During our trip to Victoria, we spent a few hours at Butchart Gardens, one of the city’s most well-known attractions. It’s a beautifully designed garden with different themed areas, making it a great spot to take a leisurely walk and enjoy the scenery.
If you’re planning to visit, here’s everything you need to know.
- How to Get to Butchart Gardens
- What to Expect at Butchart Gardens
- Where to Get Tickets to Butchart Gardens
How to Get to Butchart Gardens
Butchart Gardens is about 30 minutes from downtown Victoria, and there are a few ways to get there.
The most affordable option is by bus, which is what we did. We took BC Transit Bus #75, which goes straight from downtown Victoria to Butchart Gardens. A single ride costs $2.50 CAD, but since we planned to take more buses that day, we got a day pass for $5.00 CAD, which gave us unlimited bus rides for the day.
The ride itself was smooth and scenic, passing through quiet neighborhoods before reaching the gardens. If you don’t mind a slightly longer journey and want to save money, this is the best option.
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| Sunken Garden |
If you want a more direct and comfortable ride, Uber or a taxi can get you there in about 25 to 30 minutes from downtown. The downside? It’s pricey- expect to pay $40-$50 CAD one way, depending on traffic and demand.
Some shuttle services also run between downtown Victoria and Butchart Gardens, especially during peak seasons. This is a good middle-ground option if you don’t want to take public transport but also don’t want to pay for an Uber.
What to Expect at Butchart Gardens
As soon as you enter, you’ll see why Butchart Gardens is so well-loved. Every part of it is beautifully designed, with different themed gardens that each have their own charm.
Sunken Garden
This is the most famous part of Butchart Gardens. It was once a limestone quarry but was transformed into a multi-level garden with colorful flower beds, winding pathways, and a pond in the middle. It’s one of the best spots for photos.
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| red, pink, and yellow flowers in bloom |
Rose Garden
If you visit in the summer, the Rose Garden is in full bloom with different varieties of roses in every color imaginable. There’s also an arched walkway covered in climbing roses, which looks especially stunning in the warmer months.
Japanese Garden
The Japanese Garden is a peaceful area with wooden bridges, a koi pond, and lots of greenery. It feels completely different from the rest of the gardens, and it’s a great place to slow down and take in the details.
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| Japanese Garden |
Italian Garden
This section has a more structured, European-style design, with a beautiful fountain in the center and neatly trimmed hedges. There’s also a small café nearby if you want to grab a snack.
Mediterranean Garden
This area is home to plants that thrive in warmer, drier climates. You’ll see cacti, olive trees, and flowers that aren’t as common in the rest of the gardens.
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| silver ragwort, looking like pretty snowflakes |
Evening Lights & Fireworks (Seasonal)
If you visit during the summer, the gardens are lit up at night, giving them a completely different feel. There are also fireworks shows on certain nights, which makes for a great evening experience.
Where to Get Tickets to Butchart Gardens
You can buy tickets directly from the official Butchart Gardens website. This is a good idea if you're visiting during peak season when the gardens are busiest. You can also buy tickets when you arrive, but if you’re visiting on a weekend or during summer, booking in advance might save you some time.
We got our tickets through our hotel, which was super convenient. They just charged the cost to our room, so we didn’t have to worry about lining up at the entrance. If your hotel offers this, it’s worth considering.
Ticket Prices (as of our visit)
- Adults: $39.00 CAD (spring & fall) / $41.00 CAD (summer)
- Youth (13-17): $19.50 CAD
- Children (5-12): $3.00 CAD
- Under 5: Free
Prices can change depending on the season, so it’s best to check the official website for the latest rates.
Butchart Gardens is one of those places that actually lives up to the hype. The Sunken Garden and Rose Garden were my favorites, but the entire place was well-maintained and pleasant to walk through.
If you’re visiting Victoria, this should be on your list. It’s a great way to step away from the city and just appreciate nature.
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