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Butchart Gardens

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Butchart Gardens (Canada)

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Butchart Gardens is a world-renowned floral display garden located in Brentwood Bay on Vancouver Island, near Victoria, British Columbia. The site's transformation began in 1904 when Jennie Butchart sought to beautify a depleted limestone quarry on her family's property. Today, the gardens span 55 acres (22 hectares) and feature several distinct themed areas, including the iconic Sunken Garden, the Rose Garden, the Japanese Garden, and the Italian Garden. Attracting over one million visitors annually, the gardens showcase more than 900 varieties of plants that bloom in succession throughout the year. In 2004, the gardens were designated a National Historic Site of Canada in recognition of their international horticultural significance. The property remains under the ownership and management of the Butchart family, maintaining its legacy for over a century. Beyond its botanical collections, the site features seasonal events, outdoor concerts, and elaborate light displays during the winter. The masterful reclamation of industrial land into a premier tourist destination makes it a global benchmark for landscape architecture.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C446811131616141064
Rain mm189104138875846273564135193176

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Butchart Gardens is a world-famous floral display garden in British Columbia and open to visitors. You can explore the themed gardens such as the Sunken Garden and Rose Garden.
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Typical hours
The gardens are open year-round, but hours vary by season. In summer, they are typically open from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
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Photography
Photography is encouraged - the colourful flower beds offer countless subjects. Tripod and drone photography are allowed only with permission.
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Time needed
Allow at least three to four hours for a tour of all gardens. Add extra time for a relaxing break at the cafés.
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Combine with
Combine your visit with a trip to Victoria and the Royal BC Museum or Craigdarroch Castle. A ferry ride to Vancouver Island is also possible.
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Getting there
The gardens are in Brentwood Bay, about 20 minutes north of Victoria. They are reachable by car, bus, or organized tours.
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Insider tip
Visit the gardens in the late afternoon when the evening lighting bathes the flowers in a magical glow. Book tickets online to avoid queues.

History & landmarks

Modern

1904

Geography

Area
0.22 km²
Coordinates
48.56370, -123.46740

Facts

  • The gardens cover a total area of approximately 55 acres (22 hectares).
  • The Sunken Garden is located in a former limestone quarry 15 meters deep.
  • More than 50 full-time gardeners are employed to maintain the grounds.
  • Over one million bedding plants are used for the seasonal displays each year.
  • It was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 2004.
  • The Ross Fountain was installed in 1964 to celebrate the gardens' 60th anniversary.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

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SidneySidney9 km · NWExplore →
SaanichSaanich12 km · NEExplore →
Fulford HarbourFulford Harbour13 km · WExplore →
MetchosinMetchosin14 km · SEExplore →
VictoriaVictoria14 km · NEExplore →
Salt Spring IslandSalt Spring Island16 km · WExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Butchart Gardens (15)

The Butchart Gardens📍 landmark

Renowned botanical gardens with impressive seasonal flower displays.

🕒 Jan 07-Jan 31 09:00-15:30; Feb,Nov: Su-Sa 09:00-15:30; Mar,O♿

Mount Work🌿 nature

A prominent peak on the Saanich Peninsula.

Bamberton Provincial Park🌿 nature

A provincial park along the Saanich Inlet with hiking and swimming.

John Dean Park🌿 nature

A provincial park on the Saanich Peninsula featuring old-growth Douglas fir trees.

Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park🌳 park

A regional park with two lakes, trails, and wildlife.

Heritage Acres🏛 museum

A museum preserving local heritage.

🕒 Oct-May: Mo-Su,PH 09:30-12:00; Jun-Sep Mo-Su,PH 09:30-16:00

Bazan Bay📍 landmark

A scenic bay on the Saanich Peninsula.

Sayward Beach🎡 recreation

A beach on the Saanich Peninsula.

Cordova Bay Beach🎡 recreation

A beach on the Saanich Peninsula.

Eagle Beach🎡 recreation

A beach on the Saanich Peninsula.

Main Hangar🏛 museum

A museum hangar housing aircraft exhibits.

Central Saanich Fire Museum🏛 museum

A museum dedicated to firefighting history.

Dean Cabin🏺 historical

Ruins of a cabin in Butchart Gardens.

Thomson Cabin🏺 historical

Ruins of another cabin in Butchart Gardens.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

When do most flowers bloom?
From spring to autumn, but summer has the peak floral display.
Are there restaurants there?
Yes, there are cafes and the famous Afternoon Tea served in the dining room.
Are dogs allowed?
Leashed dogs are allowed after 8:00 PM or during the off-season.
Is there evening entertainment?
In summer, there are evening concerts and fireworks displays.
Is the garden accessible?
Yes, almost all areas are accessible via paved pathways.
Butchart Gardens: where is it located?
Butchart Gardens is located in Canada.
Butchart Gardens: what is there to see?
Highlights include The Butchart Gardens, Mount Work, Bamberton Provincial Park.
Butchart Gardens: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Butchart Gardens: why is it worth visiting?
Butchart Gardens is a world-renowned floral display garden located in Brentwood Bay on Vancouver Island, near Victoria, British Columbia.
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History & landmarks

Victoria — Butchart Gardens (Canada)
Victoria
Capital of British Columbia
Vancouver — Butchart Gardens (Canada)
Vancouver
Major city in British Columbia
Whistler — Butchart Gardens (Canada)
Whistler
Whistler is a world-class resort town in British Columbia, nestled in the spectacular Coast Mountains.
Canadian Rockies — Butchart Gardens (Canada)
Canadian Rockies
Mountain range in western Canada
Jasper National Park — Butchart Gardens (Canada)
Jasper National Park
National park in Alberta
Lake Louise — Butchart Gardens (Canada)
Lake Louise
Glacial lake in Banff
Banff National Park — Butchart Gardens (Canada)
Banff National Park
National park in the Rockies
Calgary — Butchart Gardens (Canada)
Calgary
Major city in Alberta

Nature

Fraser River — Butchart Gardens (Canada)
Fraser River
The longest river within British Columbia.
Great Bear Lake — Butchart Gardens (Canada)
Great Bear Lake
The largest lake entirely within Canada.

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Large island off the Pacific coast of British Columbia.
Okanagan Valley Orchards — Butchart Gardens (Canada)
Okanagan Valley Orchards
Known for orchards and wineries in British Columbia.
Mount Robson — Butchart Gardens (Canada)
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Highest peak in the Canadian Rockies.
Mount Edith Cavell — Butchart Gardens (Canada)
Mount Edith Cavell
A prominent mountain in Jasper National Park.
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Banff Grizzly Bears
The Rockies are home to these impressive predators.
Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump — Butchart Gardens (Canada)
Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump
Traditional hunting site of the indigenous peoples.