Spectacular scenery and a warm, friendly welcome await us in British Columbia on our tour that begins in Vancouver, a city which owes its vibrancy and cosmopolitan flavour to the diverse cultural background of its inhabitants. Set amidst majestic mountains and surrounded by blue Pacific waters, Vancouver’s gentle climate keeps the city green year-round and makes it the perfect backdrop for many outstanding gardens. We will be privileged to visit some of the finest gardens in Vancouver and Victoria.

Among the highlights in Vancouver are the Dr Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, the spectacular Van Dusen Botanical Garden and the UBC Botanical Garden. A short passage across the Strait of Georgia takes us to Vancouver Island and our hotel in the ‘Garden City’ of Victoria, whose streets are colourfully decorated from spring until autumn by more than 900 hanging baskets. Here we visit a succession of wonderful gardens, such as the Hatley Estate with its majestic native trees. The highlight for many will be the sublime Butchart Gardens, 55 acres of blossom, fragrance and colour which will live long in the memory. We continue our exploration of Victoria with visits to the seaside Milner Garden and Woodland as well as the Tofino Botanical Gardens.

A break from our garden visits there is an opportunity to enjoy an optional whale watching trip from Victoria where we have the chance to glimpse of orca, grey, humpback and minke whales if we are lucky. Other sightings may include sea lions, seals, porpoise and many species of marine birds. From the resort of Tofino, we embark on a bear watching boat tour along the calm coastal waters, where we have the chance to see the Vancouver Island Black Bear as they amble down to the waters edge to forage for Rock Crab and other tasty seafood treats.

We also venture out of the city to explore the dramatic Capilano Suspension Bridge which spans 140 metres across the Capilano River at a height of 70 metres.