Butchart Gardens : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide

Butchart Gardens is one of Canada’s most popular tourist attractions in the Victoria area, located on Vancouver Island. Known for its stunning beauty, Butchart Gardens boasts over fifty-five acres of lush floral displays, streams, trails, and ponds. It is also home to the world’s largest illuminated display of dance fountains. With its vibrant colors, delightful music, and peaceful atmosphere, Butchart Gardens provides a tranquil respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. In this blog post, you’ll discover interesting facts and information about Butchart Gardens, as well as some useful travel tips so you can make the most out of your visit. Let’s begin exploring the beauty of Butchart Gardens!

Interesting Facts About Butchart Gardens

1. Butchart Gardens was initially a limestone quarry owned by Mr and Mrs Robert Butchart.
2. The gardens were designed by Isaburo Kishida, a renowned Japanese landscape designer.
3. Butchart Gardens was once home to the world’s first outdoor ice rink.
4. The gardens grow over 800 varieties of herbs and flowers.
5. In 2004, the gardens were added to the Canadian Register of Historic Places.
6. In 2008, a steam engine locomotive was added to the gardens.
7. Butchart Gardens has a permanent display of over 250,000 plants and trees.
8. The gardens host a symphony orchestra each summer during their Saturday Night Concerts.
9. The gardens also have an outdoor theatre, where plays and musicals are performed in the summer months.
10. Butchart Gardens is home to some of the rarest species of trees in the world, including the rare Douglas Fir.

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History & Information About Butchart Gardens

Butchart Gardens is a celebrated set of 55 acres of gardens located on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. It is considered one of the most popular tourist destinations in the province and was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 2004.

The gardens were founded by Jennie Butchart in 1904, when she and her husband, Robert Butchart, began to develop the gardens on the limestone quarry that was excavated for their cement plant. Jennie Butchart, an avid gardener, created a tranquil space of seasonal beauty that quickly drew attention from visitors.

The Butchart family continued to develop the gardens over the course of the next few decades, eventually creating an extensive collection with over 900 varieties of plants and flowers. In 1959, the gardens were formally opened to the public as a tourist attraction.

Today, Butchart Gardens offers a wide range of attractions, including 18 display gardens, an outdoor music stage, seasonal festivals, and a restaurant. The gardens are open daily, year-round and attract over one million visitors annually. The grounds are covered with seasonal plants, and visitors can take a 55-minute tour of the gardens by horse-drawn carriage, take a self-guided walking tour, or purchase a ticket to ride the steam train from downtown Victoria.

Butchart Gardens is considered one of the best examples of garden conservation and design and has been featured in numerous travel guides including The Guardian and National Geographic Magazine. It is one of the most photographed sites in Canada and a top tourist destination in the region.

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Travel Guide For Visiting Butchart Gardens

Butchart Gardens is an enchanting tourist attraction in Brentwood Bay, British Columbia. Located just 45 minutes from the capital city of Victoria, it’s a popular destination for nature lovers and sightseers alike. Whether you’re visiting for a day or staying for a week, here are some tips for visiting Butchart Gardens.

Getting There:

Butchart Gardens is easily accessible by car or public transportation. If you’re driving, you can take the scenic route from Victoria along the Saanich Inlet. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Victoria’s downtown bus station directly to the entrance of Butchart Gardens.

Hours of Operation:

Butchart Gardens is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Some months of the year may have extended hours–check ahead to confirm.

Things to Do:

Butchart Gardens offers a wide variety of activities. You can stroll through the gardens while admiring the various statues, fountains, and floral displays. There’s also a 1/2-mile walking path that takes you through some of the most popular attractions, such as the Japanese Garden, Sunken Garden, and Rose Carousel.

If you’re looking for something a little more adventurous, you can explore the grounds on an electric bike, or go for a wild ride on the Railway Garden. Kids will also love the musical fireworks show that’s put on each Saturday evening.

Planning Your Stay:

There are lots of great places to stay near Butchart Gardens. The property offers several lodging options, including a charming hotel and charming cottages. If you’re looking for a longer stay, you can also find vacation rentals in the area for added convenience.

Food and Drink:

Butchart Gardens has a variety of restaurants and bars. The Dining Room offers upscale dining with breathtaking views of the gardens, while the Blue Poppy is a casual spot for pub fare. And for a refreshing beverage, you can’t go wrong with the extensive wine list at the Victoria Wine Bar.

Whether you’re planning a quick getaway or an extended vacation, Butchart Gardens is a must-visit destination. Use this guide to help make the most of your time in this enchanting corner of British Columbia!

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Frequently Asked Questions About Butchart Gardens

Q: Where is the Butchart Gardens located?
A: Butchart Gardens is located in Brentwood Bay, British Columbia, just outside of Victoria, British Columbia.

Q: What kind of gardens are at the Butchart Gardens?
A: Butchart Gardens is renowned for its beautiful display gardens, including Japanese, Italian, Rose, and Sunken gardens, as well as a variety of trees and shrubbery.

Q: What are some features of the Butchart Gardens?
A: Butchart Gardens features a variety of activities for all ages, such as ice-skating in the winter, outdoor theater performances and concerts in the summer, a carousel, incredible fireworks displays, and a seasonal Garden Store.

Q: How much does it cost to visit the Butchart Gardens?
A: General Admission for adult visitors (ages 16+) is CAD $38.95 and for children ages 6-15 is CAD $15.50 (children 5 & under are free). Prices may vary depending on special events during certain times of the year.

Q: Are there any restaurants at the Butchart Gardens?
A: Yes, the Butchart Gardens offers a variety of dining options including the Dining Room, The Tea Room, the Blue Poppy, and the Children’s Tea Room.

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