature Park, and view Prince George from Connaught Hill Park.
Dine at Betulla Burning and rest at Grama’s Inn, completing a memorable exploration of Prince George’s gardens, parks, and historic charm.
Vancouver
Embark on a captivating 2-day journey through Vancouver and Port Moody, blending nature and culture with 23 stops at iconic locations. Start at Skwachàys Lodge, Canada’s first Aboriginal Arts Hotel, showcasing local Indigenous art and culture.
Explore the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, a museum and top attraction offering cultural events. Immerse in indigenous knowledge with Talaysay Tours in Stanley Park, revealing the significance of local flora. Experience the tropical ambiance of Bloedel Conservatory, then unwind at VanDusen Botanical Garden, a serene oasis with diverse plant species.
Savour indigenous cuisine at Salmon n’ Bannock, Vancouver’s sole Indigenous-owned restaurant. Delve into botanical wonders at UBC Botanical Garden, admire traditional Japanese beauty at Nitobe Memorial Garden, and explore cultural heritage at the UBC Museum of Anthropology. Conclude at the picturesque UBC Rose Garden.
Day two leads you to Century Gardens at Deer Lake Park, the Port Moody Station Museum, Rocky Point Park’s coastal charm, Tipperary Park’s tranquillity, the rural retreat of LuLu Island Winery, and Paulik Neighbourhood Park’s blossoming beauty, offering a rich tapestry of Vancouver’s gardens and cultural experiences.
Vancouver Island
Embark on a multi-day exploration of Vancouver Island’s vibrant gardens and historical landmarks across Victoria, Cowichan Valley, Nanaimo, and Tofino.
Begin at the enchanting Butchart Gardens, sampling house-made gelato in the Italian Garden.
Visit the nearby Victoria Butterfly Gardens and the Horticulture Centre of the Pacific to marvel at diverse plant species and demonstration gardens. Enjoy Victoria’s Beacon Hill Park and the Royal BC Museum. Experience the historic Hatley Park, Fort Rodd Hill, and Fisgard Lighthouse.
Wander the Cowichan Valley Lavender Labyrinth, dine at Nanaimo Inner Harbour, and walk through the towering trees of Cathedral Grove.
Conclude your journey at the Naa’Waya’Sum Coastal Indigenous Gardens in Tofino, embracing Indigenous art and conservation.
