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Summer
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.
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 after weekly consultation with the Central Saanich Fire Department and may be cancelled due to extreme weather. Please check our website for updates.
Fireworks FAQ
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 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 pursue to 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 Firework 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 up in the clearly designated ‘lawn chair section’ on the Firework Viewing Lawn. We ask that blankets not be unfolded until after 4:00pm as they can trap heat underneath them, and damage the lawns. After 4:00pm, 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 Visitor Information Centre (if you ask a staff member, 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 with the Gardens is not permitted except for the Concert Lawn and Firework 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 subject 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 who become concerned for your pet’s safety.
Is my 12 Month Pass valid on Firework Saturdays?
Your 12 Month Pass is valid for visitation of the Garden until 4:00pm. Should you wish to enjoy the Gardens after this time, regular admission rates apply ($41.50 tax included).
Is private viewing an option?
Heighten your fireworks experience with seating in the reserved viewing area. Enjoy close parking and reserved seating. Subject to availability.
2024 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.
2025 Summer Entertainment performances will be on Wednesday through Sunday evenings. The calendar will be posted in late spring, so please continue to check back for updates.
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 begs, 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.
Summer Favourites
Begonia x tuberhybrida
Tuberous begonia.
Blooms in summer in various colours. Repetitive plantings.
Perennial grown as annual
Fuchsia
Deciduous shrub.
Over a 100 varieties bloom from late spring into fall.
Hardy shrubs and tender plants with pendulous flowers that attract hummingbirds.
Shrub
Hydrangea macrophylla
Mophead hydrangea.
Shrub
Rosa ‘Crimson Showers’ (red) and ‘Dorothy Perkins’ (pink)
Climbing Rose.
Blooms during summer along the arbours on the main path.
Perennial