The Butchart Gardens
The Butchart Gardens
4.5
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9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
About
Come enjoy our breathtaking 22 ha (55 acres) of gardens year around. In Spring, countless tulips, daffodils and hyacinths will give you a buffet of fragrances and colours. You’ll be saying “wow” when you experience our Summer: The Rose Garden, evening entertainment, subtle night illuminations, the Saturday firework show, and boat tours to name a few of the delights. Perennial borders start their stunning show in late summer, and the Japanese maples turn to russet, gold, and red in the fall. Be captivated by the Magic of Christmas with its decorations, expansive lighting and outdoor ice skating rink. Top off the day with a ride on the carousel and a great meal. Come see why we’ve been designated a National Historic Site.
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
11,455 reviews
Excellent
9,224
Very good
1,626
Average
418
Poor
108
Terrible
80
Happy H man
Uttoxeter, UK326 contributions
Jun 2022 • Family
If you are into gardening, the outside just enjoy some amazing views this is the place for you. Allow a couple of hours to look around.
We visited on a rainy day and it didn't stop us enjoying it (they even supply umbellas,it as if they get a lot of rain!)
If you read what the gardens were before it is even more amazing what has been made.
Even in May there was lots of colour, I suspect in a month time it will look even more spectacular.
As an aside there is a nice place for lunch /coffee...my curry cauliflower soup was much better that it sounds!
Lots of parking and lots of walking
It is not surprising that this is the No.1 attraction in Victoria. I have attached a few pictures but please go and see it for yourself.
We visited on a rainy day and it didn't stop us enjoying it (they even supply umbellas,it as if they get a lot of rain!)
If you read what the gardens were before it is even more amazing what has been made.
Even in May there was lots of colour, I suspect in a month time it will look even more spectacular.
As an aside there is a nice place for lunch /coffee...my curry cauliflower soup was much better that it sounds!
Lots of parking and lots of walking
It is not surprising that this is the No.1 attraction in Victoria. I have attached a few pictures but please go and see it for yourself.
Written June 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Gayle R
Kamloops, Canada128 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
We spent 12 hours at Butchart Gardens when the Northwest Deuce Days rolled onto the lawns starting at The “Mammoth” section of the parking lot, what a trip down Memory Lane not to mention a spectacular photo op!
All of the staff especially Josh helped to make it a lovely day, in spite of a glitch that they cheerfully resolved (even tough it was not in any way their responsibility). We thank them for their attentive kindness!
The gardens are impeccably manicured and the aromas intoxicating, the Rose gardens in particular! With 55 acres to explore we admit that one 12 hour day is not enough to immerse yourself in the beauty.
If you are lucky enough to try a Gourmet Picnic Basket for two from The Dining Room I promise you will live every morsel and the presentation is as spectacular as the setting!
I will admit we took “a minute”for a nap in the car when it rained but the skies cleared in time for a front row bench at the Sound Shell where we were mesmerized by Stephen Fearing. What a talented trio. The electric Cello added a hauntingly beautiful tone to the thoughtful captivating songs that led to a standing ovation, fortunately for the hundreds gathered near the Sunken & Japanese Gardens as the garden lights came up and the Sun went down. We will be checking out “Kings & Queens” online for duets with Music Royalty. Phenomenal Blackie & The Rodeo Kings with Serena Ryder, and Emmy- Lou Harris to name a couple.
From the parking attendants to the gift store employees and absolutely everyone working at Butchart Gardens all we can say is Thank you, thank you ( once is not enough) !
PS
Kudos Josh, you are a good human and a brilliant asset to Butchart Gardens!
Robin~Gayle
All of the staff especially Josh helped to make it a lovely day, in spite of a glitch that they cheerfully resolved (even tough it was not in any way their responsibility). We thank them for their attentive kindness!
The gardens are impeccably manicured and the aromas intoxicating, the Rose gardens in particular! With 55 acres to explore we admit that one 12 hour day is not enough to immerse yourself in the beauty.
If you are lucky enough to try a Gourmet Picnic Basket for two from The Dining Room I promise you will live every morsel and the presentation is as spectacular as the setting!
I will admit we took “a minute”for a nap in the car when it rained but the skies cleared in time for a front row bench at the Sound Shell where we were mesmerized by Stephen Fearing. What a talented trio. The electric Cello added a hauntingly beautiful tone to the thoughtful captivating songs that led to a standing ovation, fortunately for the hundreds gathered near the Sunken & Japanese Gardens as the garden lights came up and the Sun went down. We will be checking out “Kings & Queens” online for duets with Music Royalty. Phenomenal Blackie & The Rodeo Kings with Serena Ryder, and Emmy- Lou Harris to name a couple.
From the parking attendants to the gift store employees and absolutely everyone working at Butchart Gardens all we can say is Thank you, thank you ( once is not enough) !
PS
Kudos Josh, you are a good human and a brilliant asset to Butchart Gardens!
Robin~Gayle
Written July 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
xygb7dklt
Ottawa306 contributions
Oct 2021
The 100-year-old, 55 acre (22 hectare) garden has been designated a National Historic Site of Canada. Statistically, they have 900 bedding plant varieties, 26 greenhouses and 50 fulltime gardeners.
When we arrived in October, staff had begun installing the thousands of Christmas lights for late afternoon and evening viewing from November 26 to January 6.
The Sunken Garden in the original limestone quarry was the hit of our visit with annual beds, perennials, trees, shrubs, and the Ross Fountain. But don’t miss the Japanese Garden, Star Pond, Italian Garden, Rose Garden (autumn is not rose season even in this climate) and a Mediterranean Garden.
Displays change with the season so each visit is different. The winding pathways are even and well signed. There is a dining room, café, and gift shop near the entrance.
Adult tickets range from $20 to $30 and can be bought on the website. Youth and child admissions are less. We took a bus tour there that included entry and the cost was $75 from downtown Victoria.
When we arrived in October, staff had begun installing the thousands of Christmas lights for late afternoon and evening viewing from November 26 to January 6.
The Sunken Garden in the original limestone quarry was the hit of our visit with annual beds, perennials, trees, shrubs, and the Ross Fountain. But don’t miss the Japanese Garden, Star Pond, Italian Garden, Rose Garden (autumn is not rose season even in this climate) and a Mediterranean Garden.
Displays change with the season so each visit is different. The winding pathways are even and well signed. There is a dining room, café, and gift shop near the entrance.
Adult tickets range from $20 to $30 and can be bought on the website. Youth and child admissions are less. We took a bus tour there that included entry and the cost was $75 from downtown Victoria.
Written October 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Paul O
Shrewsbury, UK34 contributions
Sep 2022
We visited in early September 2022 using the Grayline Victoria Sightseeing coach.
You can catch any of the buses that leave from 09.30 so if you want to make sure you have a seat a ta certain time arrive early. Buses return from 12.30 then every hour after.
The bus driver was very informative as we travelled to the gardens the journey taking about 40 minutes from Vitoria.
The gardens are kept in immaculate condition with thousands of flowers we spent about 90 minutes there in total. The café on site offers drinks and snacks there is also a restaurant.
We thought it would be bigger than it was but what we did see was very colourful
You can catch any of the buses that leave from 09.30 so if you want to make sure you have a seat a ta certain time arrive early. Buses return from 12.30 then every hour after.
The bus driver was very informative as we travelled to the gardens the journey taking about 40 minutes from Vitoria.
The gardens are kept in immaculate condition with thousands of flowers we spent about 90 minutes there in total. The café on site offers drinks and snacks there is also a restaurant.
We thought it would be bigger than it was but what we did see was very colourful
Written September 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jan S
North Vancouver, Canada120 contributions
Aug 2021
A lovely day out if you're in to gardens and planting schemes. We really enjoyed the leisurely walk around the gardens and found some hidden corners to sit in for a rest in the shade.
The staff were very friendly and knowledgeable and were happy to answer questions we had about the various trees and bedding plants.
On the day we visited, the car park was fairly full so we thought it would be crowded but once you enter the garden, it's easy to separate from other groups and walk at your own pace. The only area that was a little busy was the rose garden but even there, we managed to maintain a reasonable physical distance from others.
The cafe is only offering a limited service at the moment due to COVID measures but had 2 types of sandwiches, coffee and ice-cream.
If you're a Veteran or serving member of the Canadian armed forces, Butchart does offer a discount on the entry price.
A great day out for adults, although there were groups who had children with them too.
The staff were very friendly and knowledgeable and were happy to answer questions we had about the various trees and bedding plants.
On the day we visited, the car park was fairly full so we thought it would be crowded but once you enter the garden, it's easy to separate from other groups and walk at your own pace. The only area that was a little busy was the rose garden but even there, we managed to maintain a reasonable physical distance from others.
The cafe is only offering a limited service at the moment due to COVID measures but had 2 types of sandwiches, coffee and ice-cream.
If you're a Veteran or serving member of the Canadian armed forces, Butchart does offer a discount on the entry price.
A great day out for adults, although there were groups who had children with them too.
Written August 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
debbie h
5 contributions
Dec 2022 • Family
This was my first time to Victoria and was taken advantage of. You have to book timed ticket in advanced and hurry cause they may sale out for the Christmas event or not available so your forced to purchase ahead of time, but guess what there is no refunds. This is place is way to expensive to not honor customers on a refund especially if they decide to close. I am one who lives in a different country so no i cant reschedule or come back!!! Its a long and costly trip!!! Vacation ruined and so was the first time for my children. The least they can do is refund me for tickets i could not use. Worst business to visit!!
Written December 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Magictravelnow
Dallas, TX401 contributions
Dec 2022
Magical Christmas Lights and Dinner at the Famous Dining Room.
I was greeted by the most beautiful, warm and hospitable woman named Ashly.
She was so lovely and helpful as I was waiting to dine in their exquisted dining room out of a storybook.
I had a fabulous server who had been working there for over 18 years and started going there since she was four years old.
The wine was delicious, the sevice 5 stars and I ordered the pork loin chop which was highly recommended and it was the best one have ever enjoyed.
Everything on the menu is wonderful as I looked around and watched how everyone was enjoying their dinner, service and atmosphere.
I am so grateful the owners have taken such care and grown this place I visited as a child from California when I was nine, then again in 1996 with my late husband while living in Texas and now to celebrate with them during this very special time of year.
I would rather be here so thank you for allowing me the opportunity to once again feel like a child with the most incredible festival of lights I have ever seen in our world.
I was greeted by the most beautiful, warm and hospitable woman named Ashly.
She was so lovely and helpful as I was waiting to dine in their exquisted dining room out of a storybook.
I had a fabulous server who had been working there for over 18 years and started going there since she was four years old.
The wine was delicious, the sevice 5 stars and I ordered the pork loin chop which was highly recommended and it was the best one have ever enjoyed.
Everything on the menu is wonderful as I looked around and watched how everyone was enjoying their dinner, service and atmosphere.
I am so grateful the owners have taken such care and grown this place I visited as a child from California when I was nine, then again in 1996 with my late husband while living in Texas and now to celebrate with them during this very special time of year.
I would rather be here so thank you for allowing me the opportunity to once again feel like a child with the most incredible festival of lights I have ever seen in our world.
Written December 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Bonnie W
Nanaimo, Canada205 contributions
Aug 2022
We decided to take our daughter, Kelly, for the day to help celebrate her birthday. When we left home, it started to rain and it was like Oops! did we pick the wrong day? Well, no actually when we got to Butchart Gardens, it was perfect...warm, no breeze and the most spectacular gardens ever.
This is not your run-of-the-mill park with flowers, it is 55 acres of manicured lawns, millions of flowers, different gardens such as the Rose Garden, Japanese Garden, Mediterranean Garden, Sunken Garden and more. It has waterfalls, fountains, vistas. It takes your breath away,
Such beauty and so clean. There is no such thing fallen petals or dead leaves on the ground. They have staff with large bags picking up anything that may be on the ground.
Also they have a restaurant that only serves 'formal tea' from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (when most people want lunch), but it is not inexpensive. Check the posted sign before entering. Walk a bit more and you have a choice of Gelato, or keep walking and there is a cafeteria for coffee, light sandwiches etc. One of the better establishments is the Gift Shop. It is huge and, again, not inexpensive.
The gardens are breathtaking and make sure you have your credit card handy. It is worth it. We will go back again for sure.
This is not your run-of-the-mill park with flowers, it is 55 acres of manicured lawns, millions of flowers, different gardens such as the Rose Garden, Japanese Garden, Mediterranean Garden, Sunken Garden and more. It has waterfalls, fountains, vistas. It takes your breath away,
Such beauty and so clean. There is no such thing fallen petals or dead leaves on the ground. They have staff with large bags picking up anything that may be on the ground.
Also they have a restaurant that only serves 'formal tea' from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (when most people want lunch), but it is not inexpensive. Check the posted sign before entering. Walk a bit more and you have a choice of Gelato, or keep walking and there is a cafeteria for coffee, light sandwiches etc. One of the better establishments is the Gift Shop. It is huge and, again, not inexpensive.
The gardens are breathtaking and make sure you have your credit card handy. It is worth it. We will go back again for sure.
Written August 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
LuanaRubin
Boulder, CO559 contributions
Jun 2022
I came with a tour group as part of an all day tour of the area, so we had less than 2 hours at the gardens. I hope I can come back one day and spend the whole day there. I have been hearing about this place for 35 years and was glad to finally make it . Totally worth the expense and time and effort to get there, just wish I had more time. Everybody there was having such a good time - families - young and old - made me happy to see so many relaxed happy people.
Written June 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Mans71
Currie, Australia127 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
I had heard these gardens were amazing. They are about 40 mins from downtown Victoria. We didn’t want to do a tour or pay huge money for a taxi out and back. So after some goggling we discovered you can catch the number 75 bus from downtown for $5 return. The trip back on the bus was packed but for $5 you can’t complain. The gardens themselves were stunning and you can really just find a spot to sit and enjoy even with the large crowds. The coffee shop is nothing flash and food average but no different from other attractions. The gift shop is abundant.
Written August 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Nikki Sadler
1 contribution
Are there wheelchairs to rent at Buchart Gardens?
Bonnie W
Nanaimo, Canada205 contributions
I don't believe so. We took our own walker but to be safe, you could call them and ask. We didn't know if they did or not. They have two tours you an take...one for those who have difficulty with walking and one for the more agile. It is beautiful either way.
Supercalaf
Southport, NC128 contributions
How to get to gardens on a Monday from cruise terminal
Paul M
Markham, Canada21 contributions
It depends on where the cruise terminal is. When I came back from the 2018 Alaskan cruise, they docked at Vancouver. Hence there was never enough time to get to Victoria (which requires a ferry to get to (4 hours each way).
We avoided the ferry in the summer of 2021, and flew to Victoria instead. and rented a car at the Victoria Airport.
Short answer is .... the cruise ship didn't give us enough free time to take the ferry to Victoria and back.
do you have toures for handicaped people
JJawandering
Lethbridge, Canada327 contributions
Best if you call the Gardens and ask them if they run tours. Not all sections are wheelchair accessible.
ramlahhaider
Calgary, Canada65 contributions
How much time do you suggest we need to set aside for the gardens, to ensure a great experience?
Andy K
Canada53 contributions
Go early because it’s very crowded after noon and you can do a very complete visit in about 3 hours.
dramaguys
Lacombe, Canada121 contributions
My husband struggles with walking and is not really a plant/flower guy. Is it still worth the $35 each or should we find something else to do?
Alexander
Toronto, Canada2 contributions
If you ask me personally, I would recommend you to come and see what you can.
You don't have to "cover every corner" in the gardens but may decide to visit the Mediterranean, Japanese, Italian sections or to see 1000s of roses from around the world. Gardens are one of the reasons for travelers come to Vancouver Island.
Bonjour,
Nous voulons aller visiter ce jardin au printemps.Est-ce mieux au début de mai ou fin mai pour le jardin?
Quelle température fera-t-il en mai car nous serons en camping dans une tente.
Merci de me répondre
Michele Tremblay
jaclair
laval12 contributions
En mai chaque jour. Il faut prévoir une longue journée. Tout est merveilleux, facile à définir avec les yeux plus qu’avec les mots.
The Butchart Gardens (Central Saanich) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about The Butchart Gardens
- The Butchart Gardens is open:
- Sun - Sat 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
- We recommend booking The Butchart Gardens tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 45 The Butchart Gardens tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience The Butchart Gardens:
- Victoria and Butchart Gardens Tour from Vancouver (From $190.82)
- Victoria and Butchart Gardens Day Trip from Vancouver (From $202.27)
- 2-day Victoria and Butchart Gardens Tour with Overnight at The Fairmont Empress (From $588.20)
- The Ultimate Group Package Tour of Victoria (From $597.76)
- Peninsula Highlights (From $156.42)
- Hotels near The Butchart Gardens:
- (0.24 mi) Now Booking March 2023 Weekly Monthly rates
- (0.41 mi) Brentwood Lighthouse
- (0.96 mi) Brentwood Bay Resort & Spa
- (0.43 mi) Oceanfront Home with Private Dock and Awesome Views
- (0.68 mi) Gardenside Acres Campground
- Restaurants near The Butchart Gardens:
- (0.12 mi) The Blue Poppy Restaurant
- (0.16 mi) The Dining Room Restaurant - Butchart Gardens
- (0.60 mi) Blue's Bayou Cafe
- (0.95 mi) Seahorses Cafe
- (1.29 mi) Cafe Zanzibar
- Attractions near The Butchart Gardens:
- (0.96 mi) Pacifica Paddle Sports
- (1.23 mi) Victoria Butterfly Gardens
- (0.55 mi) Sailing the Saanich Inlet
- (0.66 mi) Oak Haven Park
- (1.16 mi) Church and State Wines -Brentwood Bay