Tag: Gardens

Milner Gardens in Qualicum Beach was a visit a long time coming. We visit the Oceanside area of Vancouver Island once or twice a year and, every time we tried to sneak in a visit to Milner Gardens, we’ve been thwarted by scheduling issues. Vancouver Island University came into possession of the 79 acres of seaside walk and botanical gardens in 1996. Make sure to read the History page of the website because the original patrons are super British connected and the gardens have hosted Queen Elizabeth and some of her offspring over the years. For us, we had a […]

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At 333 Brooksbank Avenue in North Vancouver lies Park and Tilford Shopping centre. In a quiet corner of that shopping centre is this absolute gem. Opened in 1969 by the CEO of Park and Tilford Distilleries as a gift to the people of North Vancouver it is now entirely maintained by private business and citizens. And it is beloved. It may be easy to overlook if you’re dropping the kids off at the movie theatre or grocery shopping at Save-On-Foods but if you’re up in this part of North Vancouver or keen to go for a drive, it is definitely […]

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Queen Elizabeth Park is a stunning 130 acre oasis in the city of Vancouver and is the city’s highest point; sitting atop 150m/500ft of granite. Millions of visitors walk through these gardens every year. Since the 1960s it has played host to countless weddings, family reunions, proposals, and picnics. Moreover it is a wonderful place to visit just for a stroll on a sunny afternoon. Take a leisurely walk through the beautiful and fragrant Rose Garden, or the equally beautiful Quarry Garden and Arboretum. There’s also a pitch and putt and a lawn bowling green, picnic tables and even a […]

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It has been quite some time since I last visited the beautiful Butchart Gardens just north of Victoria. I have happy memories of going with my grandfather on a sunny summer’s afternoon. Today, Butchart’s is run like a well oiled machine with an ample parking lot where you are carefully guided by the many staff to your parking spot. As one heads into the gardens you must pass the large tempting gift shop and the cafe. This particular visit was made on New Year’s Day. Yes, Butchart’s was open. It was dusk, and misting, not really a rain, and a […]

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Gardeners all over the Cowichan Valley are going full tilt this month (May 2013) as blooms are bursting forth everywhere you look. A quick tour of my garden today shows an array of the best ever iris. Rhodos in bright red, white with yellow centres, mauve, pink, magenta and another yet to come. Hostas are getting bigger every day. Lillies are growing taller and getting ready for next month’s display. Meanwhile my newly planted annuals are settling in. Spent the afternoon visiting some very experienced gardeners who love to share their garden successes. Find out more at Jacquie Gordon’s Bed […]

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VanDusen Botanical Gardens is located at Oak Street and 37th Avenue in Vancouver.  During spring, summer and fall, the gardens have terrific collection of plants, trees and more.  In the winter, they put on a lovely Festival of Lights.  It’s hugely popular and my wife’s choir was singing at the event and it was a first time for me and my children. It literally felt like every single plant, tree or shrub that could handle having a light on it, had a light on it.  The Autumn this year in Vancouver has been quite wet since mid-October and we lucked […]

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The world famous Butchart Gardens are often the first stop for anyone seeking out notable local gardens in the Victoria area.  Butchart Gardens are a privately owned 22 ha (55 acre) estate that is now a National Historic Site.  The gardens are located 23 km (14 miles) north of Victoria and their street address is 800 Benvenuto Avenue in Brentwood Bay.  These spectacular gardens were begun over 100 years ago and today close to a million people visit them each year.  Visit butchartgardens.com for more details on hours of operation, admission fees and the many featured attractions of the garden […]

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Butchart Gardens near Victoria BC is, without a doubt, one of the finest botanical gardens in the world, and is consistently ranked as one of the city’s top attractions, even being honoured with an exhibit in its name at Florida’s Epcot Centre. Whether you plan to visit the gardens for only a few hours, or if you intend to spend an entire day or two taking in the flowers and foliage, you are certain to come away feeling relaxed, and refreshed. Butchart Gardens History and Highlights Built over several decades by Robert Pim Butchart and his wife Jennie, who established […]

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Harrison Hot Springs is noted for many outdoor activities and is a mere 130 km from Vancouver and an easy drive. Top 5 Things To Do In Harrison Hot Springs Soak in the hot springs mineral pool located at the beach front at 224 Esplanade Avenue Go boating and swimming in Harrison Lake rentals available at Killer.s Marina located right on the lake. Hire a fishing guide and fish for many types of salmon.  Many fishing guides available such as Fraser River Fishing Lodge and Shoreline Tours to name a few.  Tours available right on the beach front. Tour world […]

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The editors of this website asked local businesses for the essential recommendations for Victoria. We asked them: “If you imagine that someone has come to you and they are on a totally tight time line, and asked you these questions, what would you tell them?” 1. Where should I eat that I should not miss in Victoria? Answer:Pagliacci’s 1011 Broad Street Victoria, BC V8W 2A1 (250) 386-1662 2. If I only have time for one outdoor activity, what should I see or do in Victoria? Answer:Butchart Gardens 800 Benvenuto Ave Victoria, BC V8M 1J8 (250) 652-4422 3. Is there a […]

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