The Butchart Gardens, Victoria, BC

If one had to choose only one attraction in Victoria on southern Vancouver Island, the Butchart Gardens would likely be it. On 20 hectares (50 acres), these magnificent gardens present floral displays throughout the year. Few fail to be impressed and inspired.

The breathtaking Sunken Garden and delightfully serene Japanese Garden are the best known but your self-guided tour will take you through the Rose Garden with hundreds of roses, the formal Italian Garden by the Star Pond, and the Mediterranean Garden. Over one million bedding plants in over 700 varieties are planted annually by a team of 50 gardeners.

History of the Butchart Gardens

In 1904, Robert and Jennie Butchart built their home near Tod Inlet where his factory was mining limestone for his cement business. As the quarry became exhausted, Jennie had the vision and energy to begin its transformation into a garden. In 1908, they had a Japanese garden added on the other side of their home and more gardens followed.

By the 1920s, their home Benvenuto (Italian for “Welcome”) was drawing 50,000 visitors annually and the Victoria attraction was established. (More than 1.2 million visitors are welcomed now.) Summer illuminations were added in 1954 and the Ross Fountain 10 years later. The gift and seed store followed and then dining options were opened in the elegant Dining Room and in the Rose Poppy restaurant. The latest addition has been the Rose Carousel for children of all ages.

Special events at the Butchart Gardens

Let’s run through the year. First, there’s the Spring Prelude, a striking indoor display of spring colour, and their Historical Display inside Benvenuto.

From mid-June until mid-September, the gardens are imaginatively illuminated in evenings and on every Saturday night in July and August, some 10,000 people are awed by a unique fireworks display set to music. Another summer treat is the varied schedule of first class evening concerts on the lawn.

Visitors in December and early January experience the Magic of Christmas lights (magical indeed!), see the Twelve Days of Christmas displays and skate on the ice rink.

Year-round beauty

Spring – hundreds of thousands of blooms, notably tulips, welcome you with a back-drop of trees and shrubs in bloom.

Summer – striking colour is everywhere from blue delphiniums to red roses, yellow lilies to multi-coloured gelato ice cream.

Fall – autumnal colours in the trees and shrubs.

Winter – you might catch a dusting of snow over the structure of the gardens.

The Butchart Gardens are sure to deliver a memorable experience. Ask your bed and breakfast hosts for more information.