Butchart Gardens

Under a 10 minute drive (4.7 km) from the show grounds, Butchart Gardens is a 118-year-old internationally-renowned 55-acre display garden located in Brentwood Bay, British Columbia. Created by Jennie Butchart, and still privately owned and operated by the family, The Gardens was designated a National Historic Site of Canada, in 2004 for its one hundredth birthday.  Dogs are welcome The Butchart Gardens welcome well-behaved, leashed pets. Pets must be on short leashes. If you forget your leash, please stop by the Visitor Information Centre where you may borrow one. Doggie cleanup bags are available. Five convenient pet water fountains are located throughout the park and are marked on the map of The Butchart Gardens.

https://www.butchartgardens.com

 
The Saanich Peninsula 

(W̱SÁNEĆ in the native coast Salish language) is just north of Victoria.  It is bounded by Saanich Inlet on the west, Satellite Channel on the north, the small Colburne Passage on the northeast, and Haro Straits on the east.  From Sidney at the north tip to Victoria in the south, the area is 33 km long and averages 4 km in width; 90 per cent of its perimeter is fronted by the sea

Lots of places to explore….all trails are dog friendly!  Every exploration into the Saanich Peninsula’s trails leaves a lasting impression.  The air here is soaked in cedar and seawater.  Trees peel, creeks speak and mountains have stories to tell.

Saanich Peninsula walking guide:

https://www.crd.bc.ca/docs/default-source/panorama-pdf/saanich-peninsula-walking-guide.pdf

North Saanich – Parks, trails and beach access:

https://northsaanich.ca/wp-content/uploads/Parks-and-Trails-Booklet.pdf

Whale Watching

An opportunity to see these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat is an experience not to be missed.  Vancouver Island has some of the best whale watching on the west coast.

Top Vancouver Island Whale Watching

 

 

We can’t even begin to cover all the wonderful places to see and things to do in the Victoria area or on beautiful Vancouver Island.  Here are a few links that will help you find whatever activities may take your fancy.

Victoria Tourism:  https://www.tourismvictoria.com/

Tourism Saanich Peninsula and Sidney: https://vancouverisland.travel/communities/saanich-peninsula/ 

Explore Vancouver Island! Tourism Vancouver Island: https://vancouverisland.travel/

Four Vancouver Island Road Trips – https://www.hellobc.com/stories/vancouver-island-road-trips/

Pacific Marine Circle Route – https://happiestoutdoors.ca/pacific-marine-circle-route/