Over a million bedding plants in 900 varieties blooming all year long. Ian Ross was given the gardens on his 21st birthday, and transformed his grandmother Jennie's garden into one of the world’s premier floral show gardens.

Visit the iconic Craigdarroch, Canada's Castle (TheCastle.ca).

The Cowichan Valley ('warm land') offers beautiful vineyards situated in spectacular surroundings. Averill Creek Vineyard (AverillCreek.ca), Blue Grouse Estate Winery (BlueGrouse.ca), Cherry Point (cherrypointestatewines.com), Unsworth Vineyards (UnsworthVineyards.com) and Vigneti Zanatta (zanatta.ca) are a few of our personal favourites.

The Gardens at Horticulture Centre of the Pacific (hcp.ca/gardens_hc) present a year-round garden-to-table experience just 12 km from downtown. From their award-winning restaurant: Charlotte & the Quail (charlotteandthequail.ca) to the largest outdoor Bonsai Garden in Canada, you will find something to inspire at every visit. *Food & Beverage not included in tour

The Abkhazi Garden is an exquisite heritage home and garden created by Prince and Princess Abkhazi. The Teahouse at Abkhazi Garden (abkhaziteahouse.com) offers four-star guest service and exceptional food in a beautiful setting. Seasonal menus showcase regional & Abkhazi Garden-grown produce.

Blue Grouse Estate Winery and Vineyard

Averill Creek Vineyard

SeaCider (SeaCider.ca) is a family-owned, community-minded orchard and ciderhouse growing organic cider apples. The bees are back and so is their honey with free spring tastings of: Clover, Fireweed, Creamed and more. The orchard is warming and the apple trees are beginning to blossom.