We tally the blooms in our gardens, boulevards and city parks and then faithfully report them to Flower Count Headquarters, which announces the grand total with much fanfare and great pride. The annual Flower Count is both a charity fundraiser and a reminder to the rest of Canada that spring comes to Victoria first; and nowhere is this fact more evident than at Butchart Gardens.

Located just 13 miles north of Victoria, this 50-acre horticultural landmark is considered the Number 1 attraction by locals and is the winner of the coveted Victoria News’ Best of the City Award.

Butchart Gardens began in 1904 when Jenny Butchart covered one of the family’s old quarries with soil, giving birth to the Sunken Garden. By 1908, Jenny and her husband Robert had created a Japanese Garden, and later constructed an Italian Garden where their tennis court used to sit. The fine Rose Garden replaced a large kitchen vegetable patch in 1929.

Mrs. Butchart’s reputation as a talented gardener quickly spread and, by the 1920s, more than 50,000 visitors came each year to see her creation. More than 80 years later, the gardens are still breathtakingly beautiful and extremely popular. In fact, Butchart Gardens plays host to more than one-and-a-quarter million visitors each year.

The gardens are open year-round and present a range of entertainment including Saturday night fireworks in the summer and traditional holiday carolers in the winter. You’ll find a variety of restaurants on the grounds, from fine dining in the Dining Room (the salmon comes highly recommended) to lighter fare in the Coffee Shop.

Do you wish you could take some of the flowers home with you? Then stop by the Gift Shop for seeds and other souvenirs of your visit.

Most of the gardens are wheelchair accessible. They open daily at 9 p.m. with closing times and entrance fees varying according to season. If you like to appreciate nature in relative solitude, it’s best to visit the gardens after 3 p.m.

Written By: Maria Lironi
Photo Credit: Jen McQuaide

Features
Kid Friendly  |  Bathrooms  |  Walking Trails  |  Wheelchair Accessible  |  Dinner  |  Espresso  |  Lunch  |  Smoke-free  |  Take-Out  |  Takes Reservations

Comments
Definately a must see if you have some time to get out there from town. I've been to the garden for every season, and I think spring is the best, although it's all great. Don't forget your skates around Christmas!
- S. Peter on Mon, December 11, 2006

Another highlight of my visit. I really wasn't interested in going to some gardens, but the rest of my crowd wanted to so I went. I am so glad I did. It is such a lovely place.
- Alice on Thu, September 7, 2006

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