Minter Gardens is Closing

I had just completed my Abbotsford Circle Farm Tour post when I read that Minter Gardens, a Chilliwack Chilliwack Circle Farm Tour location, was shutting down in October.

“Minter Gardens has been a huge part of our lives,” Minter said in a press release. “It was a once-in-a-lifetime dream to create one of the most beautiful gardens in the world.” Since opening its gates 33 years ago, Minter Gardens has been a popular destination for gardening enthusiasts of all ages.

In recent years, however, the Minters said attendance was down, in part because of “a changing climate that offers up more cold, rainy days than the abundantly sunny ones that attract visitors to the grounds.” This has “significantly impacted the long-term viability of operating an outdoor destination garden,” the press release said.

What will become of the property is not certain but the Minter family is exploring options to develop it in an eco- and community-friendly manner. [Chilliwack Times]

I’ve enjoyed my recent visits to Minter Gardens, with a self-guided tour of the beautifully crafted and maintained groves, shrubs, flowers, trees, plants, and ponds. Before this 32-acre show garden closes its gates, I highly recommend taking the drive down the highway and stopping in to Minter Gardens for the day. The have a Garden Cafe, Nature Preserve, Gift Shop, and more on-site.

The gardens are open Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 6:00pm; Saturdays from 8:30pm to 5:30pm; Sundays and Holidays from 11:00am to 5:30pm. Admission is $38 (Family Rate, 2 adults and up to 4 youth under 19); $17 (Adults); $15 (Seniors); $9.50 (Youth 12-18); $6.50 (Children 6-12); Free (Children 5 and under)^*.

Find them at 52892 Bunker Rd in Chilliwack once you take the Agassiz exit from Highway 1 (and visit the Garden Centre just down the road from there too at 10015 Young Road N). Follow Minter Gardens on Facebook and Twitter for more updates leading up to the closure.

^*These rates may or may not include tax. Official rates are posted at the gardens.