Things to do in Vancouver Island, Canada: The Best Gardens

U-Pick Blueberry and Raspberry Farm with a Free ! full size Hedge Maze. We do not spray our berries with herbicides or pesticides and picking is from June to August. We also have a full service Garden Centre and Nursery for the plant lovers in the family.

Norwegian settler, Bernt Ronning, established his homestead in 1910. Most settlers abandoned the area over the years, but Ronning continued making his life here into the early 1960's, working as a trapper, fisherman, and camp cook, while maintaining his prized garden. During the earliest years, Bernt Ronning cleared over five acres of rainforest in order to plant the wilderness garden of his dreams. A garden created from seeds, cuttings of trees, and exotic plants he ordered from around the world. As the years passed, the garden continued to grow in size and variety. In the late 60's and into the 70's the garden nearly disappeared under the encroaching brush and alders. Many of the trees grew into unusual shapes as they struggled to find their way to the light. The daffodils stopped blooming under a thick canopy of dense salmon berry bushes. Most of the hundreds of flowers in the terraced beds were lost. Today, the garden has once again been freed from the invading rainforest.

Come enjoy our breathtaking 22 ha (55 acres) of gardens year around. In Spring, countless tulips, daffodils and hyacinths will give you a buffet of fragrances and colours. You’ll be saying “wow” when you experience our Summer: The Rose Garden, evening entertainment, subtle night illuminations, the Saturday firework show, and boat tours to name a few of the delights. Perennial borders start their stunning show in late summer, and the Japanese maples turn to russet, gold, and red in the fall. Be captivated by the Magic of Christmas with its decorations, expansive lighting and outdoor ice skating rink. Top off the day with a ride on the carousel and a great meal. Come see why we’ve been designated a National Historic Site.

Government House is the office and official residence of the Lieutenant Governor and the ceremonial home of all British Columbians. The house is located on the traditional territory of the Songhees and Esquimalt First Nations, in the heart of the Rockland neighbourhood in Victoria, British Columbia. While Government House is not open to the public and currently closed for tours, the expansive grounds are open from dawn to dusk.

A Vibrant Jungle Experience. A unique opportunity to experience the beauty and curiosity of a tropical jungle up close. Meet our family with surprises at every turn. You’ll encounter tortoises, large iguanas, poison dart frogs, free flying tropical birds and more. Enjoy tropical fish, ducks, flamingos and koi fish in our serene pond and stream circulated by a stunning waterfall. Thousands of tropical butterflies (up to 70 species) fly through our large facilities the size of almost 3 basketball courts. Stroll through and marvel at our lush gardens including tropical flowers, carnivorous plants and fruits of the world. Wander in our newest Exhibit, the Insectarium, full of impressive insects & invertebrates from around the world. Your jungle adventure awaits.

Created by the Georgian Prince and Princess Abkhazi, this lovely garden spans just over an acre and features native Garry oaks, Japanese Maples and splendid rhododendrons.

Vancouver Island University's Milner Gardens & Woodland is a magical seaside retreat once reserved for royalty. Sheltered on three sides by old-growth forest, this one-of-a kind woodland estate rejuvenates the soul with its gardens and magnificent coastal views. Enjoy the charming Camellia Tea Room after strolling the grounds and contemplate the history of the Gardens or fantasize about having them all to yourself.

OPEN Mother's Day thru September each year - The Gardens on Anderton is a little drop of heaven located in Comox, BC. Come for a stroll, picnic, or to see what's blooming. Or become a member and take advantage of all The Gardens have to offer including interactive gardening activities and hands-on gardening, social gatherings, and the opportunity to contribute to something special while enjoying the outdoors in our beautiful 2-acre surroundings. The Gardens on Anderton is where growth happens, so come on by. Entry for visitors is by donation.