Fireworks at Butchart Gardens (Wheelchair Accessible)

Description

Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

There's always something blooming at the acclaimed Butchart Gardens every day of the year. Fall brings a profusion of vibrant autumnal colors, winter's shorter days showcase evergreen shrubs and hundreds of varieties of primrose, and during spring you'll see 300,000 bulbs blanketing the 55-acre former home of Robert and Jennie Butchart. And summer at the gardens is also breathtaking. In addition to 900 varieties of dazzling floral displays this enchanted garden lights up the night with fireworks and a wonderland of subtle light and shadow known as Night Illumination.

Witness this extraordinary event during a four-hour evening excursion that starts with a tour of its themed gardens, spacious lawns and meandering pathways and ends with a spectacular fireworks show. To thoroughly enjoy the occasion be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes, warm clothing and bring a blanket for the 30-minute firework show (blankets can be purchased at the Butchart Gardens). And don't forget the camera – you're sure to take memorable photos (here's a tip - turn off your flash and set your camera to manual mode).

The fun begins in the late afternoon as you board the coach at the pier. Sit back and relax as you travel through the scenic Saanich Peninsula, home to mixed forests of Douglas fir, Western red cedar, and hemlock trees. Once you arrive at the Butchart Gardens you'll disembark for a self-guided two-hour tour of this intimate oasis acclaimed by National Geographic as one of the "world's top 10 gardens" in its book "The 10 Best of Everything."

Immerse yourself in the sights and scents of flowers, spacious lawns, rare trees, winding paths and lily ponds. Over a hundred years ago it was a quarry full of lifeless rocks, and today it's renowned as having one of the finest floral displays in the world. Wander among the Rose, Japanese, Italian and Mediterranean gardens, each with their own spectacular blossoms, fountains and abundant plantings.

And just wait until dark – this alluring garden lights up the night when it magically transforms into a Shangri-la of light. Thousands of lights, of varying intensities and colors, illuminate the floral splendor giving the gardens a fairytale quality. The magnificent Rose Fountain, the centerpiece of these lush gardens, dances with creative lighting while live entertainment on the Concert Lawn accompanies the effects.

But the spellbinding lights are just the beginning - on Saturday nights from early July through early September the sky is ablaze with fireworks with both aerial and ground displays choreographed to show tunes. What a great way to celebrate your visit to Victoria.

At the end of the show you'll rejoin your coach and return to your ship with a camera filled with wonderful memories of breathtaking beauty.

Special Notes:

The content of this tour is identical to YYJ-315. Only guests using a wheelchair can book this tour, as it ensures accessible transportation. Due to the specialized nature of some lift-equipped vehicles, priority is given to guests using a wheelchair and one companion only; additional companions may be required to travel on the transportation provided for tour YYJ-315. Bookings not marked with an accessibility requirement will be removed from the tour's inventory.

This tour can accommodate manual and electric wheelchairs. The lift on the vehicle can accommodate a maximum weight of 550 lbs., maximum length of 43 inches and maximum width of 31 inches. Passengers with disabilities must contact the onboard Tour Office at least 48 hours prior to the excursion to ensure arrangements can be made to meet their particular needs. Please be sure to read the "Accessible Cruising" information on the home page of Princess.com.

This tour is conducted in the evening and sunlight/visibility will be limited; however, portions of the garden are illuminated with subtle lighting displays. This tour is only available on Saturday night visits from July 8 through September 2.

Provided: Butchart Gardens map

Unaccompanied Minor Policy: Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.