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If you’re planning a trip to Victoria, BC, then I’ll bet that at least one person has told you to visit the Butchart Gardens! But are they worth it for everyone, or only for those who are super into gardens?
As Vancouver locals, we’ve visited the Butchart Gardens a few times on our many trips to Victoria, both on tours and by ourselves. It’s just across the water, after all! But we also know just how many other fun things there are to do in the city. So if you’re wondering whether the gardens are worth your time, we’re here to help you decide!
What are the Butchart Gardens?


Only some of the most beautiful botanical gardens in Canada – and maybe even the world! There are five different themed gardens here, which cover 55 acres (22 hectares) and feature over 900 different species of plants. Not bad!
The history of the Butchart Gardens can be traced back to 1904 when Jenny Butchart and her husband moved to Victoria to build a cement plant. Eight years later, when the limestone deposits had been exhausted, Jenny decided to turn the quarry into what is now the Sunken Garden. From there, the project grew and grew, and the Butchart Gardens were passed down through the family until they became a National Historic Site in 2004.
As for the gardens themselves, you can check out our full guide to visiting Butchart Gardens, but I think that the Sunken Garden, Japanese Garden, and Rose Garden are the best photo spots. The latter is perfect for a romantic stroll and kids will love the Rose Carousel! I also like to stop and grab gelato in the Italian Garden (it would be rude not to, right?), and the Mediterranean Garden will transport you to Europe.
Walking through these gardens is a treat at any time of year, and they actually change throughout the seasons! After visiting a couple of times, I was really impressed by the way that the gardens transform to showcase the best of each season.
How do you get to Butchart Gardens?

Driving
If you’re renting a car in Victoria, it’s pretty easy to drive from Victoria to the Butchart Gardens. The Gardens are about 20 kilometers (12 miles) from the city center, so it takes 25-40 minutes to drive there, depending on traffic. Once you arrive, parking is free, and there’s plenty of it available, so no worries on that front.
Bus
If you haven’t got your own wheels, then this shuttle bus will take you from downtown Victoria straight to the gardens – how convenient is that? This way, you get to explore the gardens independently, and can take as long as you like, as there are up to 10 departures each day.
We like this option because it’s straightforward and super flexible, and you also get free cancellation until the day before. Plus, at $50 CAD for a return ticket, it’s way cheaper than taking an Uber or taxi!
This shuttle does book up quickly, so reserve it here!
Tour
For those who don’t have long to spend in Victoria, we think that this combo city and gardens tour is the perfect option! It’s great value for money, too, since the $132 CAD price includes transport, skip-the-line admission tickets, and an hour-long guided city tour. Our guide shared lots of information about the gardens with us on the way there, so we learned a lot, and then we had about 2.5 hours to explore on our own.
Book this convenient Butchart Gardens tour in Victoria here!
From Vancouver
It’s possible to visit the Butchart Gardens on a day trip from Vancouver, but it’s best to do this with a tour to ensure that everything goes smoothly and you get the most out of your day! And for $277 CAD, this tour from Vancouver includes ferry tickets and admission to the gardens, so all the logistics are taken care of!
We also really appreciate the three hours of free time in Victoria, as we always like a little time to explore a place independently. The tour lasts for around 13 hours in total, so it’s quite a long day, but we think it’s worth it if you don’t have time to stay overnight in Victoria.
Book this 5-star tour from Vancouver to Victoria here!
Related Read: For more options, check out our top tours from Victoria to Butchart Gardens here or the best tours from Vancouver to Butchart here!
Pros of Visiting the Butchart Gardens


Most beautiful gardens in Canada
Honestly, the biggest reason to visit the Butchart Gardens is that they are so stunning! The bright colors and beautiful garden designs are truly amazing to see. We think that they’re easily the best gardens in Canada and the most impressive ones we’ve ever seen anywhere in the world.
Diverse gardens
Some botanical gardens that we’ve been to all looked pretty similar, but the five different gardens at the Butchart Gardens are very diverse. It’s great to see different cultural influences in the Japanese, Italian, and Mediterranean Gardens, and it’s impossible not to fall in love with the Rose Garden! Walking through it felt like a fairytale. Meanwhile, the Sunken Garden, where it all began, is full of vivid colors and is my personal favorite!
Family-Friendly
Children absolutely love the Butchart Gardens, because they get to roam around in what feels like a fairytale land! The Rose Carousel in particular is perfect for families. It’s super sweet with 30 hand-carved wooden animals to ride on, and only costs $2 CAD per ride! I’m sure they’ll love the gelato in the Italian Garden, too.

Dining Options
There are four different dining options at the Butchart Gardens, so you can grab a well-earned treat after exploring on foot. We loved the Dining Room Restaurant, which was the original home of the Butchart family, but the Blue Poppy, which used to be the greenhouse, is a better choice for those looking for a casual bite to eat.
Meanwhile there’s also a coffee shop, which is very literally named The Coffee Shop, and a gelateria in the Italian Garden. Naturally, we had to stop for a scoop, and it was delicious!
Historical Significance
The Butchart Gardens are over 100 years old and an important part of Victoria’s history. In the early 1900s, many people flocked to Victoria to take advantage of the limestone mining industry, but the Butcharts really made their mark thanks to Jenny Butchart’s vision. It’s pretty cool to think that the grounds went from an industrial plant to a work of art that’s still thriving a century later!
Educational Experience
Not only do the Butchart Gardens offer an insight into Victoria’s history, but they’re also fantastic for learning about plant life and flowers. I recommend checking out the Visitor Information Center to learn more information about the gardens and pick up a guide to identify different plants on the way round. There are over 900 different species here, so you’ll definitely learn something!
Cons of Visiting the Butchart Gardens


Crowds
As you can probably tell by now, we think that the Butchart Gardens are pretty great. The only problem is that so does everybody else! It does get very busy here, especially on weekends and holidays, and during the peak summer season. For that reason, it’s worth trying to get there early. The Gardens open at 9 am for most of the year, except over the Christmas period when they open at 3 pm for the light show.
Cost of admission
We think that the entry fee for the Butchart Gardens is a little on the steep side. Entry costs between $26.80-$41.50 CAD depending on the time of year, which is a little more than we would expect to pay to visit botanical gardens. However, they are super beautiful, world-famous, and take a ton of work to maintain, so it’s not exactly an outrageous price, but it might be off-putting for budget travelers.
Weather dependence
Let’s be honest, wandering around landscaped gardens is a LOT more fun when the sun is shining. The Butchart Gardens are definitely best enjoyed during the summer when Victoria receives the least amount of rain. They don’t close for wet weather and the staff actually distribute hundreds of umbrellas you can borrow if it is raining! But it’s still better on a clear day.

Limited appeal for non-garden enthusiasts
The Butchart Gardens are undeniably beautiful but to be honest, if you’re not super into gardens, then the appeal is somewhat limited. We once spent about seven hours here (including lunch) but it’s unlikely you’ll want to do that if plants are not your thing. With that said, I do still think it’s worth visiting as the Butchart Gardens really are world-class, and way better than your average botanical garden!
Seasonal limitations
Butchart Gardens is open year-round but has reduced opening times in autumn and winter, and usually close for the last week or so of January. During winter, the colors of the gardens tend to be less vivid, although they’re very peaceful and it’s a good chance for plant enthusiasts to see shrubs and snowdrops thrive. Personally, we enjoy this, but for those who want to capture epic Instagram photos with all of the brightly colored plants outside, it doesn’t hold quite the same appeal.
Time-consuming
Trust me, this isn’t a quick stop! It takes 3-4 hours to see everything, but realistically, you should plan to spend at least 5 hours here if you’re visiting independently. We ended up staying for the entire day. It’s great that there’s so much to see, but it might mean missing out on visiting another attraction if you have limited time in Victoria.
Related Read: If you aren’t on the island for long, check out our ideal 1-day Victoria itinerary to see the highlights!
My Experience of Visiting the Butchart Gardens


The first time we visited the Butchart Gardens, we wanted to make the most of the experience so we booked this combo tour! We were picked up from our downtown hotel, and our guide, Colleen, taught us about the history of the Gardens on the way. It was great to get some context beforehand, and she also gave us lots of tips on what to see and do once we arrived.
We had 2.5 hours to explore by ourselves, which was nice as we were able to make a beeline for the areas that interested us most. On Colleen’s advice, we headed to the Visitor Center to grab a guide to help us identify the unique plants that we saw, and then it was time to explore.
First, we went to check out the Sunken Gardens, and then took a romantic stroll through the Rose Garden, before heading to the Italian Garden for gelato. And of course, we took tons of photos throughout – it’s impossible not to when visiting somewhere this beautiful!
We really fell in love with the Butchart Gardens and before we left, we decided that we’d have to come back again, which we did the next time we were back in Victoria.
We also really enjoyed the city tour that followed. It was a whistle-stop tour and we had a few chances to get out and snap photos at scenic spots. This was ideal because we didn’t have too long to spend in Victoria, as it was merely the first leg of our epic Vancouver Island Road trip!
Would I visit the Butchart Gardens again?

Yes, definitely. It’s a must-do, even for those who wouldn’t typically go and check out botanical gardens when visiting a new city.
The Butchart Gardens are among the best gardens in the world, so you can’t pass up the opportunity to see them while in Victoria, and it’s impossible not to be impressed by their beauty! We’ve actually been twice now, and I would definitely go a third time.
Other Things to do While You’re in Victoria


Victoria is full of incredible outdoor and indoor activities. Here are just a few of our favorite things to do in this impressive city:
- Visit the Historic Castles – Victoria is home to two unique castles, Craigdarroch Castle and Hatley Castle. Both offer a unique glimpse into the city’s intriguing past. You can even visit Craigdarroch Castle by bicycle as part of this highly-rated guided tour, which also includes stops at other top attractions around the city for only $75 CAD!
- See the Steamship Water Ballet – Yes, you read that right! At 10:45 am on Sunday and Holiday Monday mornings, the captains of the steamships perform a choreographed dance routine at Victoria Harbour. This show runs from April – October (with more frequent shows during summer), and it’s completely free! It sounds strange, and maybe it is a little, but trust us – such a fun time!
- Fly in a seaplane – Nothing quite beats the view from a plane window. From Victoria Harbor Airport, you’ll take off from the water (and land in it too!) on a truly jaw-dropping experience. Flights last around 20 minutes and prices start at $175 CAD. Seaplane flights are extremely popular (for good reason), so be sure to book your flight in advance to avoid missing out.
- Explore Goldstream Provincial Park – It’s no secret that Victoria has some of Canada’s best natural parks, with Goldstream Provincial Park being high on that list! With many hiking trails to explore and the opportunity to take a dip in the beautiful Goldstream Falls, it’s easy to pass a peaceful day in nature here.
- Go whale watching – Whale watching in Victoria is a completely magical experience, and trust me – this is the place to do it! You can see whales all year long here, but the ideal time is from May – November. While you might spot one from the shore, the best way to see whales is on a boat with a knowledgeable guide. This comfy half-day whale watching tour is a great daytime choice, but if you also want to catch the sunset from the Salish Sea, join this sunset whale watching adventure.
Where to Stay in Victoria

When visiting Butchart Gardens, most people stay in Victoria! Tours generally start in the city and there’s plenty more to do here. You could easily stay a few days or longer and have a great time.
Because Victoria is a popular place to stay, especially in the summer months, we suggest booking a hotel well in advance to secure your favorite spot! If you’re not sure where to book, check out our full guide on where to stay in Victoria or our top picks below!
Fairmont Empress Hotel – $$$
This Fairmont Empress Hotel is a gorgeous location, a stay here is truly an experience! One of the famously grand railway hotels built across Canada, it looks more like a castle than a hotel. With elegance and luxury found around every corner, it’s easy to see why royalty chooses to stay here when visiting Victoria.
Immerse yourself in a soothing spa treatment, enjoy a tasty afternoon tea, or simply wander around the gardens (you can never get enough gardens, right?!). Rooms at the Fairmont Empress start at around $350-$400 CAD per night, and you can secure your room here.
The Embassy Inn – $$
The Embassy Inn is located right in Victoria’s Harbor, making it very convenient for those traveling to Victoria by ferry. Many top sights are only a stone’s throw away, yet the hotel itself feels super quiet and relaxing. Rooms are spacious and all come with balconies to feel the fresh air and take in the view. They start from $170 CAD a night and you can check availability and book online here.
Helm’s Inn – $
Helm’s Inn offers budget-friendly options that are also super spacious. All their accommodations are suites that include kitchenettes – perfect for saving some money by making a to-go lunch. This hotel is also really close to some of the best sights in the city, such as Beacon Hill Park (across the street), as well as the Legislature and Royal BC Museum. Rooms here start at around $140 CAD, but we recommend booking ahead online to get the best deal!
Ocean Island Backpackers – $
Ocean Island Backpackers Inn is a budget hostel in downtown Victoria, within walking distance of the harbor and lots of bars and restaurants. What’s more, breakfast, dinner, and one free drink at the pub downstairs are all included in your stay! A bunk here costs around $44 CAD per night, with private rooms starting at $130 CAD. If you’re backpacking across BC on a budget, you’ll definitely want to stay here by booking on either Hostelworld.com or Booking.com!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!

If you’re on the fence about visiting the Butchart Gardens, I hope our review was helpful! We’ve loved our visits here and can’t wait to go back again. If you’re planning a visit to Victoria, the gardens are one of those must-see places you won’t regret seeing.
For more help planning a trip to this part of BC, check out all our blogs on Vancouver Island. We’ve traveled a lot around the island while living in BC and have lots of tips on where to go and what to see!
10-Day Vancouver Island Itinerary That Hits All the Highlights!
10 Things to KNOW about Whale Watching in Victoria +the BEST Tours