B.C. Bucket List: Bask in Florals at The Butchart Gardens

From must-see attractions to outdoor adventures and more, discover and explore the best B.C. has to offer

Whether you grew up on the West Coast, have recently moved here, or are just planning to visit, there’s no doubt you’ve got a bunch of adventures you can’t wait to cross off your bucket list. To help you prioritize, we’re sharing some of our must-do B.C. experiences so you don’t miss out.

Experience: Surround yourself with fragrant florals at one of B.C.’s National Historic Sites in Central Saanich

Cost: Prices vary

Location: 800 Benvenuto Ave, Brentwood Bay

Bucket list factor: Experience the 55-acre floral display at The Butchart Gardens. The 119-year-old oasis features five distinct gardens and was named one of B.C.’s National Historic Sites in 2004. The gardens include: the Sunken Garden, Rose Garden, Japanese Garden, Italian Garden, and Mediterranean Garden. Each is unique and displays a different theme.
Spring marks the bloom of 300,000 bright bulbs throughout the gardens, including roses, tulips, daffodils and hyacinth. Guests can explore this floral wonderland and surround themselves with a collection of bronze statues throughout the site. Not to mention, check out the famous Ross Fountain in a quarry. Other activities at the gardens include:

• A Rose Carousel with 30 hand-carved animals and chariots, decorated with paintings of red roses along the ride.
• The Wharf for boaters to enter the gardens, with five buoys that can accommodate boats up to 40 feet. The boats are available on a first-come, first-served basis for up to 24 hours.
• The Concert Lawn Stage, which hosts performances during the summertime. Surrounded by rows of roses, this open-air stage is a beautiful spot to enjoy some live music.
• Mother’s Day lunch buffet is served at the Blue Poppy Restaurant inside the gardens, offering assorted charcuterie, cheese and fresh seafood. The buffet is available from 11:00 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. and reservations are required. 

Bask in the spring sun with family and friends as the flowers begin to bloom throughout the gardens. Various local tours are available if you’d like a talk through facts and details about the dreamy venue.

General admission tickets ($36.50 for adults in the Spring) and year-round passes ($74.50 for adults) are available online or at the door. If you want the best bang-for-your-buck, the annual pass also comes with a 10 per cent discount on all food and in-store purchases from the gift shop.