The Butchart Gardens, British Columbia, Canada

5Gayle R 5:00 PM Jul 15, 2022

Top Drawer!
We spent 12 hours at Butchart Gardens when the Northwest Deuce Days rolled onto the lawns starting at The “Mammoth” section of the parking lot, what a trip down Memory Lane not to mention a spectacular photo op! All of the staff especially Josh helped to make it a lovely day, in spite of a glitch that they cheerfully resolved (even tough it was not in any way their responsibility). We thank them for their attentive kindness! The gardens are impeccably manicured and the aromas intoxicating, the Rose gardens in particular! With 55 acres to explore we admit that one 12 hour day is not enough to immerse yourself in the beauty. If you are lucky enough to try a Gourmet Picnic Basket for two from The Dining Room I promise you will live every morsel and the presentation is as spectacular as the setting! I will admit we took “a minute”for a nap in the car when it rained but the skies cleared in time for a front row bench at the Sound Shell where we were mesmerized by Stephen Fearing. What a talented trio. The electric Cello added a hauntingly beautiful tone to the thoughtful captivating songs that led to a standing ovation, fortunately for the hundreds gathered near the Sunken & Japanese Gardens as the garden lights came up and the Sun went down. We will be checking out “Kings & Queens” online for duets with Music Royalty. Phenomenal Blackie & The Rodeo Kings with Serena Ryder, and Emmy- Lou Harris to name a couple. From the parking attendants to the gift store employees and absolutely everyone working at Butchart Gardens all we can say is Thank you, thank you ( once is not enough) ! PS Kudos Josh, you are a good human and a brilliant asset to Butchart Gardens! Robin~Gayle

5xygb7dklt 5:00 PM Oct 9, 2021

Year-round botanical blowout
The 100-year-old, 55 acre (22 hectare) garden has been designated a National Historic Site of Canada. Statistically, they have 900 bedding plant varieties, 26 greenhouses and 50 fulltime gardeners. When we arrived in October, staff had begun installing the thousands of Christmas lights for late afternoon and evening viewing from November 26 to January 6. The Sunken Garden in the original limestone quarry was the hit of our visit with annual beds, perennials, trees, shrubs, and the Ross Fountain. But don’t miss the Japanese Garden, Star Pond, Italian Garden, Rose Garden (autumn is not rose season even in this climate) and a Mediterranean Garden. Displays change with the season so each visit is different. The winding pathways are even and well signed. There is a dining room, café, and gift shop near the entrance. Adult tickets range from $20 to $30 and can be bought on the website. Youth and child admissions are less. We took a bus tour there that included entry and the cost was $75 from downtown Victoria.