WINNERS OF THE 2023 CANADIAN GARDEN TOURISM AWARDS
WINNERS OF THE 2023 CANADIAN GARDEN TOURISM AWARDS
At the International Garden Tourism Conference, in the spirit of the conference theme: “Seizing the Moment”, the recipients of the 2023 Garden Tourism Awards were announced on November 2, 2023.
Gardens can be a significant component of a destination’s tourism offering! Over 25 million people travel annually in North America to see gardens, and the global market of garden visitors exceeds 250 million. Research indicates that 46 per cent of garden visits result in an overnight stay, and the demographic of garden visitors includes all age cohorts. Destination British Columbia estimates the value of garden tourism in the Province of British Columbia alone exceeds $300 million annually. Latest research in the UK show that Garden Tourism generates almost £3 billion of economic impact. Gardens not only have a significant economic impact but also enhance the tourist experience of a destination, while providing positive social and health benefits.
Garden Tourism Awards
The Garden Tourism Awards are presented to organizations and individuals who have distinguished themselves in the development and promotion of garden experiences as tourism attractions and motivators. The awards are proudly organized by the Canadian
Garden Council with recipients being selected by a jury and sponsored by Enterprise Canada.
The 2023 Canadian Garden Tourism Award winners are . . .
The Canadian Garden Council is honoured to announce the following award recipients:
1. Garden of the Year
The Leaf at Assiniboine Park, Manitoba
2. Garden Destination of the Year
Niagara Falls, Ontario
3. Garden Tourism Person of the Year
Wanda & Darren Heimbecker, Ontario
4. Garden Tourism Media Person of the Year
Jenny Rhodenizer, Ontario
5. Garden Festival of the Year:
International Garden Festival, Quebec
6. Flower Festival of the Year:
Canadian Tulip Festival, Ontario
7. Garden Event of the Year
Twilight Picnics, Alberta
8. Destination Garden Centre of the Year
Parkland Nurseries and Garden centre, Alberta
9. Garden Media of the Year
Canada’s Local Gardener, Manitoba
10. Achievement of the Year
Diwan Pavilion – Aga Khan Garden, Alberta
Sponsored by: Enterprise Canada
11. Lifetime Achievement
Hélène Leclerc, Quebec
12. Lifetime Achievement
Ruby Swanson, Alberta
13. Lifetime Achievement
Harry Jongerden, Ontaria
