Information
Landmark: Victoria Butterfly GardensCity: Victoria
Country: Canada
Continent: North America
Victoria Butterfly Gardens, Victoria, Canada, North America
Overview
In Brentwood Bay, British Columbia, Victoria Butterfly Gardens fills more than 12,000 square feet with a lush tropical rainforest, where visitors can wander among bright wings, chirping birds, and a vibrant mix of plants and animals.It’s only about 15 minutes from downtown Victoria, with the Victoria International Airport close by and the famous Butchart Gardens just down the road where you can smell the roses.The gardens burst with thousands of butterflies, their wings flickering like tiny flags, with species drifting in from Central and South America, Asia, and Africa.You can stroll through the butterflies as they drift past your shoulder, their wings brushing the warm, humid air and filling the greenery with quiet magic.Tropical Environment: The garden feels like stepping into a lively rainforest, with thick green leaves overhead, bright blossoms at your feet, and the sound of water tumbling over rocks.They keep the air warm and humid, like a summer morning in the tropics, creating the perfect home for butterflies and other creatures.Stepping inside, visitors feel like they’ve wandered into a lush jungle, where ferns crowd the edges, fine mist hangs in the air, and quiet paths wind invitingly ahead.Wildlife: Along with butterflies, the gardens teem with life-bright tropical birds flit through the trees, exotic fish glide beneath the water’s surface, turtles sun themselves on warm stones, lizards dart between leaves, and insects hum in the air.These species live side by side in their habitat, turning the visit into a hands-on, eye-opening experience-like spotting a bright butterfly land on a leaf just inches away.You might see birds resting on tree branches, their feathers ruffling in the breeze, and if you’re lucky, get the rare chance to meet one up close.Educational Experience: In these gardens, you can watch butterflies emerge from chrysalises and see their entire life cycle unfold.Visitors can watch butterflies grow, starting with tiny eggs, then squirming caterpillars, smooth chrysalises, and at last, shimmering adults.Staff members often give lively talks and hands-on demos, showing visitors why butterflies and other tropical species matter-like how a single wingbeat helps pollinate a jungle orchid.Butterfly Release: In the gardens, visitors can watch freshly emerged butterflies flutter into the open air, a gentle burst of color that turns the moment into something truly unforgettable.Visitor Experience: The gardens welcome everyone with easy paths and open spaces, offering a peaceful retreat for families, solo wanderers, and photographers pausing to catch the light on a blooming rose.The air feels peaceful, inviting visitors to relax as they take in the soft rustle of leaves and the quiet beauty all around.It’s perfect for nature lovers, families, photographers, and anyone eager to wander among the lush colors and sounds of tropical plants and wildlife.From September 2 to May 17, we’re open every day, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.-just in time to catch the crisp winter air.Summer hours run from May 18 to September 1, with doors open Monday through Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., when the afternoon sun warms the front steps.We’re open Thursday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., when the afternoon light spills across the front windows.Just so you know, the gardens stay shut on Christmas Day, their gates locked and paths quiet.Adult admission (ages 18–64) costs CAD $16.50 - about the price of a hot coffee and a pastry downtown.Seniors 65 and over pay $14.50 CAD.Students aged 13 to 17 pay CAD $14.50, just about the price of a movie ticket and popcorn.Children ages 5 to 12 get in for just CAD $6.00.Babies up to four months old are free of charge.They offer military discounts, so it’s worth asking about current deals when you arrive-don’t miss a sign taped near the counter.You’ll find it at 1461 Benvenuto Avenue in Brentwood Bay, BC, V8M 1J5.It’s just minutes from Victoria International Airport, so getting there’s a breeze, and it sits barely a mile from Butchart Gardens, where the air smells faintly of roses in summer.Tip for visitors: Bring your camera-brilliant butterflies and vivid tropical creatures flutter and perch in every corner, perfect for snapping unforgettable shots.Wear shoes you can walk in all day-the gardens can feel warm and damp, and the mossy paths get slick underfoot.Plan your visit so you can linger for an hour or two-there’s a lot to take in, from the scent of blooming roses to the quiet corners rich with history.Planning a visit?Check the official Victoria Butterfly Gardens website for details or to book your tickets-you might even spot the bright blue wings of a morpho in their photo gallery.Wander through this lush, tropical garden and you’ll find calm paths, bright blossoms, and quiet corners that invite you to linger-an experience that delights nature lovers, families, and anyone eager to soak in the beauty of the tropics.
