“The Crown Jewel” Vancouver Island Garden Experience – Custom Designed - Four-Day Post Tour

Departing Thursday, June 25 - Returning Sunday, June 28

Visit BC’s favorite getaway – Vancouver Island – and experience the beauty of its gardens, the vastness of its landscape and the warmth of its people during this four-day post-conference tour.

Photo Credit: John Sinal, Tourism VancouverTravel in coach from Vancouver to board a BC ferry for Departure Bay, Nanaimo. The ferry route meanders through the islands and across the Pacific, making it feel like a “mini-cruise”, complete with shopping, cafes, and hopefully whales and dolphins racing alongside. Back on the coach, you will head “up island” along the coastline to visit the quaint towns and gardens of Parksville and Qualicum Beach. Stroll through a network of trails under the shadow of towering ancient Douglas-fir trees, majestic pillars untouched by the modern world – some more than 800 years old – at Cathedral Grove. Then enjoy a stroll on the boardwalks and tea in the lovely woodlands of Milner Gardens before visiting Lynnette Callan’s private rose garden filled with 800 roses. The evening will be spent at a luxurious seaside resort renowned for its hospitality and beautiful settings of forest and ocean. Enjoy resort features such as pools, spas and restaurants.

Photo Credit: Tourism BCThe next morning, you will head “down island” to Lantzville, a picturesque seaside community for a private garden tour and brunch with the Mid-Island Rose Society. Continuing south, you will stop in Duncan to visit the totem poles and the renowned Quw' utsun' Cultural and Conference Centre. As it is now late afternoon, and seeing as you are in the heart of wine country, it is only appropriate that a winery tour is next on the itinerary – the local wineries are pleased to host you and show off their wide selection of wines.

The final destination of Day 2 is Victoria, the capital of BC at the southern tip of the Island. You will reach it by driving south over the spectacular Malahat Drive, with its commanding views of the surrounding countryside and ocean. Hatley ParkVictoria is famous for its beautiful gardens, old English charm, and historic buildings. You will stay in an inner harbour hotel and be entertained by the many musicians and artists that busque the walkways during the warm summer evenings.

The next morning will be spent visiting the city, including the Royal British Columbia Museum, and enjoying all that Victoria has to offer – maybe a whale watching excursion, high tea at the Empress Hotel, some shopping along Government Street, or a long walk along the inner harbour and up through Beacon Hill. Completing your day will be a Farewell Dinner where you will experience the flavour of Vancouver Island.

The last day, after having visited the city’s sights the dayroses before, you will be whisked away for a day of rose garden touring – Glendale Gardens, Hatley Park, Patrick White’s Garden, Finnerty House, Abkhazi House and Government House are just some of the gardens to be visited. That evening you can end your journey with a relaxing ferry ride back to Vancouver or you can choose several other options – choose to remain in Victoria for a longer visit or book a float plane ride back to Vancouver. Whichever option you choose, your trip to Vancouver Island will leave a lasting impression – until next time!

Registration for Pre and Post Convention Tours will be available soon.

 

Did you know…?

Imagine - A rose with your name on it.

Enter a draw to name a rose by registering and paying for the Rose Convention and booking your accommodation at the Westin Bayshore Hotel by October 15, 2008. The "Name a Rose" contest is sponsored by breeder Brad Jalbert of Select Roses.


^ Up

Last updated: July 7, 2008

Our Host Partners

Please visit our host partners websites by clicking below

World Federation
of Rose Societies

The Canadian
Rose Society

The Vancouver
Rose Society

American
Rose Society