Fireworks at Butchart Gardens

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:

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.