Butchart Gardens — Attraction in Central Saanich

Probably a wonderful place to go ... IF you go at the right time.

We visited Butchart Gardens to see the Fireworks on a Saturday night in August, as part of an excursion from a cruise ship. We arrived about an hour before the fireworks, and had about an hour after before we had to be back on the bus.

We spent almost the entire time fighting crowds and saw VERY little of the gardens themselves. What we did see was nice, but with a half hour to go before the fireworks, we decided to find a place to watch. Well, everyone else had evidently decided to do that 30 minutes before, so there weren't very good locations to watch from. So we picked the best spot we could and waited for the fireworks to begin. About 5 minutes before they started, people started coming into the crowd and standing in front of us (we were sitting on the lawn). We politely asked a few people to move, but were met with rude comments. Once the fireworks started, it was every man for himself! Since we were with someone in a wheelchair, they couldn't stand, so they missed 75% of the fireworks show. And despite requests for people to not film (or to turn off flash at least), many did not, so what view we did have was compromised by those inconsiderate people.

After the show, we wanted to view the rest of the gardens but quickly realized that the crowd was so large, it was going to take almost the entire time to make it back to the bus. We did make it with 10 minutes to spare, but for a while there I didn't think we would make it in time.

I consider that visit to Butchart Gardens a complete waste of time and money. I'm giving it 3 stars only because the gardens are nice, and if you can visit when it isn't so crowded (avoid Saturday nights in summer), then it might be quite nice. But I'll never...

Butchart Gardens was our first stop in Victoria as part of our road trip from Calgary to Vancouver, Victoria & Tofino in May 2019. We got off the ferry and arrived by car at around 1 pm. The staff guided us to our parking lane. Every parking lane is represented by an animal which was cute. We received a map of the garden which was quite handy while exploring the garden. Butchart Gardens is one of the most stunning gardens I have seen. Saw tulips in all possible colours and many other colourful flowers! We spent 2 to 3 hours exploring most of the garden and taking pictures. The Sunken Garden – is where the original quarry was. The view from above and going down to walk through was an awesome experience. The Japanese and Italian garden – full of colours, with unforgettable visuals and very peaceful. The layout of the garden was excellent with multiple ponds, fountains, streams, bridges, waterfalls. Several paths leading to hidden areas and makes you feel like you are alone in a peaceful retreat Incredible to think that a limestone quarry from the 1900s, was converted into something so breath-taking and maintained for so many years. The moving water fountains were a vision. They were included at the time of the garden’s expansion. It could get busy so choose your time of visit accordingly. There are several options for food – Multiple cafes, restaurants. We loved the gift shop. It had many innovative options for souvenirs. $35 well spent! Would love to...

I had been to Vancouver Island eight times and had never visited the Butchart Gardens until July of this year. Why I waited so long, I have no idea.

The place is astounding and none of my pictures do it justice.

My husband and I and our friend arrived at 9:00 AM, just as the park opened. Before the crowds arrived. By 11:00 AM we were in the Rose Garden. By this time, the tour buses had arrived from Victoria and it seemed as if all of their passengers made a beeline to the Rose Garden. I know why of course. The Rose Garden is superb. But it was like we were on a conveyor belt, all chock-a-block. I cannot fault Butchart Gardens for this though, nor any of the other tourists. Butchart Gardens is worth seeing, even in a crowd. By this time the three of us were all pretty tired. Our combined age is well over 200. We had a great lunch in the Gardens and then left.

Butchart Gardens is so big, I would suggest doing it in more than one visit. Come early in the day too or after 5:00 PM. Avoid the crowds of the middle of the day.

Make sure you visit the Gift Shop before you leave. So many neat things to buy here. We bought a 3D spinner, multicoloured, that hangs in a garden and spins in the wind. It's on our deck. It's made by Saltspring Gifts. Check out...