Butchart Gardens, Victoria, Canada

On 8/24/2023 we drove our rental car onto a ferry that transported us from Vancouver to Victoria in Canada’s British Columbia. Our first stop upon arrival was to visit the famous Butchart Gardens.

Robert and Jennie Butchart moved to Victoria in 1904 where they established a cement factory on a limestone quarry. In 1912, as limestone production slowed, Mrs. Butchart started a sunken garden over the quarry. As the years went by, more gardens were developed: a Japanese garden, a rose garden, an Italian garden, a Mediterranean garden. The Butcharts’ grandson expanded the property into what we know today adding illumination, concerts and other events. A few years later fireworks displays were added. The property continues to be managed by the Butchart family today.

The gardens were very crowded on the day we visited. I read that they receive over one million visitor every year and have no problem believing it. Butchart gardens are simply stunning! Flowers of every color adorn alleyways. The sunken garden is my favorite. Covering 5 acres, it took 5 years to create. According to the garden’s web site, it hosts 151 flower beds and had 151,000 bulbs planted last spring season! The result is absolutely magical.

I will let the photos and video showcase the beauty you’d see should you visit, and I highly recommend that you do. It cost C$39.50 per adult. Yearly passes are also available. As we reluctantly left the gardens, guests were streaming in for an evening concert. WHat a lovely and lively place!

Reference Butchart Gardens Web Site