Tour Summary

Your Package Includes:

– 6 Nights in 4+ Star Accommodations in Victoria
– Meals As Per Itinerary (6 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 2 Dinners plus Cocktail Party)
– Ground Transportation
– Master Gardener Host/Guide & Entrance Fees (as per itinerary)

Not included: International airfare, travel insurance, personal expenses, alcohol, meals not mentioned in the itinerary, transfers and gratuities. Private transfers are available at an additional cost.

CLICK HERE TO BOOK NOW

Meet Your Tour Host, Jeff de Jong

Jeff de Jong, a renowned Horticulturist based in Victoria, brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to the world of gardening. With over 20 years of teaching experience, Jeff instructs a variety of horticultural courses at the University of Victoria (UVIC), including a highly popular Landscape Design course developed in collaboration with the university.

Jeff’s expertise and engaging teaching style have made him a sought-after speaker for garden clubs internationally. His extensive experience includes instructing the Master Gardener Program, where he has inspired countless individuals to deepen their understanding and love of gardening.

Jeff also leads garden tours around the world, including The Netherlands, New Zealand, and the UK, where he has explored and shared international gardening styles and practices.

His own garden, a testament to his skill and creativity, has been featured in prominent magazines and has been open for public tours, showcasing his dedication to the art of horticulture.

Your Itinerary:

• 1 Arrival Day
  Victoria, BC
  

  Welcome to Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, celebrated as one of the world's top cities (Conde Nast Traveller 2023). Today you will get settled in to your hotel and explore the city at your leisure.

• 2 Local Gardens & Hatley Castle
  Victoria, BC
  

  Begin your day touring Victoria, the Garden City, where you'll experience its natural beauty, vibrant cultural heritage, and stunning coastline. Marvel at the blend of historic architecture, lush gardens, and iconic landscapes. You'll stop at Finnerty Gardens on the University of Victoria campus, where diverse rhododendrons, azaleas, and native plants create a vibrant tapestry. Then, visit the Abkhazi Garden, with its storybook history and meticulously designed landscape featuring exquisite rock and alpine plants. Explore a picturesque sanctuary at Esquimalt Lagoon, teeming with birdlife and framed by stunning views of the Olympic Mountains. Finally, no visit is complete without seeing Hatley Castle and its surrounding gardens, a grand Edwardian estate offering a glimpse into the opulence of the past. (B, L, D)

• 3 Cowichan Valley
  Cowichan Valley, BC
  

  Today, you'll head out of the city and visit landmark sites in the Cowichan Valley. Known as the Warmland, it boasts the breathtaking Malahat Skywalk, a beautiful structure situated on the land of the First Nations, surrounded by ancient Douglas fir trees and offering endless 360-degree views. You'll have the opportunity to explore this area, so be sure to bring your camera! In the afternoon, you'll take a short hike to the historic Kinsol Trestle, one of the tallest free-standing wooden trestle bridges in the world. After walking across the trestle and taking in the incredible scenery surrounded by a rainforest, you can hike down to the creek below for a different perspective on this engineering marvel. (B, L)

• 4 HCP & Butchart Gardens
  Victoria, BC
  

  Today's adventure will take you to the Horticulture Centre of the Pacific (HCP), a hub of innovation and sustainability in gardening. Your host's expertise and passion for horticulture will provide invaluable insights into the latest trends and techniques in the field.

  Next, immerse yourself in the iconic Butchart Gardens, where spring is bursting with vibrant colors and fragrant blooms. This world-renowned garden, a beloved treasure, is home to a local family dedicated to elevating gardening to an art form. Wander through meticulously designed gardens and landscapes, before savouring an elegant Afternoon Tea in the dining room. (B, L)

• 5 A Visit To The West Coast
  Victoria, BC
  

  A day trip to the west coast of Vancouver Island offers a captivating blend of natural beauty and rugged charm. A visit to the historic Sheringham Point Lighthouse, where you can soak in breathtaking ocean views and the lighthouse’s storied past, explore the quaint coastal town of Port Renfrew, a gateway to stunning landscapes and investigate Botanical Beach, renowned for its fascinating tide pools, diverse marine life, and dramatic coastal scenery, making it a perfect finale to a day of exploration. (B, L)

• 6 Local Victoria Treasures
  Victoria, BC
  

  Today, you'll explore Beacon Hill Park, a 183-acre haven along the Juan de Fuca Strait in Victoria, offering a serene urban retreat with its expansive green spaces, picturesque gardens, and a petting zoo. In the spring, the park is adorned with stunning camas flowers, a sight not to be missed. Next, take a scenic harbour ferry ride from downtown to Fisherman’s Wharf, where you can immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere, browse eclectic shops, and enjoy fresh seafood from local vendors for lunch while observing playful seals and taking in the lively harbour views. The afternoon is your's to enjoy on your own, before we meet up again for our farewell dinner this evening. (B, L, D)

• 7 Departure Day
  Victoria, BC
  

  Whether you decide to bid farewell or extend your stay on beautiful Vancouver Island, be sure to pause and step outside one last time. Take in the splendor of the world-renowned harbor and the Best Mid-size City in the World (Travel Awaits), along with the breathtaking beauty that has embraced you over the past six days.

  Wishing you a safe journey wherever your travels take you.

  Private transfers can be arranged. (B)