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Central Saanich
Things to do in Central Saanich
The Butchart Gardens
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Closed until Feb. 5, 2023
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The Butchart Gardens

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The Butchart Gardens
4.5
11,455 reviews
#1 of 13 things to do in Central Saanich
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Gardens • Scenic Walking Areas
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Temporarily closedClosed until Feb 5, 2023
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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
25 within 5 kms
The Dining Room Restaurant - Butchart Gardens
758
0.3 km$$$$ • Contemporary • Canadian • Vegetarian Friendly
The Blue Poppy Restaurant
332
0.2 km$$ - $$$ • Canadian • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Blue's Bayou Cafe
253
1 km$$ - $$$ • Cajun & Creole • Seafood • Canadian
Seahorses Cafe
175
1.5 km$$ - $$$ • Bar • Seafood • Pub
The Pub at Brentwood Bay Resort
342
1.5 km$$ - $$$ • Bar • Pub • Canadian
The Arbutus Room at Brentwood Bay Resort
202
1.5 km$$$$ • Canadian • Vegetarian Friendly • Gluten Free Options
Orient Restaurant
22
1.6 km$ • Chinese • Asian
Cafe Zanzibar
299
2.1 km$$ - $$$ • Canadian • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Brentwood Bay Village Empourium
51
2.1 km$$ - $$$ • Quick Bites • Cafe • Vegetarian Friendly
Politano Cafe
7
1.9 km$ • Cafe • Canadian
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Attractions
40 within 10 kms
Victoria Butterfly Gardens
1,088
2 kmSpeciality Museums • Nature & Wildlife Areas
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5
1.1 kmParks
Church and State Wines -Brentwood Bay
167
1.9 kmWineries & Vineyards
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183
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69
2.3 kmState Parks
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227
Wineries & Vineyards • Farms
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89
4.5 kmLookouts
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83
2.9 kmDistilleries
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106
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
11,455 reviews
Excellent
9,223
Very good
1,626
Average
418
Poor
108
Terrible
80
drkiki2015
Washougal, WA450 contributions
Always beautiful!
Aug. 2022
No place like Butchart's--August is a lovely time to visit with summer annuals in full glory, dahlias unfurled, and just a hint of autumn color.
Written January 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Joan D
Beaverton, OR6 contributions
Wonderful place to visit
Oct. 2022 • Family
It’s so incredibly beautiful. The entire gardens are pristine and perfect. As you walk around, everywhere you look is beauty of nature. This garden is a wonderful gift for us all from Mr. Butchart.
Written January 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Corey S.
Ypsilanti, MI51 contributions
Beautiful gardens in Victoria
Sep. 2022
We took a cruise excursion in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada - "Enchanting Butchart Gardens." The Butchart Gardens are a popular stop for people visiting Victoria. It was a beautiful afternoon for our visit to the gardens. It was a wonderful experience and I definitely would recommend it to people traveling to Victoria. Taken on September 8th, 2022 during our port call to Skagway, Alaska. On board the Royal Caribbean Ovation of the Seas for the seven night Alaska Experience Cruise (September 2nd through 9th, 2022). The cruise embarks from Seattle, Washington and the itinerary includes stops in Juneau (AK), Skagway (AK), Sitka (AK) and Victoria (British Columbia, Canada) before heading back to Seattle.
Written January 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Doug Shaffer, Anderson Island, WA
Anderson Island, WA198 contributions
Christmas Lights Were Unbelievable
Dec. 2022
Package deal bus trip to the Gardens from Victoria. I've never seen Christmas lights as extensive and beautiful as they were at Butchart. It's beautiful in the summer when the garden is in full bloom, but unbelievable at Christmas with the lights. Millions of lights. The carousel was running as well, and the kids were in awe of the place. Places to eat and relax, one with a fireplace. The bus tour starting in front of the Empress Hotel is the best way to get there at night.
Written December 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
jean
Edmonton, Canada17 contributions
Christmas Eve magic
Dec. 2022
We went on the rainy and cool Christmas Eve of 2022. Our earlier booking had been cancelled because of the massive snow storm. We loved the beautiful Christmas lights and the twelve days of Christmas displays. We stopped for a rise on the carousel and the children and adults all loved it. A wonderful Christmas Eve adventure.
Written December 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Danielle717
Vancouver, Canada23 contributions
Poorly run with terrible waits.
Dec. 2022 • Family
So disappointed with this experience. We had a 615 booking and were in the parking lineup for over an hour. The lights were great but overcrowded and felt like we were walking around in a lineup. The carousel was also chaos with the attendants letting more people in than there were spots. Once we walked around after waiting for so long some of the dining was closed. I did express my disappointment to the information booth but was told ‘ it was 2 hours wait before’ so the management knows this is a problem but only two ticket booths available to enter.
Written December 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Linda Elliott
13 contributions
Amazing!!!
Dec. 2022 • Couples
A fantastic experience! The Christmas lights were amazing! Very creative and well done. We had this as a bucket list trip and it did not disappoint!!
Written December 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
debbie h
5 contributions
Disappointed
Dec. 2022 • Family
This was my first time to Victoria and was taken advantage of. You have to book timed ticket in advanced and hurry cause they may sale out for the Christmas event or not available so your forced to purchase ahead of time, but guess what there is no refunds. This is place is way to expensive to not honor customers on a refund especially if they decide to close. I am one who lives in a different country so no i cant reschedule or come back!!! Its a long and costly trip!!! Vacation ruined and so was the first time for my children. The least they can do is refund me for tickets i could not use. Worst business to visit!!
Written December 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Look4-2
Victoria, Canada316 contributions
Great for first time visitors
Dec. 2022
Walked around the gardens for their Christmas Light display. Was there 5 years ago & can honestly say I do not think the display changed at all.
We booked online for 5 pm, arrived early & was able to get in. We wore our masks as people seemed to gather together at different points of the display. Enjoyable walk.
Stopped in at the cafe & had an egg nog mocha which was fantastic!
Visited the gift shop.
Written December 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Magictravelnow
Dallas, TX401 contributions
The Most Special Place in the World
Dec. 2022
Magical Christmas Lights and Dinner at the Famous Dining Room.
I was greeted by the most beautiful, warm and hospitable woman named Ashly.
She was so lovely and helpful as I was waiting to dine in their exquisted dining room out of a storybook.
I had a fabulous server who had been working there for over 18 years and started going there since she was four years old.
The wine was delicious, the sevice 5 stars and I ordered the pork loin chop which was highly recommended and it was the best one have ever enjoyed.
Everything on the menu is wonderful as I looked around and watched how everyone was enjoying their dinner, service and atmosphere.
I am so grateful the owners have taken such care and grown this place I visited as a child from California when I was nine, then again in 1996 with my late husband while living in Texas and now to celebrate with them during this very special time of year.
I would rather be here so thank you for allowing me the opportunity to once again feel like a child with the most incredible festival of lights I have ever seen in our world.
Written December 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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THE BUTCHART GARDENS (Central Saanich) - 2023 What to Know BEFORE You Go

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 46 The Butchart Gardens tours on Tripadvisor