Butchart Gardens: A Day Trip from Victoria, BC (Complete Guide)
Planning a trip to Victoria? Don't miss the renowned Butchart Gardens! Butchart Gardens near Victoria, British Columbia, is more than just a collection of flowers. This once-abandoned limestone quarry will delight gardeners, photographers, and artists with its kaleidoscope of colourful plants arranged into stunning themed gardens. From the serenity of the Japanese Garden and water features of the Sunken Garden to the formality of the Rose and Italian Gardens, this 22-hectare (55-acre) oasis makes for a delightful day trip from the capital. This blog serves as your comprehensive guide to planning your day trip to Butchart Gardens with valuable information on everything from the best time to visit and how to get there to exploring the different garden areas.
Table of Contents
A Brief History of Butchart Gardens
The Gardens were the passion project of Jennie Butchart, wife of a wealthy cement manufacturer who decided to transform the family's abandoned limestone quay into a beautiful garden in the early 1900s. She began by planting colourful flowers and shrubs in the steep walls of the quarry and expanded from there, adding new features and themed gardens. Her work was carried on by her daughter and grandchildren, who continued to develop the gardens. The current owner is Jennie's great-granddaughter. The Gardens were declared a Canadian National Historic Site in 2004, during their centennial year.
Jennie and her husband, Robert, arrived in BC to establish a successful cement plant. When the limestone ran out, leaving an ugly pit, Jennie began planting trees to shield the view from their home, eventually leading her to create the Sunken Garden. Robert supported Jennie by sending his plant workers to help with labour and wholeheartedly encouraging her plans and dreams.
Jennie was a remarkable woman for her time. She was adventurous and enjoyed ballooning and flying. She later became a chemist. She was so determined to beautify the quarry walls that she would dangle over the walls in a boson's chair to personally tuck bits of ivy into the cracks and crevices, completing her project in 1921. As news of the gardens spread and visitors (both invited and uninvited) began to arrive, each would be offered tea. In 1915, tea was served to more than 18,000 people! Jennie's generosity was recognized by the City of Victoria in 1930 when it declared her "Victoria's Best Citizen".
Each generation of the family has added their unique touch to the Gardens, including fountains, fireworks shows, concerts, pavilions, and even a Victorian carousel.
A Guide to Planning Your Day Trip to Butchart Gardens
Getting to Butchart Gardens from Victoria
Since the Gardens are a major attraction, there are several easy ways to visit. The Gardens are located in Brentwood Bay, about 22 km (13.5 miles) from downtown Victoria. If you have a vehicle, it is a straightforward route that gives visitors the flexibility to explore the small towns in the area. As an avid road-tripper, this is the option I have always used. Parking is plentiful. For those who travel using public transportation, a direct bus route (Route 75) departs from downtown Victoria and will take about 45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
Some visitors will prefer to take a tour. GrayLine Sightseeing and Island Time Tours offer tours that fit every budget and interest.
Best Time to Visit the Gardens
Butchart Gardens is beautiful throughout the year. The gardens burst with tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths in the spring. The peak summer season is when the gardens are most beautiful, and the Rose Garden is in full bloom. It is also the busiest time, so be prepared for many people and crowded, narrow pathways in the most popular areas of the gardens. The fall season is quieter as the trees begin to change colour. In the winter, the gardens twinkle with festive decorations and are stunning if you arrive after a light snowfall.
Opening hours and admission rates vary with the season, with the highest costs and longest hours during the summer. Check their website for details and events, such as fireworks shows, concerts, and special dining experiences. Reservations are not required unless you wish to enjoy Afternoon Tea or dinner at The Dining Room.
A Tour of the Garden Areas
Your visit will begin in Waterwheel Square. The Coffee Shop, Seed and Gift Store, Visitor Centre and washrooms are located here. The Square includes a beautiful waterwheel, displays of large potted plants, and a giant chess board or a winter ice rink. Pick up a map and a plant identification brochure at the Visitor Centre and plan to visit the Seed and Gift Shop before leaving the Gardens.
Garden enthusiasts will appreciate the brochures naming each plant, while those who enjoy history will find signs sharing stories of the Butchart family and the fascinating development of the gardens. Many plants and flowers are not labelled within the gardens to maintain the private garden atmosphere.
On the way to the Sunken Garden, follow the path past the Snail Pond and stop to enjoy the hanging baskets in Mr. Butchart's former aviary.
The Sunken Garden
The Sunken Garden is the crown jewel of Butchart Gardens. Take time to stand at the lookout and admire the view, including a tall kiln stack that has remained from the cement plant days. From the lookout, walk down the switchback staircase or take the wheelchair-accessible path that loops around the top of the quarry, past the Bog Garden and gradually descends to the floor of the former quarry, filled with winding pathways.
The centrepiece of the Sunken Garden is a large rock mound and Quarry Lake. Quarry Lake was created by Mr. Butchart, who stocked it with trout, which would rise to the surface to be fed when Mr. Butchart clapped his hands.
Get off the main path to explore the smaller pathways to find old quarry equipment tucked in amongst the plantings.
The Ross Fountain, at the far end, was created by grandson Ian Ross in 1964. You will want to spend time watching the water choreography.
Return to the top of the quarry, and walk past "Annabelle," the bronze horse, to the Children's Pavilion and Rose Carousel. Nearby, two totem poles mark the Fireworks Field, where spectacular shows designed by great-grandson Christopher Ross are seen on Saturday nights during the summer.
Stop to admire the beautiful Dragon Fountain, a gift from the government of China and Victoria's sister city, Suzhou.
The Rose Garden
The Rose Garden is home to a vast collection of over 700 different varieties of roses. This garden is a feast for the eyes and the nose, and it is a perfect place to spend a sunny afternoon. Here, you will walk amongst arches laden with blooms. It is at its most spectacular in July and August.
This is the area of the gardens where the pathways become most congested in the summer season, so be prepared to slow down and smell the roses!
The Japanese Garden
The Japanese Garden is my favourite garden. It was designed by Jennie with the assistance of Japanese landscaper Isaburo Kishida. This serene garden features a koi pond, a curved wooden bridge, and a variety of trees and flowers. In late spring, Himalayan Blue Poppies bloom from seeds given to Jennie by the Edinburgh Botanical Gardens.
For summer visits, I recommend absorbing the peace and tranquillity after visiting the more crowded Rose Garden. Follow the pathway back to the Star Pond, originally created for the Butchart's flock of ornamental ducks. Take time to discover the many lanterns and water features.
At the rear of the Japanese Garden, a pathway leads to the private seaplane and boat dock in Butchart Cove.
The Italian Garden
The Italian Garden is a formal garden with various architectural elements, such as hedges, topiaries, and sculptures, following traditional Italian Renaissance garden design. Prior to its creation in 1926, this was the Butchart's tennis court. The focal point is a cross-shaped pond with a fountain of a child holding a fish.
The long narrow building was once a small bowling alley but now includes a gelateria where you'll want to stop. Enjoy your icy treat as you walk through to the Piazza where the Dining Room Restaurant, a show greenhouse, and the Blue Poppy Restaurant are located and leads back to Waterwheel Square.
The Mediterranean Garden
The Mediterranean Garden is a small garden after you exit the Square and head back towards the car park. This unique garden features drought-tolerant plants and architectural elements from the Mediterranean region. This garden is a beautiful example of a sustainable and water-wise garden.
Shops and Places to Eat in Butchart Gardens
Continuing Jennie's reputation for hospitality, there are several places to enjoy a snack, casual meal, afternoon tea, or a fine dining meal.
The Coffee Shop in Waterwheel Square offers casual meals and snacks. It is open whenever the gardens are open and is a pleasant atmosphere with comfortable seating.
The Blue Poppy Restaurant is housed in the former greenhouses and is an attractive place to stop for casual fare made from fresh local ingredients. It opens daily at 16:00 and does not accept reservations. The menu changes throughout the year.
The Dining Room is in the original Butchart family residence. This is where visitors can enjoy a splendid afternoon tea service with views of the gardens. In the evenings, the Dining Room transforms into a fine dining restaurant with seasonal menus featuring local foods. Reservations are required, as well as your Gardens entry fee.
The Seed and Gift Store should not be missed. This expansive store offers artisan products, artworks, souvenirs, and hand-packaged seed collections. I have had tremendous success with these seed collections in my home garden. My favourite collection is "Jennie Butchart's Perennial Seed Mix," which is always a delightful mix of seeds that change yearly.
Final Thoughts
Butchart Gardens are famous amongst garden fans for their outstanding beauty, variety of plants, and dedication of the Butchart family. Any trip to Victoria would be incomplete without a visit. While the Gardens are at their peak in the summer months, there is much to offer throughout the year. Christmas time is especially delightful with festive displays, lighting, and special events.
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