Kelowna 
The Butchart Gardens, a National Historic Site of Canada, is preparing for a spectacular summer season filled with vibrant flower displays and exciting entertainment.
Credit: The Butchart Gardens
The transition from spring to summer brings an explosion of colourful florals during the day, while evenings are enchanting with captivating plays of light and shadow.
As visitors wander through the gardens in Victoria, they will encounter remnants of the original cement plant alongside millions of bedding plants boasting over 900 varieties.
About the Garden:
The Butchart Gardens originated in 1904 when Robert and Jennie Butchart built a cement plant on the island. When the limestone deposits were exhausted, Jennie transformed the quarry into the Sunken Garden.
Over the years, the Butchart Gardens expanded, adding the Japanese Garden, the Italian Garden, and the Rose Garden. In 1939, their grandson, Ian Ross, further developed the gardens, introducing outdoor concerts and the Magic of Christmas event. The family’s legacy continued with Christopher Ross organizing annual firework shows, and Robin Clarke, the current owner, adding the Rose Carousel.
The gardens celebrated their 100th anniversary in 2004 and were designated a National Historic Site of Canada. Today, visitors can explore the gardens, which feature remnants of the original cement plant and a wide variety of bedding plants.
Summer Flowers:
Summer blooms transform the gardens into a vibrant showcase of colour and fragrance, from towering delphiniums to thousands of stunning roses in full bloom. Wander through the Rose Garden featuring 2,500 rose plants and 30 arches, explore the tranquil Japanese Garden with flowing streams and maple trees, or discover exotic drought-resistant plants in the Mediterranean Garden.
With more than 900 plant varieties grown for summer displays, the gardens offer a breathtaking seasonal escape filled with beauty, scent, and serenity.
Plus, you can also enjoy a 45-minute electric boat tour exploring local waters, historic sites, and wildlife, including seals, eagles, and otters, with guided commentary from your captain.
Live Entertainment – Summer:
Live music returns to the Concert Lawn this July and August with an exciting lineup of outdoor performances set against beautiful garden views.
A special concert features The Wailin’ Jennys, the internationally acclaimed folk trio known for their breathtaking harmonies, emotional performances, and award-winning sound.
Visitors can enjoy the work of artists including Connie Kaldor, Morgan Toney, Krystle Dos Santos, and Stephen Fearing.
Summer concerts are included with the admission ticket to the gardens. Limited guaranteed admission tickets go on sale Friday, May 22, at 9:00 am.
Sunken Garden; Credit: The Butchart Gardens
Night Illumination:
As dusk falls, the Gardens undergo a magical transformation with the Night Illumination. Over 3,000 subtle lights create an artistic spectacle of light and shadow, turning the gardens into a wonderland.
The garden is illuminated from Wednesday to Sunday, and visitors are encouraged to arrive in the late afternoon to explore the gardens in daylight, savour Afternoon Tea or a meal at the Blue Poppy Restaurant, and then take a leisurely stroll through the enchanting illuminated landscape.
Summer Firework Saturdays:
Credit: The Butchart Gardens
Saturday evenings in July and August are highlighted by the Summer Firework Saturdays. Families and friends can gather with blankets or lawn chairs to witness the world-class fireworks show, featuring aerial and ground displays choreographed to music. These spectacular fireworks, designed by Christopher Ross, the great-grandson of Jennie Butchart, are included in the admission to The Gardens.
Trip Planning: Summer at Butchart Gardens
Experience the breathtaking beauty of the summer floral displays, enjoy live performances, witness the mesmerizing Night Illumination, and marvel at the captivating fireworks. It promises to be a summer filled with enchantment, entertainment, and unforgettable memories for all who visit this iconic Canadian landmark.
When:
Gardens are open year-round.
Summer Hours:
June 1–September 15
- Monday – Tuesday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Wednesday – Sunday 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
September 16–September 30: Monday – Sunday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Live Concerts:
Wednesday to Friday, June 27 to August 30: performances begin at 8:00pm.
Saturday performances begin 3 hours prior to the Firework show time.
- Friday, July 3 | 8:00pm – The Bills
- Saturday, July 4 | 7:15pm – The Chuckleberries
- Sunday, July 5 | 8:00pm – Becky Prokova
- Wednesday, July 8 | 8:00pm – Southern Residents
- Thursday, July 9 | 8:00pm – Odyssey String Quartet
- Friday, July 10 | 8:00pm – Oktopus
- Saturday, July 11 | 7:00pm – Soul Shakers
- Sunday, July 12 | 8:00pm – Chris Millington
- Wednesday, July 15 | 8:00pm – Connie Kaldor
- Thursday, July 16 | 8:00pm – La Déferlance
- Friday, July 17 | 8:00pm – Swang Thang
- Saturday, July 18 | 7:00pm – LateShift
- Sunday, July 19 | 8:00pm – Morgan Toney
- Wednesday, July 22 | 8:00pm – Burnstick
- Thursday, July 23 | 8:00pm – Adonis Puentes and The Jazz Bohemians
- Friday, July 24 | 8:00pm – Marc Atkinson Trio
- Saturday, July 25 | 6:45pm – Odus Haven Band
- Sunday, July 26 | 8:00pm – Chris Millington
- Wednesday, July 29 | 8:00pm – Wailin’ Jennys
- Thursday, July 30 | 8:00pm – Daniel Cook & The Radiators
- Friday, July 31 | 8:00pm – John Reischman & The Jaybirds
- Saturday, August 1 | 6:45pm – Mostly Motown
- Sunday, August 2 | 7:30pm – Chris Millington
- Wednesday, August 5 | 7:30pm – Diyet and The Love Soldiers
- Thursday, August 6 | 7:45pm – The Victoria Symphony
- Friday, August 7 | 7:30pm – In Spite of Ourselves
- Saturday, August 8 | 6:30pm – Tropic Mayhem
- Sunday, August 9 | 7:30pm – Ballet Étoile
- Wednesday, August 12 | 7:30pm – Mbira Renaissance Band
- Thursday, August 13 | 7:30pm – Krystle Dos Santos
- Friday, August 14 | 7:30pm – Soul Fire
- Saturday, August 15 | 6:15pm – The Temps
- Sunday, August 16 | 7:30pm – Chris Millington
- Wednesday, August 19 | 7:30pm – The Ecclestons
- Thursday, August 20 | 7:30pm – Black Angus
- Friday, August 21 | 7:30pm – The Leading Ladies
- Saturday, August 22 | 6:15pm – Freeze Frame
- Sunday, August 23 | 7:30pm – Stephen Fearing
- Wednesday, August 26 | 7:30pm – Dublin 2
- Thursday, August 27 | 7:30pm – The Revelers
- Friday, August 28 | 7:30pm – High Bar Gang
- Saturday, August 29 | 6:00pm – The Sutcliffes
- Sunday, August 30 | 7:30pm – Chris Millington
- Wednesday, September 2 | 7:30pm – Pat Temple and The Hi Lo Players
- Thursday, September 3 | 7:30pm – Andrew Collins Trio
- Friday, September 4 | 7:30pm – Allen Dobb
- Saturday, September 5 | 5:45pm – Backbeat
Fireworks:
- Saturday, July 4, 10:15 PM
- Saturday, July 11, 10:00 PM
- Saturday, July 18, 10:00 PM
- Saturday, July 25, 9:45 PM
- Saturday, August 1, 9:45 PM
- Saturday, August 8, 9:30 PM
- Saturday, August 15, 9:15 PM
- Saturday, August 22, 9:15 PM
- Saturday, August 29, 9:00 PM
- Saturday, September 5, 8:45 PM
Night Illuminations: May 30 – September 14
- Wednesday – Sunday: admission gates close at 10 p.m., viewing until 11 p.m.
- Monday & Tuesday: admission gates close at 5 p.m., viewing until 6 p.m.
How Much:
Summer admission rates: June 1–September 30
Adult (18+): $44.25
Youth (13–17): $22.13
Child (5–12): $5.00
Including tax.
Where:
800 Benvenuto Avenue, Brentwood Bay, BC, V8M 1J8
