2 Hour Visit Itinerary
Giving yourself two hours to experience The Butchart Gardens will allow you to see the sights and perhaps stop for a little shopping on your way out.
Here is a route that will help to maximize your time at The Gardens.
Sunken Garden
When you first arrive, you will pass through Waterwheel Square on your way to the iconic Sunken Garden. Stop and take in the view at the lookout before descending into the garden oasis, surrounding yourself with layers upon layers of garden beds, trees and shrubs.
Points of Interest in the Sunken Garden
- The Mound
- Sunken Garden Lake
Ross Fountain
As you leave the Sunken Garden, the path naturally leads you to an area overlooking the Ross Fountain. The fountain was installed in 1964 by Robert Ian Ross, Jennie and Robert’s grandson, to celebrate the 60th anniversary of The Butchart Gardens.
Rose Garden
From June through August, treat your senses to the stunning Rose Garden in full bloom. This garden offers spaces to “stop and smell the roses” and the Rose Arch offers the ideal backdrop for pictures.
Japanese Garden
After the Rose Garden, you will find yourself surrounded by lush greenery in the tranquil Japanese Garden. With a West Coast influence, this peaceful space features Japanese landscaping techniques, an abundance of trickling streams and is your entryway to Butchart Cove.
Star Pond
After the Japanese Garden, you will discover the splendid Star Pond—originally designed for Mr. Butchart’s collection of ornamental ducks, this twelve-point pond, surrounded by colourful annuals (spring/summer/autumn), has a charming frog fountain rising from its centre.
Italian Garden
Beyond the pond, stands the Italian Garden bounded by two arched entrances. This garden, originally the Butchart’s tennis court, has a bronze statue of Mercury and an intricate cross-shaped pond. This impressive garden was commissioned from Samuel MacLure, a prominent Canadian architect.
Seed & Gift Store
The Seed and Gift store started as a mail order seed catalogue in 1920 when Jennie Butchart began packaging seeds to satisfy requests from visitors worldwide. Today, you will find everything from hand-packaged seeds to one-of-a-kind gifts made by local artisans. We have warm, knowledgeable staff on hand to serve you. Plus, you can buy in store and ship later.