All of the pictures on this website were taken on our tours by Captain Simon
Butchart Gardens
This unique marine journey is specially designed to blend an exhilarating boating adventure with the opportunity to experience the brilliant and world-renown Butchart Gardens. This splendid 55 acre floral display has captivated thousands of people for over 80 years. (Over a million people visit each year). Transforming an old worked-out quarry site into an elaborate landscape of colour and grandeur in 1904, Jennie Butchart has created a dazzling living entity that has earned an international reputation for it's year-round display of flowering plants.
Over one million bedding plants representing over 700 varieties are used annually to ensure uninterrupted bloom from March through to October. The Butchart Gardens Tour is recommended for those who want to witness the west coast splendor of the Gulf Islands from the comfort and safety of our rigid hull inflatable boat, as well as for those who want to experience a unique and grandiose natural attraction.
More information about the tour...
Upon departing from Cowichan Bay, this journey begins by heading north through picturesque Sansum Narrows where you will observe an impressive Bald Eagle nesting site and Mount Maxwell Ecological Reserve on Salt Spring Island. The recent acquisition of 665 hectares (1,662.5 acres) of land on this southern Gulf Island by the B.C. government, C.R.D. Parks, and The Land Conservancy has resulted in the protection of this ecologically-sensitive area. The largest intact Garry Oak woodland meadow in the world (282 hectares, or 705 acres) is found within this protected border at Burgoyne Bay, which is also the largest undeveloped bay and estuary in the southern Gulf Islands.
After meandering back through the Narrows, this tour then moves south to explore the Saanich Inlet and Finlayson Arm, where some of the deepest fjords in British Columbia are to be found. Enjoy the breathtaking views of Gowlland Tod Provincial Park, a 1,200 hectare protected wilderness park dedicated to preserving the heritage of 'green space' on southern Vancouver Island. This ecologically significant parkland is home to over 150 individual animal and plant species including the Blue Heron, Peale's Peregrine Falcon, Bald Eagle, Cougar, Blacktail Deer, and the Red Squirrel. This natural preserve features old growth forest, grassy meadows, and moss covered rocky knolls.
After winding back along the shore to Tod Inlet, you will disembark at the Butchart Gardens dock where you will be greeted by the impressive natural spectacle of a 55 acre striking floral display. Waterfalls, fountains, Japanese and Italian Gardens are just a few examples of what you will encounter as you wander through the colourful landscape. After touring the grounds enjoy a light lunch at The Blue Poppy Restaurant, a cafeteria-style restaurant that offers meals with a "west-coast flair". This flower-filled conservatory is the perfect place to rest after exploring the multitude of gardens.
Following your excursion at Butchart Gardens, you will once again enjoy a captivating marine adventure as we head back to Cowichan Bay. This tour combines the thrill of an open-boat west coast adventure with the opportunity to experience a unique landscape of botanical creativity.
If your private or corporate group would like to reserve this tour, please contact Ocean Ecoventures for more information.
