Spectacular Summer
June 1 – September 30
From colourful florals in the day to subtle plays of light and shadow in the evening, summer offers breathtaking drama as day fades into night.
Our Summer at a Glance provides a snapshot of our daily operations to help you plan your visit this summer season.
Summer Firework Saturdays
Saturday evenings in July and August, bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy our world-class firework show with your friends and family. Each show features original aerial and ground displays choreographed to music and designed by Jennie Butchart’s great-grandson Christopher Ross. Fireworks are included with your admission to The Gardens.
Fireworks are presented under permit after weekly consultation with the Central Saanich Fire Department and may be cancelled due to extreme weather. Admission tickets are non-refundable, but retain their value and can be used at a later date. Please check back for updates.
Saturday, June 29 | 10:15 PM |
Saturday, July 6 | 10:00 PM |
Saturday, July 13 | 10:00 PM |
Saturday, July 20 | 9:45 PM |
Saturday, July 27 | 9:45 PM |
Saturday, August 3 | 9:30 PM |
Saturday, August 10 | 9:15 PM |
Saturday, August 17 | 9:15 PM |
Saturday, August 24 | 9:00 PM |
Saturday, August 31 | 8:45 PM |
How long is the Firework display?
The show is approximately 30 minutes in length, set to music and is a combination of aerial and ground structure displays.
When should we arrive? Am I able to leave and come back later?
Readmission is not permitted on Firework Saturdays, so we suggest that you arrive in the afternoon. Entertainment will begin on our Concert Lawn stage 3 hours prior to Fireworks show time. We have many Food Services options and a Seed & Gift Store to peruse to also help wile away the time. Should you wish to visit with us the next day, when the gardens may be quieter, you can purchase a single next day readmission for an additional $3.70 tax included. You must also present your original admission ticket which our staff will collect from you upon re-entry.
How long does it take to exit after the Fireworks show?
Exiting can take upwards of 30 minutes.
May we bring our own lawn chairs and blankets for the fireworks?
You are welcome to bring your lawn chair (all varieties permitted), and set it up in the clearly designated ‘lawn chair section’ on the Fireworks Viewing Lawn. We ask that blankets not be unfolded until after 4pm as they can trap heat underneath them, and damage the lawns. After 4pm, visitors can set out their blankets to reserve their spot and then continue on to enjoy the Gardens until closer to showtime. We have wooden benches set out on our Concert Lawn that you are welcome to use while enjoying the stage entertainment prior to the fireworks.
Do you allow outside food and drinks?
Outside food is allowed during your visit, however, alcoholic beverages are not permitted.
Do you allow picnics within the gardens?
There are two picnic tables located close to our Information Centre (if you ask a staff member there, they will point them out to you). Additionally, we have several picnic tables in the green spaces of our parking lots. Picnicking on the grassy areas/lawns within the Gardens is not permitted except for the Concert Lawn and Fireworks Viewing Lawn. Please note that BBQs are not permitted.
What happens if the forecast is for rain or inclement weather?
As the fireworks are an outdoor event, they are subjected to the elements. Rain and wind may result in small changes to the performance, but the show will go on! We will have complimentary umbrellas and ‘bum mats’ available for visitors to use and we recommend wearing warm, waterproof clothing on these evenings.
May I bring my pet on Firework Saturdays?
We strongly recommend that you do not bring your pets as they can be very frightened and distressed by fireworks. The temperature is often too warm during the summer months to leave your pet in your vehicle and doing so can upset other visitors whom become concerned for your pet’s safety.
Is my 12 Month Pass valid of Firework Saturdays?
Admission restrictions apply on Firework Saturdays. 12 Month Passes are not valid after 4:00pm on Firework Saturdays days. 12 Month Pass holders who arrive for a daytime visit on a Firework Saturday will be charged our full Adult rate which will be fully refunded if they depart by 4:00pm. Pass holders will be parked at the south end of the Bus Parking Lot and must enter and exit The Gardens through the Turnstiles. Please note that close parking will not be available on these days.
Heighten your fireworks experience with seating in the private viewing area. Enjoy close parking, and reserved seating. Subject to availability.
RATES
Adult : $275
Youth: $255
Child: $238
Rates in Canadian dollars include tax.
Please call 250-652-4422 ext 320 to reserve.
Entertainment
Evenings throughout July and August, you can take in a live performance from our outdoor stage on the Concert Lawn. Nestled amidst lush trees, the stage plays host to a variety of performers. Summer concerts are included with your admission ticket.
2024 Summer Entertainment performances Wednesday through Saturday evenings.
Concert Times |
Wednesday through Friday performances begin at 8:00pm. |
Saturday performances begin 3 hours prior to Firework show time. |
Night Illuminations
June 1 – September 15
Wednesday to Sunday evenings as dusk settles, thousands of subtle lights transform The Gardens into a magical wonderland, showcasing an artistic display of light and shadow.
In full bloom
Summer welcomes colourful Delphiniums, setting the stage for our Rose Garden. Once the Delphiniums have finished blooming, we find our rhythm, a pattern of deadheading Roses, replanting flower beds and dispersing insects to help control pests. Over 900 varieties of plants are grown for our summer gardens alone with an emphasis on floral beauty and colour.