Butchart Gardens | Victoria

Butchart Gardens, located in Brentwood Bay, just north of Victoria on Vancouver Island, is one of Canada’s most famous and beautiful gardens. Covering 55 acres, it attracts over a million visitors each year and offers a stunning display of horticultural artistry. Established in 1904 by Jennie Butchart, it has grown from a limestone quarry into a breathtaking garden with five distinct sections. The gardens are known for their vibrant seasonal displays, tranquil atmosphere, and historic significance.

History & Creation

The gardens were originally created on the site of a former limestone quarry. Jennie Butchart, the wife of industrialist Robert Pim Butchart, began transforming the barren pit into a beautiful garden after the quarry's resources were depleted. She began by planting trees and flowers in the pit, and over the years, her vision grew into the sprawling and diverse gardens visitors can explore today.

Since the early 20th century, the Butchart Gardens have been passed down through generations, with the Butchart family continuing to maintain and enhance the gardens. Today, the gardens are still owned by the Butchart family and are considered one of the finest examples of a garden estate in the world.

The Gardens

Butchart Gardens is divided into five distinct and uniquely designed gardens, each offering a different atmosphere and style:

1. The Sunken Garden

Description: The Sunken Garden is the centerpiece of Butchart Gardens and is renowned for its stunning transformation of the old limestone quarry. Jennie Butchart’s creativity is most evident here, as she converted the old pit into a terraced garden. The garden features cascading plants, vibrant flowers, and meandering paths, creating a peaceful and captivating environment.

Key Features: Beautiful flowerbeds, lily ponds, stone paths, and a mix of vibrant flowers in every season. The garden offers picturesque views from several points, with colorful flowers blooming year-round.

2. The Japanese Garden

Description: Inspired by Japanese aesthetics, this garden reflects traditional Japanese garden design principles, focusing on creating a harmonious relationship between nature and human design. It includes koi-filled ponds, stone lanterns, weeping willows, and meticulously placed rocks.

Key Features: A serene atmosphere perfect for reflection and quiet walks, a peaceful pond with Japanese bridge, and plants carefully selected to evoke Japanese gardens, including azaleas, maples, and cherry trees.

3. The Italian Garden

Description: Designed in the style of classical Italian gardens, this area features symmetrical layouts, fountains, and vibrant floral displays. The garden’s formal design contrasts with the more naturalistic style of other sections.

Key Features: Boxwood hedges, symmetrical paths, classical sculptures, and vibrant annual flowers arranged in intricate patterns. This section exudes the elegance and formality of Italian Renaissance gardens.

4. The Mediterranean Garden

Description: The Mediterranean Garden showcases plants that thrive in warm, dry climates, including olive trees, lavender, and other drought-resistant plants. The design emphasizes a relaxed, sun-loving atmosphere.

Key Features: Aromatic herbs, succulents, and colorful Mediterranean plants that bring the warmth and color of southern Europe to Vancouver Island. It’s an excellent spot for visitors who appreciate sun-loving plants.

5. The Rose Garden

Description: The Rose Garden is home to over 280 varieties of roses, providing a colorful and fragrant experience, particularly during the summer months. This section highlights the Butchart family’s dedication to showcasing both old and modern rose varieties.

Key Features: An extensive collection of roses in all shapes, sizes, and colors, arranged in lush flowerbeds. The garden also includes ornamental shrubs and perennials that complement the roses' vibrant blooms.

Seasonal Highlights

The beauty of Butchart Gardens changes dramatically with the seasons, making it a year-round destination.

Spring: The gardens come alive with blooming tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and cherry blossoms. The early spring months feature a burst of colors, with crocuses and magnolias adding to the charm. Visitors can enjoy the fresh air and the first signs of renewal in the garden.

Summer: Summer is the peak season at Butchart Gardens, with the Rose Garden at its full glory. Thousands of roses bloom, creating an intoxicating fragrance throughout the garden. Summer visitors can also enjoy outdoor concerts and events, such as fireworks on Saturdays, which are a favorite attraction.

Autumn: Fall brings a golden and crimson palette to the gardens as the leaves of the trees change color. The Mediterranean and Japanese gardens offer a particularly beautiful backdrop as the seasons shift. The cooler months bring a more serene, quiet atmosphere for visitors looking for a peaceful garden experience.

Winter: While winter is quieter, the gardens are still beautifully decorated for the holiday season. Christmas lights and festive displays adorn the gardens, creating a magical winter wonderland. Traditional carolers and holiday events add to the seasonal charm.

Visitor Information

Operating Hours: Butchart Gardens is open year-round, though hours vary depending on the season. During the high season (April to October), the gardens are typically open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. During the winter months, hours may be shorter, and it's a good idea to check the official website for up-to-date information.

Admission Fees: Admission prices vary by season, but here’s a general range for adult tickets:

Adults (17+): CAD $25-$43 (depending on the season)

Children (5-12): CAD $14

Children under 5: Free

The price includes access to all five gardens, and special rates may apply for groups or during special events.

Location: Butchart Gardens is located at 800 Benvenuto Avenue, Brentwood Bay, British Columbia, about 30 minutes from downtown Victoria. Visitors can drive, take a bus, or enjoy a scenic boat tour to reach the gardens.

Additional Features

Dining: Butchart Gardens offers several dining options ranging from casual to fine dining. The Blue Poppy Restaurant offers a relaxing atmosphere with a view of the gardens, while the Tea Room is perfect for a classic afternoon tea experience. There’s also a café where visitors can grab a light snack.

Rose Carousel: A charming carousel located near the entrance to the gardens, featuring hand-carved wooden animals. It’s a delightful attraction for families with young children.

Accessibility: The gardens are fully wheelchair accessible with paved pathways throughout the grounds. Wheelchairs and strollers are available for rent at the guest services.

Why Visit Butchart Gardens?

Butchart Gardens offers a truly magical experience for visitors, whether you're a nature enthusiast, a gardening aficionado, or simply someone who appreciates beauty and tranquility. With its diverse range of gardens, beautiful seasonal displays, and rich history, Butchart Gardens is a must-see attraction when visiting Vancouver Island. Whether you're marveling at the roses in full bloom, enjoying the peacefulness of the Japanese Garden, or strolling through the Sunken Garden, the beauty of Butchart Gardens is something that stays with you long after you leave.