Backing on to the immaculate floral display of The Gardens is rugged shoreline, dense forest and nearby Brentwood Bay. In the summer months, explore the history and wildlife of the Tod Inlet on a 45-minute boat tour. While taking in the sites of our local waters, keep these three fun facts in mind.

1. Each boat is named after a member of The Family.

   You’ll be cruising in one of the following boats:
   Jennie B. named after Jennie Butchart, the woman who established the vision for this grand garden and little by little transformed the quarry and surrounding area in to beautiful gardens.
   R.P. named after Robert Pim Butchart, Jennie’s husband who initiated their move to Vancouver Island– an area rich in limestone deposits. Robert subsequently developed a quarry and built a cement plant at Tod Inlet.
   Mary C. Todd named after Mr. and Mrs. Butchart’s youngest daughter.
   R.I. Ross named after Robert Ian Ross, grandson of Robert and Jennie Butchart, who transformed The Gardens into the world-renowned attraction we know today, adding outdoor concerts and night lighting in the summers, and the Magic of Christmas in the winter.

2. The fleet is environmentally-friendly

   Each boat is powered by an electric engine, ensuring the environmental impact on Tod Inlet is minimal. In addition, engine noise is not a distraction from the captain’s commentary with tales of The Gardens’ past and as he points out local wildlife.

   In keeping with Jennie’s legacy, we hold environmental sustainability as a priority in everything we do.

3. You might see birds and local wildlife

   Otters, eagles, herons; just some of the wildlife you might see on your tour. You’ll pass by a colony of uniquely-decorated bird houses and alongside a forest filled with an abundance of wildlife. There’s a chance some of our local birds and fauna may be spotted along the shore or overhead. Keep your eyes peeled!

Boat tours run daily from the third Saturday in May – September 15. See the schedule and learn about boat tour tickets here.