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The Butchart Gardens

The Butchart Gardens

The Butchart Gardens
4.5
Points of Interest & LandmarksGardensScenic Walking Areas
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-round. In spring, countless tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths will give you a buffet of fragrances and colours. You’ll say “wow” when you experience our spectacular summer season including The Rose Garden in full bloom, outdoor Evening Entertainment, subtle Night Illuminations, and Saturday firework shows. The 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 festive decorations, expansive lighting, and traditional carollers. Top off the day with a ride on the carousel, a great meal, and stop in the gift store. See why we’ve been designated a National Historic Site of Canada.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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  • Lester
    Savannah, Georgia32 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful gardens to take a stroll through.
    The garden is incredible! There are so many different beautiful flowers. It’s a walk through self guided tour so you can take your time and stroll through. There are paths for wheelchairs too. The sunken garden and the water fountain were among our favorites. Go early and take your time to see it all you will not regret it!
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 3 October 2023
  • Cynthia A
    Columbia, Missouri523 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Don't Pass Garden Up!
    Amazing, beautiful, breath taking. Delightful, I could go on and on as the how wonderful this garden in Canada is. However, there really are no words that can describe these gardens and do them justice. Pictures cannot capture the true beauty.
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written 14 October 2023
  • Cherry S
    5 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Butchart Gardens -Amazing
    I’ve had the opportunity of visiting this amazing and historic Garden twice and the experience never fails to impress. The grounds are amazing and the fountain is so fascinating. I could sit and watch the dancing water for hours. I think Butchart Gardens is a MUST SEE for visitors and residents alike
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 24 October 2023
  • Connector721503
    Santa Rosa Beach, Florida21 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Just as gorgeous as the photos--maybe even more so!
    The gardens were spectacular with brilliant fall colors that stained the water features scarlet. . .It is a delightful walking destination although some areas would not be handicap accessible. When we came around the corner and caught the first glimpse of the quarry gardens we were literally speechless. And the water fountain was mesmerizing. Even in the fall the colors and blooms were amazing. There were many visitors and sometimes it was difficult to take photos of certain vistas, but it was all worth it. As we left after touring the lovely but somewhat predictable inventory of the gift shop, several deer ambled through the parking lot, as if to add to the natural beauty of this pristine attraction.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written 5 November 2023
  • Stewarts Vacation
    1,535 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Exquisite gardens - must-must-visit!
    These gardens are a must-visit! They are absolutely stunning in layout, variety, plant species and colour! There is a map with arrows indicating a suggested route, as well as a best route to avoid stairs. If time does not allow you to view all of the garden areas, make sure to see the Sunken Garden! Plants are unlabelled to keep the feel of a private garden, however, a detailed "Flower and Plant Guide" is provided, should you wish to identify popular flowers and plants. Wear walking shoes as the gardens are extensive, especially if you want to see them all, right across to Butchart Cove. There are a number of amenities available - toilets, coffee shop, Gelateria, Restaurants, visitor centre and gift store.
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 7 November 2023
  • mariavoyer
    Boca Raton, Florida45 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A magical place!!
    I visited Butchart Gardens in the Fall. I loved this gardens so much I cannot begin to find words to describe what I saw. The Japanese Garden was at it's peak during the Fall and it was magical... so beautiful with the fall colors. The Sunken garden was just unbelievable, so beautiful, with all the colors you can think of, flowers, trees, lakes, just magical!!! The only thing I was not too happy about is that the Rose garden was not in bloom. I cannot wait to visit these gardens again in the spring.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 8 November 2023
  • Marc W
    Weymouth, United Kingdom1,949 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful! 🌼
    You can't visit Vancouver Island and not visit here. We were aiming to see the fall colours and we were not disappointed! Even tho it was a bit showery when we visited it didn't matter as firstly there's free umbrellas to use and secondly the grounds look just as amazing in the rain as they would on a sunny day. The amount of work that must go into keeping the grounds looking so good is amazing!
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 3 January 2024
  • Stephen & Sue
    Canberra, Australia2,772 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Glorious gardens
    Butchart Gardens is the number one tourist attraction in Victoria – every coach or cruise will include a visit here as part of the package, and it doesn’t disappoint. The Gardens are stunning, and spread out over a huge area, so even on days when the car park is full you don’t feel hemmed in. And the pictures you see, as good as they are, still don’t do it justice. The attention to detail is superb, even the carparks are landscaped and attractive, and the maps and signage are first rate. It’s a little out of town – 20-30 minutes drive, so, you will need your own car or a tour, but if you’re in Victoria without transport there are multiple tours and a regular shuttle just waiting right out the front of the Fairmont. An absolute must see.
    Visited July 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 13 January 2024
  • tdsuperstar
    Toronto, Canada19,560 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A three hour experience, for sure!
    There’s been so much said about The Butchart Gardens, so it’s difficult to add to the discourse on the most popular thing to do on Vancouver Island. That said, the important things for me to take out of the day, is that you really should give the Gardens a solid three hours. You can easily do more. With the unusually cold winter, the blooms were not as present this week when I went. Even still, I enjoyed the whole three plus hours. Taking public transit there from downtown is easy, so I definitely recommend that if you are not driving. My favourite garden was the Japanese Garden followed closely by the Sunken Garden. I know I can’t wait to visit again, hopefully sooner than later!!
    Visited March 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 17 March 2024
  • gboretto
    Esperanza, Argentina27 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A Meticulously Crafted Paradise: The Butchart Gardens
    From the moment one steps into The Butchart Gardens, it’s clear this place is more than just a garden; it's a legacy of beauty and dedication. Created by visionary Jennie Butchart in the early 20th century, this garden stands as a testament to a love and passion for horticulture that has been carefully maintained and expanded by successive generations. Wandering the winding paths of The Butchart Gardens is like walking through a living work of art. Each section of the garden, from the Sunken Garden to the stunning Rose Garden, is meticulously designed to offer an immersive, colorful experience that shifts with the seasons. What began as Jennie Butchart's personal project has evolved into a must-visit destination for any visitor to Victoria, BC. No matter how many times you visit, there is always something new to discover among its blooming flowers and panoramic views. I highly recommend adding The Butchart Gardens to any travel itinerary in Victoria. It’s a place where history, culture, and nature come together to create a truly enchanting and rejuvenating experience. A true paradise on Earth that you simply cannot miss!
    Visited March 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 20 April 2024
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4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles11,698 reviews
Excellent
9,414
Very good
1,654
Average
428
Poor
114
Terrible
88

Suzanne W
5 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020
You should not visit Vancouver Island without visiting this spectacular property of 55 acres (22 ha). Just the walk down to the jetty in the woods at the bottom of the property is beautiful enough but when you add in the trees, flowers and other plants it's just amazing. We went at the end of winter which was not the ideal time but even so the glass houses had a preview of the vibrant spring flowers soon to bloom.
There are a range of cafes and a large gift shop all in the same vicinity to also enjoy.
I'd highly recommend catching the bus so you do not have to worry about finding your way there or parking.
Written 26 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Donna M
Calgary, Canada989 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2020
I lived in Vancouver for 12 years and never bothered to go to the gardens when I was on the island, but decided to do just that while visiting friends this pat week.
This place is beyond beautiful. The $36 fee to get in may make you think twice, but once you see what this is all about - you realize this is a small price to pay to see what they created here.
The fountains, the flowers, the trees, I can't even begin to describe this place and do it any justice.
It's September and some flowers are done, but I hardly noticed.
This is a must see if you have the chance.
Written 17 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jan S
North Vancouver, Canada112 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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.
Written 22 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

xygb7dklt
Ottawa, Canada326 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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.
Written 10 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

519den
Vancouver, Canada16 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2020 • Family
My wife and daughters reserved for high tea on a Saturday afternoon. When I got there to drop them off, we were told that they had to pay an entrance fee. I explained to the parking attendant that they were just there for the restaurant, but she informed me that since the restaurant is in the gardens, they would need to pay to get in. $36 each!!!!! That’s right , on top of what they were going to spend on high tea, $45 each, we had to cough up another $36 so they could just get to the restaurant.
Never!!!!
Written 6 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

ATW2009
Saskatoon SK15 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2020
Even though it was fall and the flowers had mostly finished, it was still a delight to spend time taking photos here. The fall foliage was beautiful, and because I went earlier in the day, during the week, it was quiet and I didn't feel rushed and could take my time. Even though the Rose Garden was finished, there were still some blooms left that were covered in dew and made for some interesting shots. The dahlias were in full colourful bloom and stood out in the bright sunlight. The Japanese Garden was my favourite spot, with it curving lines and serenity. I bought the 12 month pass as I intend to visit a few times in the next few months, which makes it more cost-effective and gives a discount to others who may come with me in subsequent visits.
Written 26 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

LarryTheRadioGuy
Edmonton, Canada648 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2020
This is the 4th time I've been to Butchart Gardens, and the first time since the pandemic, as it was closed for a couple months. Everything is still beautifully kept up....and we really admired the amazing detail of the Japanese Garden.

Its too bad they had to cancel their great concert series, as last year we were so looking forward to it again this year.

They are making a valiant attempt at social distancing, changing the parking lot to a smaller space and restricting the number of visitors. Staff members are posted down various paths to ensure they don't get too crowded. And they have lots of arrows and one-ways, which most people follow.

It does make it a bit difficult to stop and take photos, and some people end up having to 'wait' for others who are ahead of them. But it can be a great patience building exercise.....combined with the natural relaxation that comes with the atmosphere.

And they do have the gelato stand open....and it's probably the best around. The pistachio has little bits of pistachio in it, and the coconut-pineapple really does taste like both coconut and pineapple (rather than a watered down version of either).
Written 22 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Happy H man
Uttoxeter, UK453 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
June 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.
Written 6 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

A B
Toronto45 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020 • Business
I’d never been in the winter and this visit was right after an unexpected snowfall. Quiet and serene compared to the other seasons. Nice to stroll around and focus on the non seasonal gardens. The museum that’s open during this time of the year gives you a glimpse into the history of the gardens and the artistic flair of Jennie Butchart who had a vision to create something so beautiful out of a empty quarry.
Written 11 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Sandy W
3 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2023
Prior to our arrival the staff provided helpful information via telephone regarding online admission fees and reservations for Tea. Their information provided details unavailable on the website. If you can provide your own transportation your schedule will be more flexible; parking is free. Arrive as early in the morning as possible to experience smaller crowds of visitors. If you will have a choice of which day to visit, check a weather report for the most ideal weather. Several special free events are offered on various days and at various times.
Written 11 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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The Butchart Gardens - All You MUST Know Before You Go (2024)

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