Vancouver Island Excursions
Butchart Sunken Garden © Tourism Victoria/Butchart Gardens Ltd
Butchart Gardens
With well over a million visitors a year, the hundred-year-old
Butchart Gardens remain a favourite, and one of Vancouver Island's
principal attractions. Situated about 14 miles (21km) north of
Victoria, the Gardens were begun in the early 1900s by Jennie
Butchart (wife of industrialist Robert Pim Butchart) in an
abandoned limestone quarry owned by the family and their fame soon
spread, attracting thousands. Now, 55 acres are open to be
explored, and visitors can wander the paths through exquisitely
laid out gardens, including the Sunken Garden (the original garden
started in the quarry), a Japanese Garden, Rose Garden and Italian
Garden. Spring and autumn are perhaps the best times to visit, when
the Gardens become a riot of colour, though winter and summer hold
their own delights. Every Saturday, from the beginning of July to
the end of September, the Gardens are transformed by a dazzling
fireworks show, as well as a recital on the self-playing, rare
Aeolian Pipe Organ and the Night Illuminations light display. Other
attractions and events in the park include an ice-skating rink and
Twelve Days of Christmas display in December, and afternoon and
evening shows and concerts in summer.
Address: 800 Benvenuto Avenue, Brentwood Bay;
E-mail: email@butchartgardens.com;
Website: www.butchartgardens.com;
Telephone: (250) 652 5256;
Transport: Accessible by ferry, car or bus;
Opening time: Open daily at 9am, closing times vary month to month (see website for details);
Admission: Rates vary according to season, from C$16.25 - C$28 (adults); C$8.25 - C$14 (youth 13-17 years); C$2 - C$3 (children 5-12 years)
