Expanded to approximately 20ha/50 acres, the gardens were started by Jennie Butchart to beautify the quarry pit resulting from her husband's cement business. These gardens are now a National Historic Site of Canada, but still operated by the family, and the grounds are maintained year-round by a small army of gardeners. Don't miss the floral showpiece: the beautiful sunken garden with its green lawns, trees and exquisite flower arrangements that create a whirl of color. The flowers change from season to season, but the effect is always striking. Set in a huge pit with ivy-covered sides, the garden is best viewed from above or from the rock island at its centre, accesible by pathways.