Butchart Gardens

The basics

Butchart Gardens is a popular spot to visit from Victoria, Vancouver, and even Seattle. Tours are often combined with a whale-watching cruise, sightseeing tour, or seaplane flight and three-course dinner in the park. As you make your way through the different garden areas—from rose-covered paths to the dramatic Sunken Garden—you can admire blooming bulbs in springtime, head out on the dahlia walk during summer, admire floral displays in gorgeous fall colors, or take in the Japanese-inspired garden in the winter months.

Things to know before you go

• Bring an umbrella or hooded jacket in the rainy months.

• Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy in the beautiful gardens or eat at one of the several on-site restaurants.

• The gardens are both wheelchair and stroller accessible.

• You may visit the gardens independently or with a tour guide.

• Though cameras are encouraged, the use of selfie sticks is prohibited.

• Wi-Fi is available at the coffee shop near the visitor center.

How to get there

Butchart Gardens are 14 miles (23 kilometers) north of Victoria Inner Harbour in Victoria, British Columbia, about 30 minutes away by road. Buses run to the gardens from downtown Victoria and the Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal. You can also take a shuttle bus, taxi, or limo from near the Fairmont Empress Hotel in Victoria to Butchart Gardens.

When to get there

Butchart Gardens are open year-round; during peak season (July through August), they get quite crowded between 11am and 3pm. Arrive at opening and you'll be rewarded with few crowds and beautiful lighting for your photographs. On summer evenings, the gardens host fireworks displays every Saturday night in July and August. In the winter season, the magic of Christmas prevails as the garden's Waterwheel Square is converted into an outdoor ice-skating rink, complete with Christmas lights and decorations.

Butchart’s themed gardens

There are six themed gardens here: the Sunken Garden, the Rose Garden, the Japanese Garden, the Italian Garden, the Concert Lawn Walk, and the Mediterranean Garden. The original Sunken Garden is a must-see, home to annuals, flowering trees, and unique shrubs, although kids will love the hand-carved wooden carousel along the Concert Lawn Walk. Meanwhile, the serene Japanese Garden invites contemplation, and the small Mediterranean Garden has drought-tolerant plants from areas of the world with climates similar to Victoria's.

How long does it take to go through Butchart Gardens?

With two hours at Butchart Gardens, key highlights to see include the Sunken Garden, Ross Fountain, Rose Garden, Japanese Garden, Star Pond, and Italian Garden. To experience the gardens’ beloved afternoon tea ceremonies held at the former Butchart Residence, add two hours (and book well in advance).

Do I need to buy tickets in advance for Butchart Gardens?

No, you don’t need to buy Butchart Gardens tickets in advance—you can purchase them upon arrival. An exception is during the busy holiday season in December and early January when timed entrance tickets are required to access the gardens’ light displays, Christmas caroling, brass band, and festive dining.

What is the best month to visit Butchart Gardens?

Butchart Gardens bloom from spring until fall. Tulips, daffodils, and cherry trees generally peak between early April and early May, followed by a mid-May wave of Tibetan blue poppies. The gardens’ nearly 300 varieties of roses start blossoming in early summer, with the most flowers in July–August.

What tours can you do of Butchart Gardens?

With so much to see at Butchart Gardens, tours provide a curated experience focused on garden highlights. Many tours from Vancouver and Victoria simplify planning by including round-trip transport by shuttle bus, ferry, or private car. Some combine garden tours with sightseeing in Victoria or other parts of Vancouver Island.

What months is Butchart Gardens open?

Butchart Gardens is open year-round. While the most colorful flower gardens bloom from spring tulips through autumn dahlias, winter ushers in other species. Daphne, crocuses, and primroses bloom outside, and greenhouses overflow with red poinsettias. During the holiday season, from December through early January, there are light displays and carolers.

What is the best time of day to go to Butchart Gardens?

The best time to visit Butchart Gardens is first thing in the morning or late afternoon. During Butchart Gardens’ peak-season months of July and August, pathways and trails can get crowded in the middle of the day. Choosing quieter, off-peak hours means a bit more room to explore.

Ways to explore

Butchart Gardens is a popular spot to visit from Victoria, Vancouver, and even Seattle. Tours are often combined with a whale-watching cruise, sightseeing tour, or seaplane flight and 3-course dinner in the park. As you make your way through the different garden areas—from rose-covered paths to the dramatic Sunken Garden—you can admire blooming bulbs in springtime, head out on the dahlia walk during summer, glimpse floral displays in gorgeous fall colors, or take in the Japanese-inspired garden in the winter months.

Accessibility

Some areas of the garden are accessible to wheelchair users, but the historic site also has some narrow and steep paths that may make access difficult. Free wheelchair and stroller rentals are provided.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Umbrellas, sun protection, water bottles, a picnic lunch (if preferred)

What to wear

As the gardens are extensive and outdoors, wear comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate gear.

Not allowed

Barbecues, pets in indoor areas, photography props or costumes, smoking, selfie sticks

Amenities

Restaurants, restrooms, printed maps, luggage storage

Address

Butchart Gardens are located in Brentwood Bay on Vancouver Island, just north of the capital city of Victoria. You can get there by car or by public bus, or opt for a tour that includes round-trip transit for maximum convenience.

Driving

Butchart Gardens is a 25-minute drive from downtown Victoria, British Columbia. Take Highway 17 North, exit at Keating Cross Road, then follow the signs to Brentwood Bay. Free parking is available on-site for visitors.

Public transportation

From downtown Victoria, take BCTransit bus route 75 directly to Butchart Gardens. The bus ride takes about 50 minutes, and you’ll disembark at the Wallace Dr at Benvenuto Ave stop, located right near the entrance.

Best times to visit

The gardens get quite crowded between 11am and 3pm. Arrive at the opening, and you’ll be rewarded with mild crowds and beautiful lighting for your photographs.

Best days to visit

Expect weekdays to be typically calmer than weekends and holidays.

Best months to visit

Visit the gardens in late spring to see the peak blossoms, or during the summer, when concerts and evening fireworks displays are held. The gardens are closed for several weeks from late January to early February.

Special events

In addition to the summer fireworks and music events, Butchart Gardens also boasts festive light displays over the winter holidays.