Visit the Stunning Butchart Gardens | Day Trip from Victoria, BC

The Butchart Gardens have been in bloom for over 100 years. Only a 30 minute drive from Victoria, British Columbia or a 1 hour bus ride (less than $5), it’s a must-see half-day trip from Victoria on Vancouver Island. Over one million people visit the gardens yearly, with peak season during July and August. However, the gardens are open year round. The best time to visit Butchart Gardens is in the morning or later in the afternoon. The crowds visit in the middle of the day so visit early/late to avoid them.

Admission price ranges from $21.15 to $38.00, depending on the time of year and day you choose to go. Tickets can be purchased online (non-refundable) or in person when you get there.

Where to Eat at the Butchart Gardens

There are a few restaurants on-site if you want a bite to eat:

The Dining Room (fine dining cuisine overlooking the Private Garden, Italian Garden and Tod Inlet)
The Blue Poppy Restaurant (more casual with a kids menu but closed January to mid-April)
Coffee Shop in Waterwheel Square with soups, sandwiches and other to-go items.
You can also enjoy Afternoon Tea in The Dining Room Restaurant.

The Gardens

There are five separate gardens, each with their own flora and fauna:

Sunken Garden: The garden is quite literally sunken in to the ground. You can view the entire garden from a rock mound above.
Rose Garden: From summer to early fall, the Rose Garden is blooming with a multitude of roses.
Japanese Garden: A Torii gate is a gateway to this garden filled with maple and beech trees and calming mini waterfalls.
Italian Garden: You’ll find a pond surrounded by flowers and the Gelateria Benvenuto (with the most delicious London Fog gelato).
Mediterranean Garden: This garden has a plethora of lush and exotic plants from around the world.