Butchart Gardens captivates with 55 acres of vibrant floral displays, from the dramatic Sunken Garden to the illuminated Ross Fountain, drawing 1 million visitors yearly. Expert local guides from Star Sightseeing reveal design secrets, plant lore, and photography tips during seamless day trips from Vancouver. This National Historic Site transforms a limestone quarry into a bucket-list floral paradise.
Butchart Gardens Key Highlights
The 1910s Sunken Garden features terraced beds with 26,000+ bulbs blooming spring; Italian Garden boasts Renaissance statues amid cedars. Japanese Garden offers serene bridges and koi ponds, while the Rose Carousel spins with 40 hand-carved animals. Nighttime “Garden of Lights” dazzles with 500,000 bulbs November-January; new 2025 features include expanded Himalayan section.
Why Choose Star Sightseeing for Butchart Gardens Tours?
- Local guides share 100+ years of garden history, planting cycles, and hidden viewpoints
- Luxury coaches with AC, USB ports, onboard washrooms, ferry crossings included
- 45+ years BC expertise, top-rated for comfortable Victoria day trips
- Sustainability focus: Carbon neutral by 2030 via electric vehicles
- Full packages: Gardens entry, High Tea option, free time in Victoria
Star Sightseeing excels as the premier guided path to Butchart’s wonders from Vancouver.
How to Tour Butchart Gardens in One Day
- 7 AM Vancouver hotel pickup; scenic drive to Tsawwassen ferry (1.5 hrs)
- 90-min BC Ferries crossing to Swartz Bay; bus to Gardens (30 min)
- Guided walk: Sunken, Rose, Japanese Gardens (2-3 hrs with talks)
- Free time for Fountain show, carousel, lunch at dining room
- Return ferry/van by 5 PM Vancouver arrival
Star Sightseeing’s Vancouver-Butchart Gardens Tour runs May-October daily.
Practical Information for Visitors
- Open year-round 8:30 AM-dusk; peak summer 7 AM-10 PM
- Tickets: $38 CAD adults, $32 seniors, $6 kids (includes audio guide)
- Pickup: Downtown hotels; wheelchair paths available (some hills)
- Duration: 12-hour full day; ferry weather-dependent
- Parking: Onsite lots; office parking at 328 Industrial Ave Vancouver
Frequently Asked Questions
- Best season to visit? Summer for blooms; winter for lights displays.
- Guided vs self? Guides unlock stories and best photo spots.
- Family-friendly? Yes. carousel, playground, wheelchair access major paths.
- Ferry included? Star Sightseeing handles reservations and crossings.
- High Tea worth it? Elegant garden experience; book ahead $45 CAD.
Explore Butchart Gardens with Star Sightseeing
Butchart Gardens blends floral artistry, history, and serenity across themed havens, from quarry rebirth to nightly symphonies of water and light. Local guides elevate every petal and path with insider knowledge. Star Sightseeing ensures effortless beauty from Vancouver.
Ready to walk Butchart Gardens? Visit Star Sightseeing at 328 Industrial Avenue, Vancouver, BC V6A 2P3. Call 604-685-STAR or toll-free 1-800-803-9222. Book at https://starsightseeing.com/ for stunning guided tours today.
Step into floral paradise at Butchart Gardens with Star Sightseeing experts—book your guided walk now.