Frequently Asked Questions

It is strongly recommended that you reserve your ticket in advance of your visit. On busy evenings when we reach capacity, those without timed entrance tickets and those who have not rebooked their incorrectly dated tickets may not be admitted. This includes 12 Month Pass holders. If you are uncertain of the date and time of your visit, you may purchase day of, subject to availability.

All timed entrance ticket sales are final. There are no refunds after the order has been made. If you have purchased timed entrance tickets and are unable to attend on the designated time or date, and cannot rebook within the 2025 Magic of Christmas season, the dollar value of the unused timed entrance ticket can be applied to a future visit. Tickets never expire. Outside of the Magic of Christmas season, you do not need to book a timed entrance ticket.

If you have purchased timed entrance tickets and are unable to attend on the designated ticket time or date:

• Select ‘Rebooking’ under the Categories option.
• Select the total number of tickets you need to rebook (ticket types are not necessary here).
• Select an available date and time.
• Arrive at the Admission Gate with BOTH your original timed entrance tickets and the rebooked timed entrance tickets. Without both sets of timed tickets, you will not be admitted.
• Our staff will scan the original timed entrance ticket as proof of payment and to ensure they have not been used for a previous admission.

If you know the date and time the other person would like to visit, you can simply purchase a timed entrance ticket for them through the “Christmas Tickets” portal on our website. If you wish to gift a Magic of Christmas visit to someone but you are unsure when they would like to visit, you may purchase gift e-tickets here. It is important that the gift e-ticket recipient is aware that they will then need to reserve a Magic of Christmas timed entrance ticket and to do so under the “Complimentary Admissions” ticket category.

As tickets may be presented either on a mobile device or in printed version, we ask that you divide tickets up appropriately and ensure each vehicle have screen shots or hard copies of the tickets they will be using.

In order for our timed ticketing system to be effective, we ask that all visitors make every effort to arrive at the time stated on the ticket. We allow 10 minutes prior to and after this time as leeway for travel.

Your Dining Room reservation will stand in place of your timed entrance ticket, so there is no need to book tickets. Arrive when you wish at our Admission Gate and provide your Dining Room reservation information. Our Admission Gate staff will take your admission payment or accept your valid 12 Month Pass. We ask that you arrive at the restaurant at the time of your reservation.

Pets are not permitted inside The Gardens for the Christmas season between 3:00pm and 8:00pm, but are most welcome from 8:00pm until closing. For the safety of your pet and other visitors, we ask that you keep your pet on a leash no longer than 4ft, under control and directly by your side at all times.

The average stroll through the Gardens during our Magic of Christmas season is about an hour. Please allocate more time should you wish to enjoy one of our food services facilities, peruse our Seed & Gift Store or take in a Festive Brass or Traditional Caroller performance.

Please book a “12 Month Pass holder” timed entrance ticket and present it to the Admission Gate staff upon arrival. Our staff will be happy to assist you in renewing your pass at this time. Should you be bringing guests with you on this visit, please select “Guest of 12 Month Pass Holder” timed entrance tickets. Please note that if the guests do not arrive with you in your vehicle, they will be charged full rate.

We do not. The Gardens will be open for your enjoyment until 10:00pm.

Tickets for our Magic of Christmas season go on sale the Wednesday after Canadian Thanksgiving (October 15, 2025). A red button to purchase tickets will be added to the Homepage of the website.

You can purchase e-tickets as a gift online or hard copy tickets that will be mailed out over the phone by calling 250-652-4422.

Online tickets are non-refundable but do not expire. If you are unable to visit on the ticket date, the value of the unused ticket can be applied towards the price of admission at any time.

The Butchart Gardens has distinct seasons, each with a unique offering. Visit our Seasons pages for further details. Our Plant Guide has more information.

Pets are welcome to visit provided they are kept directly at your side and under control at all times. You are expected to clean up after your pet.

From December 1 – January 6, pets will be permitted between 8:00pm – 10:00pm.

During all other times, pets are welcome at The Butchart Gardens. When visiting The Gardens with your pet:

• Please ensure you are fully aware of what your pet is doing at all times.
• For the safety of all visitors and to continue to allow dogs to visit, owners must keep pets on leash and no farther than 1 meter/3 feet. Retractable leashes are not permitted.
• Pick up after your pet so that others do not step in anything unpleasant. Waste bags are available when you enter The Gardens as well as the parking lot, at the Ross Fountain, the Carousel Patio and the Wharf Lookout. Litter can be deposited into garbage cans designated for trash.
• Avoid interactions with other pets to maintain the comfort and safety of all our visitors.

Please review the Pet Policy for information about leash restriction and BC Certified Guide & Service dogs.

You can view our map online ahead of time, or you can find printed maps in 23 languages at our Visitor Centre.

All parking is free. We do not permit overnight parking. We accommodate cars, bicycles and RVs. Accessible parking for those with disabilities is also available.

Our designated picnicking areas are adjacent to the main parking lot and on the Concert Lawn on entertainment nights.

BBQ’s of any kind are not permitted.

If it rains – or will rain imminently! – our staff distribute hundreds of umbrellas throughout the grounds and parking lots so you can borrow one and stay dry.

We also encourage visitors to bring their own umbrellas in the event of rain.

Yes, our Visitor Information Centre can hold luggage and other small items free of charge while you visit The Gardens.

Please turn in and report any lost items to the Visitor Information Centre. You can also collect items at the Visitor Centre. If you have lost an item, please contact reception at 250-652-4422 and they will direct you to our lost and found or email lostandfound@butchartgardens.com

Mobile first aid assistance is readily available and we encourage you to accept the help of our well-trained First Aid Attendants. If you experience or witness an injury, mishap or emergency, please notify any staff member immediately, report to our Visitor Information Centre, or call 250-652-4422. Our staff are well-equipped to assist you with any injury or medical incident and will ensure the incident is properly documented. Band-aids, anti-nausea and other comfort medications are available for sale in the Visitor Information Centre.