Convention Dates:
Tuesday, April 21, 2026 to Saturday, April 25, 2026
EVERYONE WELCOME
When you register for the ARS Convention in Qualicum Beach, you may also choose to attend some or all of the pre- and post-convention garden tours. Each day of garden tours is individually priced. Dinners are optional and reasonably priced so please plan to join us!
SPACE IS LIMITED FOR TOURS
PLEASE REGISTER EARLY!
• All prices in Canadian Dollars
• Be sure to read the Preview of Vancouver Island Gardens, and Travel Tips
Before you go to the registration form – here’s what you need to know:
First: Register for the ARS Convention
Friday April 24 – Qualicum Beach Civic Centre (QBCC)
747 Jones Street, Qualicum Beach
Cost: EARLY BIRD $65 – Includes Continental Breakfast and Lunch
($85 after March 31)
• 8:00 AM – Registration and Breakfast
• Plant Sale – various times through the day
• 9:00 AM – Welcome, Speakers and lots more
• Buffet lunch then tour of Milner Gardens and a nearby private garden by car; Shuttle Service Available
• 3:30 pm – RSBG AGM – Everyone please come and learn more about the RSBG, talk by Steve Hootman
OPTIONAL: 6 pm – ARS Banquet, Awards, Speaker – $55
Registrants not choosing to stay for dinner may join us at 7 PM to hear the awards and speaker.
Questions about this event? Please email ars2026@marsrhodos.ca or contact us.
Next: Add on optional pre- and post-convention garden tours
Click here for printable garden list
Tour #1 (Victoria): Tuesday, April 21 – Sooke and Shirley, BC
Cost: $ 145 – Lunch included
Board the bus in the parking lot on Quebec Street right behind the Days Inn on the Harbour (427 Belleville Street, Victoria)
• Load: 7:45 AM
• Depart: 8:00 AM
• Return: 6:00 PM
• Dinner on your own
Click here for the Tuesday tour preview.
Questions about this tour? Please email victoriarhododendron@gmail.com.
Tour #2 (Victoria): Wednesday, April 22 – Victoria Gardens
Cost: $125 Lunch included
Board the bus in the parking lot on Quebec Street right behind the Days Inn on the Harbour (427 Belleville Street, Victoria)
• Load: 7:45 AM
• Depart: 8:00 AM
• Return: 4:00 PM
Click here for the Wednesday tour preview.
Questions about this tour? Please email victoriarhododendron@gmail.com.
Tour #3 (Duncan): Thurs, April 23 – Cowichan Valley Gardens
Cost: $55 – Lunch included
• Participants will be driven by members of the Cowichan Valley RS
• Starting Point: Tempo Gas Station, 3970 Cowichan Lake Road, Duncan
• Parking at same location
• Depart: 11:00 AM
• Return: 4:00 PM
Click here for the Thursday tour preview.
Questions and Directions to Tempo Gas? – Please email stonefold@shaw.ca.
Arriving in Qualicum Beach on Thursday evening?
Join us for a casual, early evening, no host social at the
Shady Rest Pub, 3109 West Island Highway, Qualicum Beach
Purchase your own food/beverage and mingle with the other registrants.
Tour #4 (Parksville-Nanaimo): Saturday, April 25 – Tour of six gardens including the historic Hailey Rhododendron Grove
Cost: $90 Includes Lunch
• Park at the Qualicum Beach Civic Centre (QBCC)
• Board the bus at the QBCC
• Load: 8:45 AM Coffee in your first garden
• Depart: 9:00 AM
• Return: 6:00 PM
Click here for the Saturday tour preview.
Questions about this tour? Please email ars2026nanaimo@marsrhodos.ca.
OPTIONAL but HIGHLY RECOMMENDED:
Farewell Dinner: Saturday, April 25 – Shady Rest Restaurant on the Salish Sea in Qualicum Beach
(Reserve your seat by pre-paying when you register for the conference)
Cost: $40 includes tax and tip
• 7:00 PM – Join us for a west coast-inspired informal dinner at the iconic Shady Rest Restaurant, 3109 West Island Highway, Qualicum Beach.
• Choose a main course at registration:
Seafood Chowder
Beef Dip
Fish Tacos
Shady Burger
Mushroom Burger (vegetarian)
Fish & Chips
Big Island Chicken Burger
• All meals include salad, bun, tea, coffee, pop
• Gluten free available – please specify.
Those registered for the Farewell Dinner should go directly to the restaurant when the bus returns from the Nanaimo tour. If not on the Nanaimo tour, and pre-paid, join us around 6:30 pm at the Shady.