What Should I Know About Visiting The Butchart Gardens in Victoria?

For over a century, The Butchart Gardens has been one of the world’s most famous and beloved public gardens. Located just a short drive from Victoria, this 55-acre paradise is a must-see for any visitor. If you’re planning a trip in 2025 or 2026, here’s what you need to know to make the most of your visit to this National Historic Site of Canada.

What is The Butchart Gardens?

The Butchart Gardens is a collection of stunning themed gardens built in a former limestone quarry. It’s the result of one woman’s vision: in the early 1900s, Jennie Butchart decided to transform the ugly, exhausted quarry left by her husband’s cement business into a place of beauty. The result is a world-renowned horticultural masterpiece that attracts over a million visitors a year and has been recognized by National Geographic, Condé Nast, and the World Federation of Rose Societies.

What Are the Main Gardens to See?

The Gardens are divided into several distinct areas, each with its own unique character:

  • The Sunken Garden: This is the original garden, built in the old quarry. It’s the heart of The Butchart Gardens and offers breathtaking views from the lookout mound.
  • The Rose Garden: A classic, with 280 varieties of roses. In 2018, it received the prestigious “Award of Garden Excellence” from the World Federation of Rose Societies.
  • The Japanese Garden: A tranquil and serene space with streams, ponds, and traditional Japanese architecture.
  • The Italian Garden: A formal garden with a star-shaped pond, located on the site of the Butcharts‘ former tennis court.
  • The Mediterranean Garden: A newer addition that showcases drought-tolerant plants from around the world.

What’s New and Interesting for 2025-2026?

The Butchart Gardens is always evolving. Here’s what’s new and exciting for the 2025 season:

  • Spring Prelude Indoor Garden: For 2025, this popular winter attraction features a new landscape design. It’s a great way to experience the beauty of spring, even in the cooler months.
  • Historical Display: From February 4 to March 23, 2025, you can see historical documents, photos, and treasures from the early 1900s in the Dining Room Restaurant.
  • Gallery Opening: On June 15, 2025, the Seed & Gift Store will open a gallery featuring new local artists.
  • 100th Anniversary of the Tibetan Blue Poppy: 2025 marks a century since Jennie Butchart first received seeds for this rare and beautiful flower from a 1924 expedition to Tibet led by plant hunter Frank Kingdon-Ward. The Gardens are now a “living seed bank” for this species, which is threatened in its native Himalayan habitat. Scientists predict the Tibetan blue poppy could face extinction in the wild within 50 years, making the Gardens’ conservation efforts even more critical. Jennie Butchart played a key role in the poppy’s survival, advertising and selling seeds in her 1932-33 catalogue.

A Leader in Sustainability

The Butchart Gardens is a leader in environmental stewardship. They have a comprehensive sustainability program that includes:

  • Integrated Pest Management: Using non-chemical methods to control pests and weeds, and extensive manual and mechanical weed control.
  • Water Conservation: Using drip irrigation wherever practical and recycling water from streams for cooling purposes.
  • Composting: All wood waste, leaves, and food waste are composted on-site.
  • Waste Reduction: They have eliminated single-use water bottles and use compostable plates, cutlery, straws, and glassware where possible.
  • Land Reclamation Award: In 2024, the Gardens established a “Land Reclamation Award” through Communities in Bloom Canada, recognizing Canadian communities for transforming reclaimed land into parks and green spaces. This initiative, inspired by their own history, encourages sustainability and community participation.

A Numbers Game: The Scale of the Gardens

The scale of the operation is staggering:

  • Visitors: Over 1 million annually.
  • Staff: 600 during peak season, including 50 full-time gardeners and 20 seasonal gardeners.
  • Plants: 265,000 annual plants representing 900 varieties are planted each season. 188,000 of these are grown from seed.
  • Bulbs: 300,000 spring bulbs, including 160,000 tulips of 191 varieties.
  • Greenhouses: 26 greenhouses support the extensive plant propagation and maintenance programs.
  • Trees: The gardens feature mature trees, including California redwoods planted in 1934.

Practical Information for Visitors

  • Location: About a 20-minute drive north of Victoria, made all that much easier with the new Keating flyover from the Highway to Keating and then the Gardens.
  • Hours: Open year-round, with hours varying by season. Check the website for details.
  • Dining: There are several dining options, from the formal Dining Room (offering dinner and High Tea) to the casual Blue Poppy Restaurant and a coffee shop.
  • Events: In addition to the gardens, you can enjoy the Rose Carousel, summer entertainment from Wednesday to Sunday (June 27-August 30), Night Illuminations, Saturday fireworks in the summer, and a spectacular Christmas display.

The Butchart Gardens is more than just a pretty place; it’s a testament to vision, dedication, and a deep love of nature. It’s a place of beauty, history, and innovation. Whether you’re a gardening enthusiast or just looking for a beautiful place to spend a day, a visit to The Butchart Gardens is an unforgettable experience.

Sailing Schedule from Swartz Bay

Fulford Harbour (Salt Spring Island) (FUL)

Skeena Queen - 7:00 am

Skeena Queen - 9:00 am

Skeena Queen - 11:00 am

Skeena Queen - 1:00 pm

Skeena Queen - 3:00 pm

Skeena Queen - 5:00 pm

Skeena Queen - 7:00 pm

Skeena Queen - 9:00 pm

Skeena Queen - 7:00 am

Skeena Queen - 9:00 am

Skeena Queen - 11:00 am

Southern Gulf Islands (SGI)

Queen of Cumberland - 5:00 am

Salish Heron - 5:05 am

Salish Heron - 8:15 am

Queen of Cumberland - 9:10 am

Salish Heron - 10:10 am

Salish Heron - 2:20 pm

Queen of Cumberland - 3:15 pm

Salish Heron - 4:30 pm

Salish Heron - 7:10 pm

Queen of Cumberland - 8:00 pm

Queen of Cumberland - 5:00 am

Salish Heron - 5:05 am

Salish Heron - 8:15 am

Tsawwassen (TSA)

Coastal Celebration - 6:00 am

Spirit of Vancouver Island - 7:00 am

Queen of New Westminster - 8:00 am

Spirit of British Columbia - 9:00 am

Coastal Celebration - 10:00 am

Spirit of Vancouver Island - 11:00 am

Queen of New Westminster - 12:00 pm

Spirit of British Columbia - 1:00 pm

Coastal Celebration - 2:00 pm

Spirit of Vancouver Island - 3:00 pm

Spirit of British Columbia - 5:00 pm

Coastal Celebration - 6:00 pm

Spirit of Vancouver Island - 7:00 pm

Spirit of British Columbia - 9:00 pm

Spirit of Vancouver Island - 7:00 am

Spirit of British Columbia - 9:00 am

Spirit of Vancouver Island - 11:00 am