Butchart Gardens

Overview

The Butchart Gardens is a stunning collection of floral display gardens, renowned for its beautiful and artistically designed plant displays. It's a National Historic Site of Canada and a must-visit for any nature or garden enthusiast.

The Butchart Gardens is one of the most well-known and beautifully maintained floral gardens in the world. It's a National Historic Site of Canada and a popular tourist attraction.

Garden Historic Site

Location

Address

800 Benvenuto Ave., Brentwood Bay, British Colombia

Neighborhood: Brentwood Bay

Coordinates

48.566700, -123.433300

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM (March 16 - October 31)

tuesday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM (March 16 - October 31)

wednesday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM (March 16 - October 31)

thursday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM (March 16 - October 31)

friday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM (March 16 - October 31)

saturday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM (March 16 - October 31)

sunday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM (March 16 - October 31)

Admission

Adults

$32 (CAD)

Children

$12 (ages 5-16, CAD)

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

May-June, September-October

Best Time of Day

Early morning or late afternoon

Fewer crowds and cooler weather

Duration Recommendations

Minimum

1-2 hours

Recommended

3-4 hours

Full Experience

Full day

Seasonal Highlights

spring

Mild to warm (50-70°F/10-21°C)

• Tulips and spring bulbs in full bloom
• Japanese Garden

summer

Warm to hot (60-85°F/15-30°C)

• Night Illuminations (evening light show)
• Extended summer hours

autumn

Cool to mild (50-70°F/10-21°C)

• Fall foliage in the Rose Garden and Japanese Garden
• Harvest decorations in the Black Lake Garden

winter

Cold (30-50°F/-1-10°C)

• Holiday lights display
• Indoor displays in the Conservatory

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

Check the website for seasonal hours
Book tickets in advance for peak season
Wear comfortable shoes for walking

What to Bring

essential

Comfortable walking shoes Sunscreen Water bottle

seasonal

Jacket (for cooler months) Umbrella (for rain)

not allowed

Pets (except service animals) Drones Large bags or backpacks

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: Moderate (lots of walking)

• Stay hydrated
• Wear sunscreen
• Watch for uneven surfaces

Medical facilities: First aid available on-site

Payment Information

Accepted

Cash, Credit/Debit cards, Mobile payment

Currency

Canadian Dollar (CAD)

Typical Costs

entry $32 (adult)

parking $10

food $15-25

souvenirs $10-50

Dress Code

Casual, Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing, Walking shoes, Inappropriate or revealing clothing

Booking Tips

• At least 1-2 weeks in advance for peak season
• Official website
• 48 hours in advance for a full refund
• Available (timed entry tickets)

Amenities

Restrooms

Gift shop

Atm

Wifi

Lockers

Wheelchair rental

Stroller rental

On site restaurant

Cafe

Picnic areas

Outside food allowed

Digital Services

Mobile App

Butchart Gardens Official App

Size: 50 MB

Features: Garden map, Event calendar, Ticket booking, Audio guide

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Visitor Center, Chalet Restaurant, Gift Shop

Charging Stations: Visitor Center, Chalet Restaurant

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: Victoria International Airport (YYJ)

Distance: 35 km

Travel Time: 40 minutes

Taxi

$60-70 40 min

Public Transport

$5 1 hour 15 min

From City Center

Distance: 25 km

Bus

$2.50 35-45 min

Car

Parking fee 30-40 min

Taxi

$50-60 30-40 min

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: The Butchart Gardens is a beloved local attraction that showcases the beauty of the region's flora and provides a peaceful retreat from the city.

Historical Significance: The gardens were created in 1904 by Robert Pim Butchart as a hobby and have since become a world-famous attraction. The gardens are a National Historic Site of Canada and have hosted numerous events and celebrities over the years.

Insider Tips

Visit the gardens on a weekday for a less crowded experience
The best photo opportunities are early in the morning or during golden hour
The Chalet restaurant offers a beautiful view of the gardens and delicious local cuisine

Local Recommendations

• Visit the nearby Butchart Gardens' Chalet for a meal or coffee
• Explore Brentwood Bay and take a kayak tour
• Check out the Butchart Gardens' gift shop for unique souvenirs

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello Hello

thank_you Thank you

where_is Where is

how_much How much

beautiful Beautiful

ticket Ticket

Guide Languages: English, French, Spanish, German, Japanese, Mandarin

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

Sunken Garden

Best Time: Early morning or late afternoon

Tips: Capture the symmetry of the garden and the water features

Result: Stunning photos with vibrant colors and reflections

#ButchartGardens #GardenPhotography #BritishColumbia

Japanese Garden

Best Time: Golden hour

Tips: Focus on the bridge and waterfall

Result: Serene and picturesque shots

#ButchartGardens #JapaneseGarden #NaturePhotography

Italian Garden

Best Time: Morning

Tips: Capture the entire garden from the top of the hill

Result: Panoramic views of the garden and surrounding area

#ButchartGardens #ItalianGarden #GardenViews

Photography Rules

allowed areas All outdoor gardens and public areas

prohibited areas Indoor Conservatory (no photography allowed during special events), Private areas

flash photography Allowed in most areas, but consider other visitors

commercial photography Permit required for commercial use

drone policy Prohibited without prior authorization

tripod policy Allowed in most areas, but may be restricted during peak hours

selfie sticks Allowed, but be mindful of other visitors

Nearby Attractions

Brentwood Bay

Distance: 1 km

Walking: 10-15 min

Type: Bay

Brentwood Bay Golf & Country Club

Distance: 2 km

Walking: 25 min

Type: Golf Course