The Butchart Gardens

Canada’s Pride

The Butchart Gardens is aNational Historic Site of Canada. It is an internationally renowned group of floral display gardens, which receives more than a million visitors each year. It is located in Vancouver Island, 14 miles north of Victoria, and 12.5 miles south of the Vancouver-Victoria terminal at Swartz Bay. Butchart Gardens offers a delightful sight of over 55 acres of landscaped grounds. During the summer time, flowers are in their peak of blossoming with fragrances that are so inviting. 

The gardens are open all-year round. If you are planning to visit, the following may be helpful for you in deciding which of the gardens’ 5 seasons is most convenient for your schedule: Winter: January to March; Spring: March to June; Summer:June to September; Autumn: September to November; Christmas: December 1 to January 6

Year-Round BeautyBreath taking view of the gardens

The views of the gardens are magnificent any time of the year, but Summer is the best time to visit. Views during this time are breath taking. This is the time when flowers are in full bloom. You will see different species and colors in their grandest glory, some of which are Begonias, Fuchsias, Pansies, Dahlias, Roses, Hydrangeas, Marigolds, and a lot more. Enjoy sight seeing during the day, and admire the Night Illuminations as thousand of lights glow upon the trees, shrubs, and flowers at night. You will appreciate watching some performing artists sing and dance as they show off their talents and entertain you each summer night at the open air Concert Lawn stage. Watch the beautiful fireworks every Saturday night.

Make sure you bring your cameras with you and take pictures of the amazing gardens. Otherwise, there are disposable cameras available at the Information Center. You can also buy 12-month passes that will allow you to visit the gardens any time and see for yourself how the gardens look like in all 4 seasons of the year. Take your family with you as everyone will truly enjoy the beauty of these paradise-like gardens.

Christmas MagicParadise-like Gardens

Year 2012 marks the 26th year that the gardens are decorated with thousands of festive colored lights and displays under the theme Twelve Days of Christmas. Experience Christmas festivities by enjoying some recreational activities such as skating in a 5,000-square foot outdoor rink that comfortably accommodates 75 skaters, or take the chance watching the performers sing merry Christmas carols. Have a fancy meal at The Dining Room Restaurant, which is elegantly decorated with the holiday theme. The Blue Poppy Restaurant features a wide range of dishes and desserts. If you just simply want to have some hot beverages in front of a fire place, come to the Coffee Shop, and keep yourself warm. When it comes to Christmas themed gift items, stop by the Seed and Gift Store, where wide selections of gift ideas are available and prices are affordable. Christmas season runs from December 1 to January 6.