Tofino Botanical Gardens have been created by founder, George Patterson, as a place to explore culture and nature. Kitchen gardens, compost bins, water conservation systems, chickens and goats speak to food security, sustainable agriculture, and the ancient satisfaction of tilling the earth. A deeper understanding of the local ecology of temperate coastal rainforests is encouraged throughout the gardens and exhibits. TBG is located within Tla O Quiaht Traditional Territory and this reality is celebrated with a new exhibit on the renaissance of canoe carving by artist Joe Martin.

Performing arts are also an important part of TBG's activities. We have hosted aerial dance performances in our old growth trees, spoken word and theatre in our visitors' centre, live music on the lawn. Darwin's Cafe is a place where interesting people come to discuss dangerous ideas.