Butchart Gardens is 55 acres of amazement! Privately owned by Jennie Butchart and operated by her family and considered the “must-do venue” of Victoria for tourists to visit! Thousands of people explore Butchart – and this year I was one of them during a recent trip to Victoria. I decided to share some insights and photos about Butchart Gardens for all of you to enjoy!
Tips for Visiting Butchart Gardens
TIP 1: Plan your trip before arriving in Victoria. Start by visiting the Butchart Gardens website to familiarize yourself with the layout of the area and also to purchase tickets. Keep in mind that there are many activities, including musical bands on Fridays and Saturday fireworks. I also would recommend making a reservation at the Butchart Tea House!
TIP 2: Go early in the day! Be sure to print your tickets or have them downloaded onto your phone. When you pass through the entry gates ask for the brochure guide that describes all the flowers and trees. This guide is very helpful is very little signage to help you know the names of the area flowers and trees.
Also, know that the crowds increase during the day, so plan on arriving at the gardens when they open. There are clear maps throughout the acreage. We started with the Sunken Gardens. The walkway had both steps and ramp inclines, so a person with mobility issues (such as a wheelchair) could access the gardens without much difficulty.
Photos of the Sunken Garden
TIP 3.: Earl Grey anyone? I highly suggest you make the TEA HOUSE a stop during your visit. No reservations? Don’t worry! Just plan on standing in line at the Tea House by 10:45a.m. to secure a spot or perhaps be one of the first to enter. (We were online for 15 minutes and seated and served our tea by 11:10 a.m.) The tea and food are delicious and well worth the wait and cost. ($52 Canadian when we visited). The food includes a trifle as the starter, then an array of foods served on a fancy three-tiered china platter with scones, bite-sized sandwiches, a small quiche, and selected desserts. While it may seem that this is not enough food – it was so much we took home several of the desserts as we were too full! (I highly recommend the peppermint tea.)
PHOTOS OF the BUTCHART GARDENS TEA HOUSE
PHOTOS OF The BUTCHART ROSE GARDEN
Everything is coming up roses at Butchart Gardens!
TIP 4 – This is a very popular area in the gardens – so expect crowds and try to time your entry into this area when there are no strollers or large groups behind you in line. This will allow you to take your time without people trying to rush you through this spectacular display or accidentally bumping into you. The roses are on both sides of the sidewalk and people tend to traverse from side to side – thus creating a “traffic jam”. This can lead to some less patient visitors trying to push their way past slower folks.
The Japanese Gardens
The Japanese Gardens are often cited as a favorite among visitors! I would have to agree! They are very serene with ponds, fountains, and even a zen garden.
TIP 5 – Gelato! There is a very busy gelato kiosk on the way out of the gardens. The cones looked delicious, but honestly, I was too full from the tea house treats that I skipped getting one.
TIP 6- Stop at the souvenir shop! This shop was packed with lots of gardening and souvenir-type gifts. Of course, there were walls covered with packs of seeds cultivated from plants grown in Butchart Gardens! I picked up a large selection for my home garden and to give as gifts. As a reminder – get the label and packaging needed to make it through customs in the country where you live. AND… some countries do not permit packs of seeds to pass customs.
TIP 7- Use the bus system whenever possible, including going to Butchart Gardens. The rapid transit system in Victoria is a far cheaper method of transportation than renting a car or taxi. You can get a pass on the bus or at the local visitor centers. The bus system is very reliable and runs a good portion of the day and night. From downtown Victoria, you can get the bus across from the Royal British Museum. The fee is $5 Canadian for a round-trip ticket. The bus leaves about every 10-15 minutes and drops off the passengers a short walking distance from the entry gates to the garden. The ride was about 40 minutes long. Food and drink are allowed on the bus. No smoking is allowed.
For more information about Butchart Gardens go here.
For more information about Victoria, British Columbia go here.
Happy Travels!
