The Butchart Gardens is a 55-acre garden in Brentwood Bay, north of Victoria, on the site of a limestone quarry where Jennie Butchart began planting in 1904. Follow the paths through the Sunken Garden, Japanese Garden and Rose Garden, with fountains and seasonal flower displays along the way. Spring brings tulips, daffodils and hyacinths; summer adds roses, evening lights and entertainment, while winter brings holiday displays and an outdoor skating rink. Set aside at least two hours to explore the grounds.
A quarry transformed into gardens
The gardens began in 1904, when Jennie Butchart started planting in a cleared limestone quarry. The grounds now cover 55 acres and are designated a National Historic Site of Canada. Paths connect several themed areas, with flowers and foliage changing through the seasons.
The Sunken Garden makes the quarry’s past especially clear. Its central rock mound and Ross Fountain anchor the space, where steep former quarry walls frame the planted paths.
The themed gardens
The Japanese Garden and Rose Garden are two of the grounds’ distinct areas. The Rose Garden brings together many rose varieties, while other parts of the property include an Italian Garden and Mediterranean Garden. Fountains and sculptures appear along the routes, including a frog fountain, a wishing well and a large bronze sturgeon fountain near the exit.
There are more than 900 plant varieties across the gardens. Spring brings bulbs such as tulips, daffodils and hyacinths. Summer brings roses, and fall brings dahlias, chrysanthemums and changing foliage, including Japanese maples in gold, russet and red.
Seasonal visits and activities
The gardens are open year-round, with different displays and activities across the calendar. Summer brings nighttime illuminations and entertainment, with fireworks on Saturday evenings. In winter, holiday lights and an outdoor skating rink turn part of the grounds into a seasonal stop. A carousel and family activities add options for visitors with children.
Children under 17 can collect a map at the Admission Gate or Visitor Information Centre and search for 10 garden gnomes. Returning the completed map to the Visitor Information Centre earns a gift.
Planning your walk
The gardens are in Brentwood Bay, about 20 kilometres north of Victoria. Paths lead through the themed gardens, so plan enough time to explore at a relaxed pace. Two hours is a useful minimum for the grounds and gift shop.
For a quieter visit, consider going during an off-peak period or on a rainy day. Christmas visitors can arrive before dusk to see the lighting begin, then explore as the evening display comes on. If you want to dine on site, make a reservation ahead of your visit.
Perguntas frequentes
How long do you need at The Butchart Gardens?
Plan for at least two hours to explore the gardens and gift shop.
What are the main gardens to see?
Highlights include the Sunken Garden, Japanese Garden and Rose Garden. The grounds also include Italian and Mediterranean garden areas.
What can you do at The Butchart Gardens in winter?
The winter season brings holiday lighting and an outdoor skating rink.
When is the best time to visit The Butchart Gardens?
Spring is the season for tulips, daffodils and hyacinths. Summer brings roses, evening illuminations, entertainment and Saturday fireworks.
