The Butchart Gardens –
A World of Bloom in Every Season

Tucked away on Vancouver Island just north of Victoria, The Butchart Gardens offer a botanical escape that dazzles the senses and soothes the soul. With over a century of horticultural artistry behind it, this National Historic Site of Canada has become a global icon of garden design and floral beauty — and one of the most famous gardens Victoria has to offer.

Each path leads to a new sensory experience: the earthy scent of moss and cedar, the gentle burble of fountains, the riot of tulip colour in spring or the hush of lantern-lit evenings in summer. Whether you’re a passionate gardener or just want to wander through something extraordinary, this historic Canadian garden delivers.

The story began in the early 1900s, when Jennie Butchart, the wife of cement magnate Robert Butchart, envisioned turning the exhausted limestone quarry near their home into something beautiful. With vision, patience, and determination, she transformed the barren pit into the now-iconic Sunken Garden, and over the decades expanded the grounds into a world-renowned horticultural wonder. Her legacy is lovingly preserved by the Butchart family to this day.

Once a limestone quarry, the Sunken Garden is the most iconic section of the estate. Terraced paths and stone staircases wind past reflective pools, giant weeping trees, and vibrant flowerbeds. From the upper viewpoint, it looks like a secret world carved into the earth.

Home to over 2,500 rose bushes, this section bursts with scent and colour in summer. English, hybrid tea, and climbing roses create a maze of floral abundance. Bees hum, petals glow, and photographers lose all sense of time.

A shaded world of red maples, stone lanterns, and trickling streams. Designed by Isaburo Kishida in 1907, it’s a space of harmony and quiet reflection. Winding bridges and moss-covered stones guide visitors through this lush, meditative corner.

Laid out on the site of the Butchart family’s former tennis court, the Italian Garden offers geometric ponds, classical fountains, and a chance to sip gelato under a striped parasol.

During summer, the gardens take on a whole new life after sunset. Strategically placed lighting transforms trees and pathways into a dreamscape. It’s one of the most atmospheric ways to explore the grounds.

Over a century of bloom — the Sunken Garden at Butchart Gardens glows under evening light in one of the world’s most celebrated botanical destinations. Image: fotofriends/Shutterstock

• Over one million bedding plants representing 900 varieties
• A legacy of five generations of Butchart family stewardship
• Internationally recognized as one of the world’s top display gardens
• Year-round beauty: tulips in spring, fireworks in summer, dahlias in fall, and magical lights at Christmas
• Home to restaurants, cafes, a curated gift shop, and even a carousel

Fun fact: The Butchart Gardens welcome nearly a million visitors annually and have been wowing guests since 1904.

A welcoming sight: the Butchart Gardens water wheel framed by tulips and spring blossoms near the entrance. Image pr2is/Shutterstock

The Butchart Gardens are more than a collection of flowerbeds — they are a living museum of design, history, and horticultural passion. As one of the most iconic flower gardens on Vancouver Island, their legacy stretches far beyond British Columbia.

Whether you visit on a romantic getaway, as part of a Vancouver Island tour, or simply to unwind in nature’s most elegant setting, Butchart is a place that stays with you long after the petals fade.

The majestic Butchart fountain in full display — a dazzling centrepiece framed by afternoon blooms and golden light.

The Butchart Gardens are located in Brentwood Bay, approximately 23 km (14 miles) north of downtown Victoria, British Columbia. Set along a quiet inlet, the gardens are an easy stop for anyone visiting Victoria or exploring Vancouver Island. They’re a highlight of any Vancouver Island tour and rank among the top flower gardens in Canada.

• By car: A 30-minute drive from downtown Victoria with free on-site parking.
• By tour bus or private vehicle: Popular as part of Victoria sightseeing tours.
• By boat: Some visitors arrive via private yacht or harbour-to-garden cruise.
• By floatplane: Visitors from Vancouver can take a scenic Harbour Air flight to Victoria, then connect by ground.

Travel tip: The gardens are especially busy on weekends and holidays – advance ticket booking is recommended. Evening visits during the summer offer cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.