Nestled along Canada’s west coast, Vancouver Island is a paradise of pristine coastlines and emerald forests, where the ever-present Pacific Ocean shapes the scenery and tempers the climate. Vancouver Island, Victoria, and the Gulf Islands have been internationally recognized for outstanding cuisine, wine, and originality. 

Much of the Victoria area is dotted with picturesque family run wineries and organic farms.  You can easily spend a day or two ambling through the countryside, sampling everything from blackberry port to pinot noir. Go behind the scenes of the region’s 

gourmet industry at herb farms, artisan cheese makers, honey farms, bakeries, brewpubs, cideries, farmers markets are all here –and they are in good company with many of our privately owned restaurants and resorts, which serve only the freshest west coast cuisine featuring farm fresh ingredients.  

Highlights of your customized wine tour could include day excursions in chauffeured limousines, with tastings and lunches at: Cherry Point Vineyards, Merridale Ciderworks, Alderlea Winery & Café, Unsworth, Blue Grouse Vineyards, Averill Creek, and the Old Farm Market.Enjoy a private cooking lesson with award winning chefs and meet the owners of these amazing cottage industries. 

Also popular, herb farm tours feature medicinal and landscape herbs as well as homemade soaps, jellies, tincture, and bath and skin care. You can also try a cooking class at a herb farm and learn which flowers are edible.

Gardeners and flower fans are in for a treat in this region of mild weather, fertile soil, and renowned horticultural talent. The gardens of the greater Victoria region are world famous for creativity and design, and draw thousands of visitors every year.

You’ll find grand estates and small gems of less than an acre, with themes ranging from traditional to funky, tropical to woodland, edible to educational. Each garden is distinctive and offers a unique experience.

Gardens to be enjoyed along the way: Butchart Gardens, one of the most popular and beautiful attractions on the Island, Abkhazi Garden, built by Prince and Princess Abkhazi, Finnerty Gardens, located on the University of Victoria campus, Government House, the “Ceremonial Home of all British Columbians,” Hatley Park National Historic Site, developed on the grounds surrounding the historic Hatley Castle, Horticulture Centre of the Pacific’s Glendale Gardens & Woodland, with more than 100 acres featuring the Takata Japanese, Fruit & Vegetable, and Zen gardens. Private gardening classes can be arranged.

These multi-day tours are personally guided by an Island specialist. They can be customized to individual interests and come with many delightful surprises along the way. Four and Five Star accommodations can be arranged. This is only an example of the gastronomical and gardening experience that we would be delighted to develop for you on your first or next escape to Victoria on Vancouver Island - AKA Paradise!