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PoliciesGarden Etiquette
We have established Garden Etiquette for the enjoyment and safety of visitors and to provide a tranquil atmosphere for everyone while visiting The Butchart Gardens. We reserve the right to deny entry or remove any person(s) acting in contravention of our rules. Thank you for your cooperation.
- All persons on The Butchart Gardens’ property must follow the direction of staff.
- Selfie sticks are not permitted. Photography is welcome, but should not interfere with the enjoyment of other visitors; do not block pathways with tripods.
- Smoking and vaping are not permitted anywhere on the premises.
- No illicit drug use.
- No alcohol is allowed on the premises; our restaurants will be pleased to serve you.
- Visitors must conduct themselves in a respectful manner; obscene language or clothing, abusive behaviour or violence will not be tolerated and will result in removal from The Gardens.
- Youths must be supervised, and children must remain directly at your side and under control at all times.
- Quiet voices are expected in all areas of The Gardens.
- By pre-arrangement through our Group Services Department, chaperones responsible for the care and control of child and youth groups may be provided with complimentary admission.
- Wheelchairs and children’s strollers are available at the Visitor Information Centre; do not mistreat or use these items for any other purpose.
- Visitors with wider-than-average wheelchairs, mobility scooters, or strollers must be patient and use extra caution as certain areas may not be easily accessible.
- Costumes and cosplay of any type, including historic or period dress, masks or attire that may create a distraction are not permitted as they could be mistaken for entertainers or interpreters hired by The Gardens and could distract from the experience of other visitors. Insurance and security considerations require strict adherence to this policy.
- Wedding parties, wedding photos, ceremonies, or clothing resembling wedding attire are nor permitted in The Gardens, except as authorized during our Wedding Season, coinciding with the dates of our annual Spring Prelude (mid January – mid March).
- Please stay on the paths and be respectful of our plants; do not pick flowers or fruit, or step in flower beds.
- Only BC Certified Guide & Service dogs are permitted in restaurants and Seed & Gift Store.
- Pets are not permitted inside The Gardens during our Christmas season between the hours of 3:00pm and 8:00pm. Pets are welcome from 8:00pm until closing. At all other times of the year, pets are welcome to visit provided they are kept on leash, directly at your side and under control at all times. You are expected to clean up after your pet
The following activities are prohibited while visiting The Gardens
- Throwing, catching or kicking games, running or jogging.
- Wheeled-shoes, rollerblades, bicycles, scooters, skateboards, or other recreational wheeled devices.
- Segways.
- Pull wagons.
- Use of drones or kites.
- Music or unauthorized musical performances.
- Use of flashes for photographing or filming our Firework Shows.
- Distribution of any outside literature.
- Dispersal of ashes.
- Use of BBQ’s of any kind.