Most  folks have heard of our world famous Butchart Gardens. Many don't know it is located only a leisurely afternoon sail from our base in Port Sidney!  Sail around the Saanich Peninsula, past some of the most beautiful scenery you might ever encounter, past the village of Brentwood Bay, and you will find it in Todd inlet. 

 

Todd inlet is blessed with two beautiful landmarks the Butchart Gardens and the Gowland Todd provincial park. Last summer I joined friends who were anchored in Todd Inlet. They were stern tied to shore so it was easy to raft on to them for the evening. We made a picnic dinner, grabbed a couple of blankets and motored the dingy to the Garden entrance and  on to the outdoor stage. 

 

Depending on the time of year, it is definitely worth looking up online who will be playing. You might find your favourite type of music being performed by some talented musicians. It doesn't get any better than sitting on the grass watching live music and having a picnic.

 

But maybe it does! If you are lucky enough to show up on a Saturday night, you will get to enjoy a fabulous fireworks show when it gets dark. Bring an extra blanket to hold a good spot on the lawn in front of the fireworks. All that, and I have't even mentioned the gardens, which are gorgeous, and you will need to take the time to wander around them. 

Before you leave the next day, take a walk in the Gardens but also in Gowland Todd park, just a little further down the inlet. Watch for our little lizards which are a real novelty to people from colder parts of Canada! If you explore enough you will find the remains of an old townsite. 

 

And if you have fallen in love with the area, which you surely will, the Brentwood Bay hotel has a terrific deck for refreshments, pub food & sushi, along with a full service spa for the truly self indulgent. 

 

I can hardly wait to go back!

 

See you there!!

 

DAWN

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