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The Butchart Gardens
Categories: Active Life Parks Arts & Entertainment Botanical Gardens Parks, Botanical Gardens [Edit]
800 Benvenuto AveBrentwood Bay, BC V8M 1J8
(250) 652-4422
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
117 reviews for The Butchart Gardens
117 reviews in English
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Review from Megan N.
1/13/2012
Even in December I fell in Love with this place. Magical. The winter lights show was great- can't wait to go back in summer to see full flower blooms.
Also am planning on doing afternoon tea next time!!! :) -
Review from Jennifer K.
Markham, ON
2/4/2012 4 photos
You will love The Butchart Gardens if you are into gardening and into photography.
I was here for a visit in this "cold" and "rainy" Spring. My friend was so excited because she got to use those complimentary umbrellas and she loves to pose with the flowers...............
Great to walk around and just admire all these varieties of tulips, red, white, blue, yellow....
Admission fees for $28 though not cheap but it is nice enough for a visit if you from out of town.
How come my own garden doesn't look like that?! -
Review from Mario P.
12/5/2011
We went out here to see the Christmas lights. It was very well done. Nicely decorated. Thankfully it was not raining, though it was a little chilly . . . take advantage of the cafeteria and get yourself a hot chocolate before venturing out.
If you ponder the sheer number of lights that they have put up, it really is amazing. We were here in midsummer a few years ago, so we were familiar with the layout. Not all of the gardens are accessible, but overall, pretty well done. Kinda pricey for the portion of the gardens open. -
Review from Melissa Nicole J.
1/17/2012 19 photos
This is one of my favorite places on the planet. I am that type of person that loves gardening, but I didn't know it was going to be like THIS! I got out of the car thinking....yeah I get to see some pretty flowers. Man was I wrong. From gorgeous arrangements to beautiful fountains. I swear every picture I took turned out amazing...and that never happens. And it was slightly cloudy and it was still gorgeous. I was in awe the whole time.
So many different types of flowers, vegetation, and views to see...it's unlimited. I truly love this place! -
Review from Chris B.
11/18/2011 4 photos
One of the reasons coming to Victoria was to go to the gardens. My friends and I took the bus from downtown, which takes about 45 to get there and will cost you $5 CA. The price to get in the gardens is why I do not give it a 5 star rating. $33 a piece is a little steep, especially for winter time.
The gardens, them selves were amazing and the colors of the trees were beautiful ad the grounds were well maintained. Had a great time exploring all the little trails in and around the Japanese garden. Truly beautiful! -
Review from Casey D.
11/28/2011
I bet it is a beautiful garden in the summer, but in November. Meh.
No flowers, leaves off the trees, but we were still able to get a few good pictures.
$42 to get in the gate is pretty steep. It think variable rate would be handy considering there were all of 30 people in the garden when I attended. -
Review from Lan G.
9/5/2011 2 photos
Amazing garden!!! Everything about this garden is beautiful. We were there only for 2 hours and enjoyed every minute there.
Tips:
1. If you can, definitely drive there on your own. We were there on a Clipper vacation package. We only had 2 hours which is just enough time to walk around the whole place. But it will be much better if we could have at least 3 hours there.
2. They take U.S. dollar so don't worry if it is your first stop after entering Canada (it was for us.)
3. It was really crowded when we were there (late in the afternoon). so beware of the crowd.
Overall, it's definitely worth the money and time to visit there. You will get many beautiful pictures out of there as well. -
Review from Gydro M.
10/18/2011
Come here in July when all of the flowers are in bloom. I came here a few years ago, but the memories I left with were more than enough to recall the experience.
Just about every single landscape you see is picture-perfect postcard quality. Bring your camera because you'll probably want to take a lot of pictures. Each area of the gardens was breath-taking. The rose gardens had a plethora of roses in several different blooms and colors. The Japanese garden had a tranquil atmosphere to it. It was very green.
They have a few kids' events like plays and games. They even sell bulbs of some of the more popular flowers. I liked the gift shop. I ended up buying a small plant for my friend, but I'm not sure if the plant ever grew.
This place could be a hay fever patient's worst nightmare. I don't have allergies, but I came here with a cold and it's not a pretty sight. There aren't too many bathrooms, but knowing it's Canada makes the experience a little more pleasant.
Otherwise, this is a classical landscaper's dream job. To be able to care for the plants and touch them up...I just shiver in the place of their shoes.
I didn't see any flaws in the grass or petals. The grass was evenly cut, the petals were all healthy and glowing with color, and the walks were very pleasant. Maybe if there weren't so many people, it would be the perfect place to take an afternoon stroll. Some of the plants attract hummingbirds. It's nice to see a variety of wildlife around the island. -
Review from Suzy G.
12/7/2011
Beautiful, lush, green, botanical garden. Nice place to walk around and take in the surroundings. lay in the grass under the breezy willows and just stare at the sky. Stopped by here for about an hour and half on our road trip from SoCal to Vancouver. Great experience!
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Review from Andrew T.
8/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
Believe it or not, my trip to the gardens was partially motivated by a request from a family member to buy her scarves from the gift shop. "Shipping is too expensive, and you'll be there anyway" she said. Just wait until she gets the bill for my plane ticket, ferry ride, and hotels.
That said, they are nice gardens, Several different themed areas, everything in bloom when we were there, and a beautiful evening to boot. Everything was very well manicured and cared for, but I will say that I was surprised to find no labels on any of the plants with the exception of the rose garden. I know it can seem tacky, but as someone from a different growing region, a lot of these plants are going to be unfamiliar, and it would have been nice to know what some of them were. I know for certain that a few family members not in attendance would have griped over this - one of whom is labelling the hostas in her own yard, so you know how she'd feel about a botanical garden without labels.
Aside from the very reasonably priced and entirely functionless scarves I bought, I also thought the cost of admission was pretty high - pushing the $30 range, I believe. I've been to other gardens of similar size/quality and not had to pay as much or even gotten in free on the right days, so I would call that a ding. Plus you're a little captive when you don't have a car and you have to rely on a semi-pricey bus or tourist service to get you up there from downtown Victoria.
All in all, the gardens were fine. They are very nice, very well cared for, but the price would keep me from a second visit on a return trip, and I kind of wish it would be a bit more educational. -
Review from Sheila D.
12/1/2011
Beautiful gardens and a nice place to explore alone or with a friend. I was a bit disappointed with the Italian Gardens, which were at the end. They definitely needed some "sprucing up", especially since they were the last, and final impression. You can easily get here by any of the tour buses from downtown Victoria.Make sure to not forget your camera...lots to take pics of.
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Review from Adam Q.
10/3/2011
Super nice to walk around. But PRICEY.
Not sure I'd pay $30 again but a nice way to spend an afternoon. -
Review from Katie O.
6/6/2011 2 photos
Since I was a little girl, my mom had promised to take my sister and I to Victoria, B.C. My parents had honeymooned there right around when Charles and Diana were married. 30 years later, she returned with her younger daughter and son. The timing was perfect, since William just married Kate. ;o)
I had always dreamed about Butchart Gardens, and I had seen pictures that others had taken. It was nothing compared to the beauty that met my eyes. The upkeep must be horrible, but the result is breathtaking. Flowers of every color and variety were bursting forth every other inch. The design of the different areas is perfect, and I cannot choose a favorite.
We didn't get a chance to actually go down into the Sunken Gardens, but from above it looked amazing. I hope to go back one day when I can spend more than 2 hours rushing around. -
Review from Kahanalei M.
5/27/2011 2 photos
My Mom had visited this place back in 1999 and had raved about it to me ever since. She always said that this would be THE place to visit, if you are visiting Victoria; especially if you love flowers and nature. She sure was right!
I came here with my Mom during late May and it was just unbelievably beautiful. I have never seen gardens such as these in my life - it's like they were simply on a totally different level than all the other gardens I've been to in the past. In fact, I don't think it even compares to any other gardens out there, it's really that amazing and nice. This place would be truly something you have to see for yourself - you just have to be there to appreciate it. I was amazed at how the gardens are maintained, the landscaping and the arrangement of the flowers. And if you love taking photos of flowers, this is it.
Plan to spend around 2-3hrs here, and if possible, try to get here early to avoid the crowds. When we got here on a Sunday, the earliest we arrived was sometime after 3pm and it was pretty crowded, especially since there happened to be 300 students on a field trip from an all girls Japanese middle school touring the gardens, besides the usual crowd. So, it all depends what time and when you get there, it seems like.
They have a huge gift shop that's worth dropping by - I bought some nice magnets there for myself and some friends. I'm glad and very happy that I finally had the chance to check the gardens out - absolutely gorgeous and beyond my expectations! -
Review from Todd S.
11/23/2011
Very friendly staff. Awesome gardens year round! Always enjoy visiting!
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Review from Steve S.
7/13/2011
OK, so I had to do at least one touristy thing while in Victoria and it happened to be accomplished by visiting the Butchart Gardens. I'm sad to report that these beautiful gardens seem to be infected by the cruise boat going masses, so I'd recommend you arrive right when they open to even enjoy 15 minutes of tranquility.
At $27 CAD a pop, these gardens are also a bit of a money pit. At those prices, I think a reach around should be given as part of the deal. But sadly, the only reach around you'll be recieving is of the accidental variety when 30 tourists run towards the next beautiful flower display.
I think one visit is enough, unless the Butch staff decides to put a limit on the number of visitors at one time. The tranquility that could is offered by these gardens is only found back in the car, that is, when you find it. -
Review from Evahhh Y.
8/26/2011
Bellisimo! It's surreal, but it's acres and acres of manicured flowers and trees.
Beware, busloads of tourists, they're dangerous. Summer I believe isn't ideal for the people who want to soak in the beauty of this place. You'd feel rushed just to avoid the mad house. Fall would be great, cooler and was told not as crowded.
Price is 30$ pretty expensive. Maybe $25 would be more appropriate, I mean all we did was walk. Lol. -
Review from Letie W.
7/7/2011
This is my 3rd time here. I've always loved Butchart Gardens. It's just absolutely beautiful. The sole purpose of this trip was to bring my husband here as he has never been. My favorite is the Japanese Garden and the Sunken Garden. They also serve afternoon tea, which I hope to try one day. Not sure if reservations are required, but I would call or email to be sure if you want to attend.
A warning-price to get in has gone up quite a bit which surprised me when we pulled up to the entrance. -
Review from Lisa C.
8/14/2011
The most beautiful garden I have ever seen. The landscape, trees, flowers, fountains and lighting are so perfect late afternoon (~4pm in the Summer). Must be beautiful in the Fall.
Checkout their schedule for evening concerts and summer fireworks. -
Review from Erik M.
6/30/2011 1 Check-in Here
I've been to Butchart a few times, and even though I have a really hard time getting excited about botanical gardens, this place seems to be just a little bit more interesting than the typical commercial garden. The only other gardens I've been to that don't bore me to tears is Keukenhof in Holland, but that's really in a class of its own.
But we're not talking about Keukenhof here, we're talking about the century-plus botanical masterpiece that is Butchart Gardens. Basically, it's just an expertly planned and maintained collection of plants, but the layout of the site and variety of settings keep it from being too hum-drum. Even my 6 and 8 year old niece and nephew manage to spend several afternoons there every year without complaining too much.
The sunken garden, rose garden, and Japanese garden are my particular favorites, and the carousel is a $2 bit of fun for all ages. Throw in a variety of shops and concessions, boat tours, and a concert and fireworks series, and Butchart really is a year-round destination for locals and tourists alike. -
Review from Alex K.
6/21/2011
You don't have to like gardens, or flowers, or tea, but this place is awesome. Well tended gardens, flowers, and some awesome panoramic views from so many corners of the grounds.
The staff was super friendly, and even got me a last minute reservation for Afternoon Tea.
Even the animals were quite friendly. There are plenty of birds that didn't flinch when I got closeup shots with my iPhone, lots of giant bees (and thankfully non-aggressive), -
Review from Wendy M.
5/11/2011 27 photos
Oh So Pretty!
I felt as if I were in a scene from "Alice in Wonderland".
The garden is huge and I don't even think I came across the same flower twice! I would compare it's set up to Disneyland. Flowers in designated areas to represent different parts of the world. Amazing!
Arrive early. You'll probably spend half your day here.
It is a perfect spot for photography, a date and the family :)
I can't wait to go back...this time, with my professional grade camera! -
Review from Janet D.
7/6/2011
Absolutely stunning!
I spent an afternoon in early June visiting this fantastic garden and I can't say enough, for a girl from Florida it was like stepping into a fairyland.
I only wish I lived closer to enjoy some of what must be a magical evening watching a concert on the lawn or spending an afternoon strolling through one of the garden paths.
The high tea in the original Butchart House was delicious, all the finger sandwiches,scones, petite fours and even the tea was lovely.
Victoria is lovely town and this is certainly its crowning glory! -
Review from Jennifer R.
7/29/2011
If you come here in high summer, be prepared to bushwack your way through the crowds. We went on a Monday, hoping that there would be fewer people than on a weekend, but there were still hordes of tourists arriving by bus. The one bright spot was that the cafeteria was relatively empty, even at 12:30, and it was easy to find a table.
Each of the gardens is quite different. I found the rose garden a bit over the top and too cultivated for my taste, although the lupines were spectacular. The Japanese garden was nice, but not the tranquil experience one would want. Easily the highlight for me was the fountain in the sunken garden, which, since it is in the most remote part of the gardens, was the least crowded spot. The myriad patterns of the fountain are mezmerizing to watch. -
Review from Chris J.
11/6/2011
Okay, so after being used to stunning massive places like Huntington Gardens, I can say that Butchart Gardens is a little small. However, they do have amazing displays there; the Sunken Garden is absolutely breathtaking, and the Rose Garden is as well. The other gardens aren't as exciting. Also, if you go from Vancouver, it may be worth it to spring the extra $100 round trip to drive your car on the ferry. Taking the bus from the ferry is 45 minutes to an hour each way. Bring a car, it's 20 minutes. Also if you make it a day trip, bringing your car can allow you to go to downtown Victoria.
Another thing I can say is about the great staff at Butchart. I was waiting for the bus and finished my postcards, stamped them, and since the bus hadn't come yet, I ran them to the front gate and asked them to put them in the mail. I went back to the bus stop and a few minutes later one of the staff ran up to return the packet with extra stamps that I had accidentally left in between the postcards. What service! -
Review from Heckle Y.
7/28/2011
A nice change of pace from your average touristy place.
The bus driver was from BC and was talking smack about the French Canadians the way there and back, it was pretty funny. -
Review from Mike M.
6/11/2011
This is a review only of the Dining Room Restaurant. the Gardens are 4 star, the restaurant is not.I made a reservations 2 months in advance so we could sit in the main room as my sister in law who is fighting breast cancer could have the view she loves looking out onto the flowers. Well, you guessed it, they had no record of my reservation when I got there and seated us in the back room where all the tables are positioned so you are looking at a post instead of the flowers.
The menu was very limited and the prices were high. The service left alot to be desired.I can not understand why in the middle of May they can't do a better job with their menu when they know Cruise ships are in town and they will have alot of customers. The choices were a chicken wrap, a cold steak salad and some kind of pasta dish with clams.No burgers or sandwiches.Beer was $7.00 for a bottle.
Do yourself a favor and eat in the cheaper restaurant,They have a much better menu. -
Review from AJ M.
5/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
A merry-go round has been added.
As a guy, I was shocked. I admit I did not want to go at first but she really wanted to go. Sooooo... It was nice and the look on her face as we went through it was worth a million dollars. She took lots of pictures.
Yes, it was a bit pricy to enter. -
Review from Meghan K.
12/20/2010
If you're in Victoria and have the time to take a day trip (4-6 hours including transit) I would HIGHLY recommend visiting The Butchart Gardens. When my family wanted to go here I didn't really think I'd be that into it but was I ever wrong. There is just so much to look at and it is all so very beautiful and well maintained.
They have many types of flowers and foliage to look at. There's a Japanese garden and a rose garden, among many others. My favorite area was the sunken garden - GORGEOUS! You would never know that it used to be an old rock quarry if they didn't tell you. It is quite a sight to behold since you can stand above it and take it all in before you go exploring. For the most part they'd like you to stay on the paths but you are not missing out on anything by doing so. You'll get a good walk in by the end of the day. Make sure you bring your camera because great photo opportunities abound.
It does take a bit of effort to get here. You can drive here or take a bus, either public transit or just pay a few bucks more for a direct trip to the gardens. I believe you can find more info about the direct bus out in front of the Empress hotel. There is a gift shop with cute gifts - make sure you stop on in. They also have a couple restaurants of varying price points and quality along with some snack shops and snack carts. -
Review from joey f.
6/8/2011
I took my family to Victoria in September of last year. It's been ten years since our last trip here and there's so much to do and see. But no trip to Victoria is complete without a visit to the Butchart gardens.
We purchased an all inclusive trip including the bus ride, It cost about $40.00 per Adult. The price seemed reasonable for what we got.
Once at the gardens it's like a magical world. (Man controlling mother nature.) The size of this place is just right, the water falls, the colors etc.. can be seen in about 4hours or you can take all day.
This place is just the right amount of everything that one would want in a botanical garden.
We went on labor day weekend and although it seemed crowded it wasn't that bad.
I like the many area's provided for sitting in the random gardens, the well placed refreshment stands.
They also have a fairly new building that houses a merry go round. That was a great way to give our little 3yr old something to enjoy other than just gardens. For me the architecture of the new building was just gorgeous. While everyone was focused on the meri-go-round, I was admiring the ceilings and beams.
If your in the area, And appreciate flowers and plants, you will not forget your visit to the Butchart gardens.
P.S. on the way back to Victoria the bus driver stopped at the Butterfly gardens, he let us off the bus and we had thought that it was well worth the stop. - I highly recommend this, especially if you have kids with you. -
Review from Forrest D.
10/10/2010 1 Check-in Here
A stunning garden that takes some effort and money to get to. In the first place it's on Vancouver Island which costs and arm and a leg to get to, since the only ways in are by ferry or by plane. We're failry spoiled here in the LA area, as there are a number of equally beautiful attractions, but Butchart holds it's own even with Huntington Library and it's gardens.
If you're from California the highlights will be the Sunken garden, which is unlike anything we have here. It's much more lush and colorful than most of the local gardens because of the dramatic difference in rainfall that occurs in the Pacific Northwest. I'd venture to say that if you love flowers or gardens, this area alone is worth the price of admission. There is a nice rose garden, but in comparison it doesn't really match up to the Hungtington rose garden or even the one near USC. There is also a beautiful Japanese garden, while again I prefer the Huntington which is larger and more dramatic, this is also quite something to see. Less appealing is the Italian which is much ado about only a little, although it also has it's charms.
There are also a couple of waterfalls, a merry go round and a truly unbelievable Dahlia area that was perhaps my favorite place in the expansive gardens. Not sure we'll be back anytime soon, but it's a necessary daytrip. Even if gardens aren't really your thing, it's hard not to be impressed and awed by the sheer beauty on display here. Be warned though, even in the fall the crowds were overwhelming in the afternoon.Listed in: Best of the Pacific Northwest
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Review from Sarah D.
7/19/2011
This is definitely a must see if you are in the area. I have been twice now and for photography geeks like myself it is amazing. So much beautiful scenery and so many kinds of flowers to snap away at. My favorite parts are the Japanese garden and the huge pond with water spurts. Although I have been twice (my friend hadn't been so I went back), I definitely feel like this is a place you can see once and be done. If the prices weren't so steep and there were more little nooks and crannies to chill on the lawn and take it all in, then I would feel different. However, if you have never been, make sure to stop in, take your time and enjoy the gardens.
Listed in: Vancouver & Victoria, B.C.
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Review from Tam F.
8/20/2010 6 photos
These gardens are really something special and something that I think everyone should see att least once in their lifetime. Expensive. Something to see at least once in a lifetime.
There are already reviews that talk about the different areas and tons of pictures posted (I have included a few) but this place is really special.
Why I can't rate this place 5 stars is because when we were there, it was extremely crowded (this was the end of June) as tons of busses of tourists come to visit off the cruise ships and because they charge $29.00 per person to see the gardens. It is a very expensive outing and even though I know how many gardeners and water it must take to maintain this place, I could only imagine the revenue generated by charging this much per person-even to just enter the parking lot.
Again, this really is something to see and I am sure glad we did (price and all). -
Review from Stephanie W.
8/6/2011
A must see! Absolutely spectacular gardens. No need to spend more than 2 hours - and that includes having a bite to eat at one of their restaurants. This place is magical if you like gardens.
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Review from Ed U.
7/17/2010 28 photos
You should pardon the expression, but the Butchart Gardens kinda smell of old lady. I actually don't mean that in a bad way, but the immaculate landscaping will appeal to the old lady in all of us. I don't know quite how else to explain the widespread appeal of this mandatory side trip from Victoria, but the remarkable flora and foliage must take dozens upon dozens of gardeners to keep in perfect condition throughout the year. However, your satisfaction will depend on how much joy you get from looking - yes, just looking - at one floral display after another after another...
In other words, there are no E-ticket thrills in this no-ride Disneyland. But there are E-ticket prices, as it is a whopping C$32 per adult to get in. You are actually pounced upon by a zealously friendly employee in a polo shirt before your car gets to the entrance gate. They count how many people are in the car like an immigration officer on the Mexican border and take your credit card to process before the price even hits your consciousness. The owners appear to follow the same tact on the Web site as it takes several clicks to get to the actual price.
Once you're led to your parking spot, the experience is rather seamless as you walk through Waterwheel Square, the main point of congregation, and follow the path to the gorgeous Sunken Garden. Here is where you will be fighting tooth and nail against every other tourist in need of a photo overlooking the garden. The second standout area is the Rose Garden, which overflows with roses of all shades. By comparison, the Japanese Garden is serene but rather boring, which may be designed to be an intentional break during your visit.
Once back at the plaza, you may find yourself lured to the local confection specialty, the Nanaimo Bar (see photo). One bite, and you will be assured a diabetic coma. This was my second trip here as I wanted to show Jamie W. the beauty of Butchart. The 28 photos I uploaded to the gallery should be testament of that. However, since I can't even keep house plants alive, even the plastic kind, I think that'll give me enough green thumb gratification for a while. If you've never been, by all means, go. Just remember your credit card and your spending limits.Listed in: Vancouver, Victoria, Veni,…
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Review from Jon W.
7/24/2010
Simply beautiful. I will come back here again. We had only two or three hours to see the place. I felt like I had like fifteen minutes to see the Prado or the Louvre. We had to press on to see the Japanese Garden before sunset and missed so much in between the Sunken Garden and the Japanese Garden. This place is an enduring testament to the beauty of nature. If you like gardening, plants, or flowers you must visit.
We took a bus tour that included a wine and chocolate tasting at the near by Church and State winery. The garden is kind of far on the outskirts of town so it probably would be better to arrange some sort of coach transportation, tour, or rental car to get here rather than taking a cab. I really think I could spend a whole week here. I really hope to come back to experience more of Victoria and see these gardens several more times. I highly recommend this place. -
Review from kat t.
12/13/2010
I came here in the summer of 08.. I know i'm so late but was there even http://yelp.ca back then?
This place is a must see if you have a extra free day from being in Vancover. If you love flowers and beautiful landscaping then your in for a treat. I came with a tour that didn't cost so much but at least they stopped at a few places in Victoria.
Like Forrest and Lanster said a Must see and stunning garden.. What else can you ask for.. Make sure you bring your awesome camera cause I didn't boo for me.. -
Review from Mandy M.
8/24/2011
Flowers were spectacular! My sister and I called this place the Disneyland of flowers with all the same hustle and bustle and fireworks display at the end of the day.
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Review from Bora K.
7/15/2010 1 photo
We went to Butchart Gardens around 7 p.m. but since it's summer, it didn't start getting dark till around 10 p.m. so there was plenty of time to explore and enjoy the grounds.
The gardens are indeed lovely and we enjoyed walking around taking in the flora and fauna but our favorites had to be the Sunken, Rose, and Japanese Gardens. The Rose Garden especially was beautiful and whimsical at the same time, reminding me of the flowers and gardens seen in 'Alice in Wonderland.' I almost expected the Queen of Hearts to pop out screeching 'Off with his head!'
There's a carousel on the grounds which will be sure to delight young ones if you have them in your party so I'd definitely recommend stopping by to go for a spin to see them smile with joy. -
Review from nita m.
7/20/2010
Butchart Gardens is the flower equivalent of Disneyland. It's absolutely wonderful, the kind of place where you can't help but smile the entire time. Admission seems a little steep considering that the park is actually quite small (I thought it was going to be much larger & was surprised at how quickly our walk through finished). Definitely go on a Saturday in July or August for the fireworks show, which is really special. It's about 30 minutes long, has flower themed fireworks, and makes the admission cost totally worth it. Be sure to pack some extra clothes & a blanket to sit on, because it gets very cold & wet when the sun sets. Additionally there is no re-entry on firework Saturdays, so bear that in mind when planning your trip.
The food at Butchart is atrocious. We ate at the Blue Poppy, which has incredibly limited options for vegetarians or health-conscious people. The park doesn't limit what you bring in, so I suggest getting some better food from Victoria & bringing it with you for a picnic in the Italian garden (beautiful courtyard with tables).
