Butchart Gardens Tours and Activities

Butchart Gardens which includes a river or creek
Photo provided by Landon Sveinson Photography/Tourism Vancouver Island
Butchart Gardens showing a river or creek and a fountain
Photo provided by Landon Sveinson Photography/Tourism Vancouver Island
Photo provided by Landon Sveinson Photography/Tourism Vancouver Island


Inhale intoxicating fragrances and marvel at the dazzling colors of these gardens, which host engaging events and family-friendly activities.

The bright colors and glorious fountains of Butchart Gardens make it look like the set of an inventive fantasy film. Watch fireworks explode into colors as vivid as the flowers growing beneath them and enjoy concerts on the sloping, grassy lawn. Boat tours, carousels and magical nighttime illuminations add to the appeal of this popular Victoria attraction.

An enterprising family of cement dealers, the Butcharts excavated limestone from Victoria Island in the early 1900s. Jennie Butchart envisioned turning the empty quarries into spectacular sunken gardens. Her husband Robert accumulated ornamental birds to inhabit the gardens and their grandson also worked to develop the gardens as an international tourist destination. Visit today to explore the National Historic Site, still owned by the Butchart family.

Wander through the gardens’ different sections to appreciate all of the sights. Explore the Sunken Garden, set on the site of the old quarry, as well as gardens with Japanese and Italian themes. The plants growing here change depending on the season. Come in spring to see multicolored tulips or witness beautyberries and acers displaying glorious colors in fall.

Find activities throughout the gardens to delight visitors of all ages. Let your kids ride the hand-carved Rose Carousel in the Children’s Pavilion. Relax in one of the boats that chug around the waters of the Tod Inlet. Boat captains regale passengers with information as they float around the lake.

In summer, buy a ticket to see the gardens at night. Eye-catching illuminations of every hue make the trees and flowers appear even more magical. Visit to see the decorations at Christmas, a fifth magical season in the gardens.

Relax on the lawns and listen to musical performances. Throughout summer, rock bands, symphony orchestras and global acts perform in the modern pavilion. Every Saturday night in summer, a spectacular fireworks display completes the varied calendar of entertainment.

Butchart Gardens are located just outside Victoria, less than a 30-minute drive from the city center. Ride a bus from the city or drive here and park on-site. Admission fees change seasonally, with discounts available for children and large groups.

Plan a trip to see Butchart Gardens

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Best Lodging Options Near Butchart Gardens

Brentwood Bay Resort & Spa

Brentwood Bay Resort & Spa

4.5 out of 5
849 Verdier Ave, Brentwood Bay, BC
Brentwood Bay Resort & Spa
Everyone Welcome, Cozy retreat walking distance to  Butchart Gardens.

Everyone Welcome, Cozy retreat walking distance to Butchart Gardens.

Brentwood Bay
Everyone Welcome, Cozy retreat walking distance to Butchart Gardens.
Modern and clean 1 BR suite 5 minutes from Butchart Gardens

Modern and clean 1 BR suite 5 minutes from Butchart Gardens

Brentwood Bay
Modern and clean 1 BR suite 5 minutes from Butchart Gardens
Island Luxury Oceanside Estate

Island Luxury Oceanside Estate

Saanichton
Island Luxury Oceanside Estate
Seabrook Farmhouse with Hot Tub & Swimming Pool, 4 min to Butchart Gardens

Seabrook Farmhouse with Hot Tub & Swimming Pool, 4 min to Butchart Gardens

Saanichton
Seabrook Farmhouse with Hot Tub & Swimming Pool, 4 min to Butchart Gardens
4 Bedroom Seabrook Farmhouse with Hot Tub & Swimming Pool on 8 Acre Berry Farm

4 Bedroom Seabrook Farmhouse with Hot Tub & Swimming Pool on 8 Acre Berry Farm

Saanichton
4 Bedroom Seabrook Farmhouse with Hot Tub & Swimming Pool on 8 Acre Berry Farm
Modern Farmhouse (Lower Floor only) with Hot Tub and Games Room

Modern Farmhouse (Lower Floor only) with Hot Tub and Games Room

Saanichton
Modern Farmhouse (Lower Floor only) with Hot Tub and Games Room
Motel 6 Saanichton, BC - Victoria Airport

Motel 6 Saanichton, BC - Victoria Airport

2 out of 5
2401 Mt Newton Cross Rd, Saanichton, BC
Motel 6 Saanichton, BC - Victoria Airport
Central Saanich cozy suite

Central Saanich cozy suite

Victoria
Central Saanich cozy suite
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Butchart Gardens

At Butchart Gardens in Brentwood Bay, visitors can enjoy birdwatching and leisurely walks through lush gardens. The stunning landscapes provide ample opportunities for sightseeing in Victoria, making it a perfect spot for group trips and tours. Whether you're exploring the vibrant flora or taking in the natural beauty, Butchart Gardens offers a memorable experience for all nature enthusiasts.

Shopping

For delightful souvenirs, visit Lolly Gobble Sweet Shop, 11.3km from Butchart Gardens. For more extensive shopping, check out Uptown Center and MayFair Shopping Centre, both located 14.5km away, offering family-friendly vibes and a variety of shops. If you're up for a drive, these are great options!

Recreation

Bear Mountain Golf Club, located 9.7km from Butchart Gardens, offers an invigorating outdoor experience with its beautifully designed golf course amidst stunning scenery. For relaxation, visit Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park, 6.4km away, where you can unwind in nature. Panorama Recreation Centre, 8.0km away, provides wellness-focused activities for rejuvenation.

Adventure

Experience the Galloping Goose Trail, a scenic hiking path 14.5km from Butchart Gardens, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. For thrill-seekers, WildPlay West Shore Victoria offers exhilarating bungee jumping 12.9km away. Alternatively, explore the breathtaking Scenic Marine Route, located 19.3km from the gardens, showcasing stunning natural beauty.

Nightlife

In Butchart Gardens, the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory offers family-friendly stargazing just 6.4km away, while Langford Lanes provides adventure-filled arcade fun 14.5km away. For a touch of romance and excitement, Elements Casino is located 12.9km away, blending city vibes with thrilling gaming experiences.

Find the best attractions near Butchart Gardens

Butchart Gardens in Brentwood Bay, British Columbia, offers a stunning array of attractions for visitors, including urban parks, national parks, and serene lakes. Ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts, you can explore the beautiful butterfly gardens, take picturesque photos throughout the gardens, and gather helpful information about the site based on availability. A visit to Butchart Gardens promises a delightful experience immersed in nature's beauty.

  • Victoria Butterfly Gardens: Immerse yourself in a tropical paradise just 1.6km from Butchart Gardens. This enchanting private garden features thousands of free-flying butterflies amidst lush flora and friendly vibes, creating a serene escape for nature lovers.
  • Elk Lake: Located 6.4km away, Elk Lake offers stunning scenery and outdoor activities perfect for a romantic day out. Enjoy sandy beaches, swimming, and picnicking while soaking in the beautiful natural surroundings.
  • Malahat SkyWalk: Just 4.8km from Butchart Gardens, this lookout offers breathtaking views and an exhilarating outdoor adventure. Walk along the treetop canopy and experience the romance of the stunning landscapes below.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Butchart Gardens

Visiting Butchart Gardens can be budget-friendly with a few smart choices. Consider exploring nearby free attractions like Elk Lake and the University of Victoria. For accommodation, the best months to visit for lower rates are January to February and November, with Tuesdays typically being the cheapest days to stay. Booking about a month in advance or checking last-minute deals on Expedia can yield significant savings. Additionally, combining your hotel stay with flights and activities through package deals may help reduce costs while ensuring a memorable experience.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Butchart Gardens are January to February and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Butchart Gardens is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Butchart Gardens is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Butchart Gardens is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to set your budget, choose your desired location, and more. You can arrange your results to display prices from lowest to highest, making it easy to find the most affordable accommodations first. Additionally, you can refine your search by hotel category—if you select the "Eco-certified" filter, you'll be shown sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay near Butchart Gardens with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.