Butchart Gardens sits in Brentwood Bay, a short drive north of Victoria on Vancouver Island, Canada. It is a botanical garden of many separate areas, each with its own character, and it is designated a National Historic Site.
The gardens
The best-known area is the Sunken Garden, which was created from a former limestone quarry. Walking down into it gives a different view of the planting than the open paths above, and it is a natural first stop for many visitors. Beyond it, the gardens are arranged into themed areas, so a visit can move from formal beds to more wooded and open spaces.
Through the year
The gardens are open year-round, and the displays change with the seasons, so the place looks different in each part of the year. In the evening, the grounds are illuminated, which gives a second way to see the site after dark.
Planning a visit
- Getting there: Brentwood Bay is outside Victoria, so most visitors travel from the city by road.
- Time needed: Allow a few hours to see the main areas at an unhurried pace.
- Timing: Check the seasonal displays and the evening illuminations before you go, as these change through the year.
- Combining trips: Victoria itself offers the harbour, museums and restaurants, so a visit to the gardens can be part of a wider day or stay in the area.
For visitors who enjoy gardens, a historic site and seasonal change, Butchart Gardens is a practical and pleasant stop on a trip to Vancouver Island.