When is the best time to visit Butchart Gardens? Each season has it’s pros and cons, and different flowers blooming at this world class garden.
What time of day is best to visit Butchart Gardens?
I particularly like the afternoon light, which is great for photography. I also like visiting the gardens at night as many parts of the garden are lit and there are typically less crowds. If possible visit both in day and night time.
Spring
Butchart Garden in March
March has the early blooming flowers like crocus and daffodils. There’s a chance for snow in March, and you can get a view like above, fresh snow in the green grass, with the beautiful blooming trees. Spring is the rainiest time to visit Butchart Garden, and you may even be so lucky or unlucky to see snow. You can get some amazing pictures of early spring flowers in the snow.
Butchart Garden in April
April is the best time to see tulips and the daffodils continue to bloom. If you really want to see some tulips in this region, catch the ferry over to Anacortes to visit the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival. April continues to be rainy.
Butchart Garden in May
May is warmer, but is usually rainy. The tulips are in bloom and the Rhododendrons are a real highlight – Butchart gardens has an extensive collection.
Summer
Summer has the best weather but it’s the busiest time to visit. Try to avoid visiting when there is a cruise ship in the port of Victoria, sometimes they visit in the day and sometimes in the evening (departing at midnight)
Summer Concerts and Fireworks
If you want something more than roaming around the gardens, the best day of the week to visit Butchart Gardens is a Saturday in the Summer. The gardens feature a free concert, followed by free fireworks show, followed by an organ concert. You can also see the gardens lit up after dark. Insider tips: Arrive early as traffic gets really heavy before the show. Set up your chairs for the fireworks in the afternoon, then go get your picnic dinner for the concert. When the concert is done, head over to your spot for the fireworks.
Butchart Gardens in June
June has the longest days and weather getting warmer. There are often rainy days but many sunny days too. Peonies and Fuchsia are blooming and of course the roses are in bloom in June!
Butchart Gardens in July
The summer flowers are in full bloom and July has some of the sunniest days of the year. All the extra options are available in Butchart Garden including boat rides and concerts. If you can, visit on a Saturday to catch the amazing fireworks show.
Butchart Gardens in August
August is similar to July, with all the extra activities from concerts to fireworks. Expect sunny days and perfect weather.
Fall
Butchart Gardens in September
September is a great time to see the late summer flowers like daisies. By mid-September, you will see the start of fall colors in the trees. The Japanese Maples are especially pretty.
Winter
Butchart Gardens in December
In December, the gardens are opened for the celebration of Christmas. Butchart Gardens features carolers, skating, and lots of twinkling lights.
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Where to Stay when Visiting Butchart Gardens
The best place to stay is downtown Victoria, BC where you can walk to many restaurants, bars, and attractions. Check Rates and Availability in Victoria.
How to Get to Butchart Gardens from Victoria
The cheapest way to get to Butchart Gardens is to take Bus #75 which runs from downtown Victoria to Butchart Gardens. Alternatively you can take one of many tours and shuttles, ask at your hotel.
Is Butchart Gardens Worth It?
Butchart Gardens is one of the nicest gardens in the world. It’s a definite must if you are in Victoria. But, I highly recommend it as a day trip from the city of Vancouver as part of a Vancouver itinerary.
Exploring Vancouver Island
There are so many things to do on Vancouver Island beyond Victoria and Butchart Gardens, some recommended activities:
- Hiking in Pacific Rim National Park
- Whale Watching in Port McNeill
- Snorkeling with Salmon in Campbell River
- Grizzly Bear Safari from Campbell River
- Vancouver Island Road Trip
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