Are the Butchart Gardens on your Vancouver Island bucket list? We can help you plan your once-in-a-lifetime visit! Welcome to the Ultimate Seasonal Guide to Vancouver Island’s iconic Butchart Gardens, where we walk you through the various gardens and seasonal offerings, to ensure you make the most of your visit!
Nestled in Brentwood Bay, the floral displays of the National Historic Site captivate the hearts of over a million visitors annually. The 120-year-old world-famous 55-acre display garden was created by Jennie Butchart and still privately owned and operated by the family.
The Gardens
Butchart Gardens has 5 distinct gardens for visitors to explore.
At the Sunken Garden, a limestone mound provides a perfect lookout point, offering breathtaking views of the garden below. The 5 acre garden took 9 years to complete and includes 151 flower beds. 65,000 bulbs are planted each year for spring.
The Rose Garden blooms from summer to early Autumn, and includes a collection of 2,500 floribundas, ramblers, climbers and Hybrid Tea Roses. The garden features 7 types of roses, 2,500 rose plants and 30 rose arches.
The entrance to the Japanese Garden is marked by a grand Torii gate. Within the gardens, you’ll be greeted by maple and beech trees as well as Himalayan Blue Poppies in late spring. The Japanese Gardens is an acre of lush landscape and includes 500 Rhododendrons and Azaleas, 74 Japanese Maples and 200 metres of flowing streams. So peaceful!
Did you know the Italian Garden was originally the Butchart family’s tennis court? Today, the garden is decorated by 18 flower beds with 85 varieties of plants, a bronze-cast statue of Mercury and a flower-studded pond. Every year, 22,000 spring bulbs and biennials are planted.
Finally, the Mediterranean Garden is like stepping into a new world. Growing an array of drought resistant and exotic plants from around the globe, it includes 9 garden beds with 110 plant varieties over 21,780 square feet of gardens!
Now that we’ve explored the different gardens Butchart offers, let’s discuss them by seasons! Whether you visit in spring, summer, fall, or winter, each season will leave you inspired no matter the time of year.
The Seasons
Spring: March 18th to May 31st
Spring is the season of new life, which is especially true at the gardens as the flowers begin to bloom. At Butchart, spring welcomes over 300,000 bulbs, blooming together in vibrant colours and incredible scents. During the spring months, the greenhouses also come to life with activity, with more than 16 staff working to produce plants for the summer gardens.
What to keep an eye out for during Spring: Rhododendron, Tulip, Daffodil, Ornamental Cherry, Magnolia and Peony.
Summer: June 1st to September 15th
Summer is the perfect time to visit the Gardens, as the sunlight stretches out late into the evening. Every Saturday throughout the summer, take in a world-class firework show including original aerial ground displays as well as live performances on the outdoor stage at the Concert Lawn.
What to keep an eye out for during Summer: Delphiniums, Roses
Autumn: October 1st to November 30th
Autumn offers the perfect red, orange and golden backdrop for a crisp visit to the gardens. During the autumn months, the garden’s staff begins planting nearly 300,000 bulbs for the spring gardens. It is also the perfect time of year to visit the Japanese Garden before winter begins.
What to keep an eye out for during Autumn: Japanese Maples, Dahlias and Chrysanthemums.
Winter: Open January 15th to 21st and February 5th to March 17th
During the first half of winter, the Gardens prepares for the beloved Christmas display. Within the greenhouse, thousands of Poinsettias are moved out for decor and the landscape of the gardens is carefully tended and upgraded.
What to keep an eye out for during Winter: Daphne, Crocus, Heather, Primrose, Witch Hazel and Hellebore
Christmas Season: December 1st to January 6th
During this festive season, the gardens are adorned with enchanting lights displays, creating a truly magical atmosphere for visitors of all ages. Enjoy the sounds of Christmas carols filling the air as you wander through the illuminated pathways, participate in a special Snowflake Exchange and don’t miss the charming Merry-go-round. Christmas at The Butchart Gardens is a magical experience not to be missed.
Dining
When it comes to dining at The Butchart Gardens, you’re spoiled for choice. Enjoy the original Butchart family residence, ‘The Dining Room,’ for formal dining and high tea. For a more casual experience, The Blue Poppy Restaurant, located in the garden’s former greenhouse, offers a delightful option. Additionally, you can grab a bite at the coffee shop or indulge in sweet treats at the Gelateria.
Get your tickets today!
