The Butchart Gardens is built on what was originally an excavation site that was stripped of all it's limestone, known as the Tod Inlet cement factory. Robert Butchart's wife, Jennie, decided to refurbish the stripped land and create a garden in the sunken land. She then turned the modest garden to a more exotic one that reflected her world travels by adding a Japanese, Italian, and rose gardens. Many of the fountains and statues are are also part of their collections from around the world. The bronze casting of the wild boar, named Tacca, is one of the more favorite with it being a rare bronze copy of a casting of the marble statue displayed in the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy. Tacca is dedicated to all the children and dogs who visit and many rub it's nose for good luck.

Her husband, impressed with her work, added bird houses filled ornamental birds from all over the world. By the 1920's word had spread about the Butchart's garden and had more than fifty thousand people visit every year. They had many parties which are recreated from January 15 to March 15, at the old family house. Their once modest garden has grown into a a premier West Coast display garden. The only surviving portion of the Tod Inlet cement factory is the tall chimney of of the torn down kilnhttp://www.butchartgardens.com/the-gardens/our-history/our-history.html

The Butchart Gardens is open everyday at 9 a.m. except for Christmas day when they open at 1 p.m. The gates close at 9 p.m. Parking is free for guests.http://www.butchartgardens.com/planning-your-visit/admission-hours-and-rates/admission-information.html All prices are in Canadian Dollars and do not include tax. Admission in the Spring is $27 for adults, $13.50 for youth (13-17), and $2 for children (5-12). Summer rates are $28.10 for adults, $14.05 for youth, and $2.86 for children. Autumn rates from Oct 1 - Oct 31 are $23.57 for adults, $11.90 for youth, and $1.90 for children; from Nov. 1-30 is $18.10 for adults, $9.05 for youth, and $1.90 for children. For the Christmas season Dec 1 -Jan 6 admission is $23.57 for adults, $11.90 for youth, and $2.86 for children. Winter dates from Jan 7 - Jan 14 is $16 for adults, $8 for youth, and $2 for children. From Jan 15 - Mar 20 it is $21.50 for adults, $10.75 for youth, and $2 for children. Discounts are available for next day re-admission.http://www.butchartgardens.com/planning-your-visit/admission-hours-and-rates/admission-rates.html

The 12 month pass will allow you to receive 10% discounts on the gift store, restaurant, and admission for a friend as well as a reduced rate for the boat tours. The regular pass is $52.38 and the Fireworks pass with includes admission to one fireworks show is $76.67.http://www.butchartgardens.com/planning-your-visit/admission-hours-and-rates/enjoy-the-benefits-of-a-12-month-pass.html

A majority of the gardens are wheel chair accessible. There are a limited supply of wheel chairs available for a $10 refundable deposit. Strollers are also available free of charge, but must be returned. All restrooms have baby changing tables. Clear umbrellas are also available for guest all through out the park, these too should be returned. Pets are allowed but must be on a leash, if you do not have one you can borrow one at the Visitor Information Centre. Refuse bags for picking up after your pet are also available. While pets are allows it is recommend that they are not brought to the firework show. Picnic tables are located next to the main parking lot.http://www.butchartgardens.com/planning-your-visit/visitor-services/visitor-services.html

The electric boat tours are 45 minutes long and go along Brentwood Bay. The boat Jennie B. holds up to 12 passengers and docks hourly from 11am to 4pm. Extra docking hours are added during Summer Firework Saturdays. Adult admission is $16.75, youth (13-17) is $12.75 and children (5-12) are $10. 12-month pass holders receive $2.00 off. The Special Family Rate is available for families with at least 2 adults present is $14.75 for adults, youth (13-17) are $10.75, and children (5-12) are $8. All prices are in Canadian dollars and do not include tax. There are many wildlife that can be seen on the tour but are not guaranteed. They are seals, herons, eagles, and otters.http://www.butchartgardens.com/the-gardens/the-gardens-home/eco-friendly-electric-boat-tours.html

There are many thing to do at the garden other then just smelling the roses. From January 15 - March 31 the garden hosts many weddings, buy seeds in the super Seed and Gift Store, watch one of the skating clubs put on a figure skating exhibition, skate on the outdoor rink under the stars, attend one of Christopher's Fireworks Shows, pick up walnuts in the Fall under the trees by the totems, see the Ross Fountain, or one of the many other activities available at the garden.http://www.butchartgardens.com/planning-your-visit/150-things-to-do/150-things-to-do-at-the-butchart-gardens.html

In order to attend one of the restaurants on the garden, general admission is required. The Dining Room serves afternoon tea year round. Lunch is served seasonally April 1 - November 15 and dinner is served from June 15 – Sept 15, then again from Dec 1 – Jan 6. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling 250-652-8222.http://www.butchartgardens.com/food--beverage/the-dining-room-restaurant/the-dining-room-restaurant.html The Blue Poppy Restaurant is open seasonally April 15 - June 14 with hours from 11 am - 4 pm, June 15 - September 5 from 11 am - 8 pm, September 6 - October 12 from 11 am - 4 pm, October 13 - November 30 is closed, and reopens December 1 - January 6 from 4 pm - 8 pm. The Coffee shop is open year round during regular open and closing times.http://www.butchartgardens.com/food--beverage/the-blue-poppy-restaurant/the-blue-poppy-restaurant---hours-of-operation.html The