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Victoria Capital Regional District
Central Saanich
Things to do in Central Saanich
The Butchart Gardens

The Butchart Gardens, Central Saanich: Hours, Address, The Butchart Gardens Reviews: 4.5/5

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Closed until Feb. 7, 2022
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The Butchart Gardens

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The Butchart Gardens
4.5
11,279
#1 of 13 things to do in Central Saanich
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Gardens • Scenic Walking Areas
Temporarily closedClosed until Feb 7, 2022
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About
Come enjoy our breathtaking 22 ha (55 acres) of gardens year around. In Spring, countless tulips, daffodils and hyacinths will give you a buffet of fragrances and colours. You’ll be saying “wow” when you experience our Summer: The Rose Garden, evening entertainment, subtle night illuminations, the Saturday firework show, and boat tours to name a few of the delights. Perennial borders start their stunning show in late summer, and the Japanese maples turn to russet, gold, and red in the fall. Be captivated by the Magic of Christmas with its decorations, expansive lighting and outdoor ice skating rink. Top off the day with a ride on the carousel and a great meal. Come see why we’ve been designated a National Historic Site.
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
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The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
29 within 5 kms
The Dining Room Restaurant - Butchart Gardens
749
0.3 km$$$$ • Contemporary • Canadian • Vegetarian Friendly
Blue Poppy Restaurant
331
0.2 km$$ - $$$ • Canadian • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Blue's Bayou Cafe
245
1 km$$ - $$$ • Cajun & Creole • Seafood • Canadian
Seahorses Cafe
172
1.5 km$$ - $$$ • Bar • Seafood • Pub
The Pub at Brentwood Bay Resort
339
1.5 km$$ - $$$ • Bar • Pub • Canadian
The Arbutus Room at Brentwood Bay Resort
198
1.5 km$$$$ • Seafood • Canadian • Vegetarian Friendly
Orient Restaurant
22
1.6 km$ • Chinese • Asian
Cafe Zanzibar
290
2.1 km$$ - $$$ • Canadian • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Brentwood Bay Village Empourium
48
2 km$$ - $$$ • Quick Bites • Cafe • Vegetarian Friendly
Sassy's
238
2.1 km$$ - $$$ • Canadian • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
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Popular mentions
4.5
11,279 reviews
Excellent
9,079
Very good
1,611
Average
409
Poor
105
Terrible
75
Climber811936
Parksville, Canada23 contributions
Spectacular
Dec. 2021
We went see their Christmas light display. It is expensive but it was the best we have ever seen. The displays were quite original and it must have taken thousands of hours to put them together. If you ever in Victoria and like Christmas light you should take time to visit here.
The hot chocolate is really good too.
Written January 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
pudman43
Surrey, Canada403 contributions
Xmas lights, GREAT experience!
Dec. 2021
Hadn't been to Burchart for years and years, but on a recent post-Xmas trip to Victoria (we live in nearby Vancouver area), we wanted to see the Xmas light display. WOW, great decision. Not cheap (cost us $130 total for 4 adults) but the display was gorgeous - really wonderful experience. Also a cool "12 days of Christmas" display spread throughout. Easy parking, everything clearly marked, and the whole evening was very worthwhile. Plenty of restrooms as well. Great coffee shop selections, though due to Covid it is takeout only, there are no tables inside currently. Didn't get a chance to visit the giftshop, but it looked great. Highly recommended
Written January 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
PMahdis
Edmonton, Canada1,073 contributions
You have to go at least once
Dec. 2021
We went at Christmas time. There was not much to see in terms of flowers. We made the mistake of going early in the day and it would have been better at night with all the lights. A person should go every ten years or so. One of those high priced but memorable places.
Written December 31, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Annie H
10 contributions
A must see!
Dec. 2021
Oh my word. We just spent an evening walking around the gardens in the early evening. The gardens are decorated with millions of twinkle lights and it is just magical. There was music, people singing and truly enjoying the experience. You need to dress warmly as there was a snowfall the day we went. It made everything glow and sparkle with some of the lights being under the layer of snow.

The cafe and gift shop were open for some goodies. Definitely worth a visit.
Written December 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
vdsl90
Toronto, Canada408 contributions
uplifting and spectacular Christmas experience
Dec. 2021
magical experience as we scrolled thru the gardens enjoying the special Christmas displays. we took lots of photos. to avoid large crowd, we arrived around 4pm. however, we had to wait until the sky turned dark to fully appreciate the christmas lights.

Congratulations to the Team at Butchart Gardens for such a spectacular Christmas display. each piece was unique and intriguing. we spent at least half hours just taking photos of the 5 fully lit multi colored trees! everyone enjoyed the tree which reacts to the level of sound.

most memorable visit to the Butchart Gardens. our heartfelt thanks to all staff. highly recommend.
Written December 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
gypsy604
Vancouver200 contributions
Fantastic Christmas Display!
Dec. 2021
WOW! Christmas light display was the best I have ever seen!! What a great job they did and my 9 yr old loved the "12 Days of Christmas" theme. Was really worth the drive and money!
Written December 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Catherine M
Montreal, Canada364 contributions
Beautiful Christmas activity!
Dec. 2021 • Friends
Went during the Christmas lights and it was beautiful! Look for everything from the 12th days of Christmas song. Very beautiful.
Written December 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Alain G
2 contributions
Amazing
Jul. 2021 • Couples
The place is spectacular. I can’t believe how many different plants in one place. The Colors are beautiful.
Written December 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
john r
2 contributions
Wonderful Gardens
Dec. 2021
Wonderful Gardens and fun for the whole family. If you are in Victoria Butchart is a must see attractions. In December they have an amazing Christmas Lights display, it is a must do activity! Great friends staff as well.
Written December 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Novaart
Poulsbo, WA366 contributions
Truly dazzling experience
Dec. 2021 • Couples
This was the highlight of our weekend in Victoria and we were so happy that the maritime border between Port Angeles and Victoria opened in time for us to attend. We purchased timed tickets ahead and had reservations for 7:00 PM. The weather was perfect-a thin layer of frost and clear skies. The festive lights were a sight to behold and we actually walked the grounds twice. The theme was the 12 days of Christmas and you g and old alike spent time trying to find the twelve days hidden throughout. The Three French Hens were hysterical as were the four calling birds-just a wacky sense of humor to the creator of this event. Don’t get too caught up if you can’t find the twelve drummers…you will, in time!! There was a carousel for children, plenty of bathrooms, a wonderful gift shop and many, many photo opportunities.
Written December 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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Frequently Asked Questions about The Butchart Gardens
The Butchart Gardens is open:
  • Sun - Sat 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Buy tickets in advance on Tripadvisor. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund.
We recommend booking The Butchart Gardens tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 44 The Butchart Gardens tours on Tripadvisor