What are Butchart Gardens?
The Butchart Gardens are a group of floral display gardens in Brentwood Bay, British Columbia, Canada, located near
Victoria on Vancouver Island.
The gardens receive close to a million visitors every year.
The History of Butchart Gardens
They were created by Jennie Butchart, who began to develop the 55-acre (22 ha) property into a garden after her husband,
Robert Pim Butchart, had exhausted its limestone reserves in 1904 while operating a cement plant.
Initially Jennie planted formal beds of roses and an Italian Garden, which she later expanded with Japanese and Sunken
Gardens.
After Jennie’s death in 1950, their grandson Ian Ross took over management of the gardens.
Today, the gardens feature more than 800 varieties of plants spread over 22 hectares.
In addition to the gardens, there is also a hotel on site as well as a restaurant.
The Butchart Gardens are open all year round and offer a variety of events and activities for visitors to enjoy.
They have been designated a National Historic Site of Canada and a Canadian Heritage River.
What is the Best Time of Year to visit Butchart Gardens?
The gardens are open all year round, but the best time of year to visit is during the spring and summer when the flowers are
in bloom.
What Type of Gardens are in Butchart Gardens?
There are a variety of gardens including formal gardens, Japanese gardens, and sunken gardens.
What Else is There to Do in the Butchart Gardens?
In addition to exploring the different gardens, visitors can also enjoy a meal at the on-site restaurant or take a tour of the
grounds.
There is also a hotel on site for those who want to stay longer.
Is It Worth It?
The Butchart Gardens are a popular tourist destination for those visiting Vancouver Island and Victoria.
The gardens are well-maintained and offer a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy.
Whether you’re interested in exploring the different gardens or taking a tour of the grounds, this is a place worth visiting.
How Much Time It’s Recommend To Spend There?
There is no set amount of time that you should spend.
However, most visitors spend 1-2 hours exploring the different gardens and taking in the scenery.
Butchart Gardens -How to Get There?
The Butchart Gardens are located in Brentwood Bay, British Columbia, Canada.
The best way to get there is by car or bus.
Those travelling by car can take Highway 17 North from Victoria to reach the gardens.
Free parking is available on site.
For those taking the bus, the #75 Butchart Gardens Bus leaves from downtown Victoria every hour from 8:30am to 4:30pm.
The journey takes approximately 45 minutes each way.
Can You Drive Trough the Gardens?
No, you cannot drive through the gardens.
However, there is a shuttle that runs every 15 minutes from the parking lot to the main entrance.
Are Dogs Allowed?
No, dogs are not allowed in the Butchart Gardens.
Only service animals are permitted on the grounds.
How Far is Butchart Gardens From Ferry Terminal?
The Butchart Gardens are located in Brentwood Bay, British Columbia, Canada.
The ferry terminal is located in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.
The two locations are approximately 30 minutes apart by car.
How Long is the Ferry Ride to Victoria BC?
The ferry ride from Vancouver to Victoria BC is approximately 1 hour and 35 minutes.
What Is the Closest Airport?
The closest airport to the Butchart Gardens is the Victoria International Airport (YYJ), which is located approximately 30
minutes away by car.
How Much Cost a Visit?
The cost of admission to the Butchart Gardens varies depending on the time of year.
Adult tickets (ages 19-64) cost $30.65 CAD during the high season (May 1- October 31) and $21.35 CAD during the low
season (November 1- April 30).
Senior tickets (ages 65+) cost $27.60 CAD during the high season and $18.95 CAD during the low season.
Youth tickets (ages 6-18) cost $15.30 CAD during the high season and $10.70 during the low season.
Children under the age of 6 are free.
There is also a family pass available for $76.45 CAD during the high season and $52.25 CAD during the low season. The
family pass admits 2 adults and up to 4 children.
Prices are subject to change, so it is recommended that you check the Butchart Gardens website for the most up-to-date
pricing information.
What Are the Opening Hours?
The Butchart Gardens are open all year round, but the hours vary depending on the season.
During the spring and summer (March 1- October 31), the gardens are open 9am- 9pm.
During the fall and winter (November 1- February 28), the gardens are open 10am- 5pm.
Last admission is one hour prior to closing.
To Sum Up…
The Butchart Gardens are a beautiful tourist destination that is definitely worth a visit.
There is no set amount of time that you should spend there, but most visitors spend 1-2 hours exploring the different
gardens and taking in the scenery.
The gardens are located in Brentwood Bay, British Columbia, Canada and the best way to get there is by car or bus.
Admission prices vary depending on the time of year, but children under the age of 6 are free.
The gardens are open all year round, but the hours vary depending on the season.