SPECTACULAR SPRING runs March 21st to June 14th

Spectacular spring bursts forth in a show of unparalleled beauty. One of the finest displays in the world heralds the season with hundreds of thousands of bulbs in bloom, joined by a host of flowering trees and shrubs. The gardens are alive with the colours and scents of spring.

BREATHTAKING SUMMER runs June 15th to September 30th 

Magnificient views of the gardens can be enjoyed during any season, but summer at The Gardens is breathtaking. Ravishing floral splendour greets you at every turn.

As the brilliant light of the sun retires for the day and dusk falls, The Gardens' other personality takes over. Thousands of lights, of varying intensity and colour, bring out a different look and feel to the gardens. With great skill, the lighting artists on staff use the play of light and shadow to cast a magical glow upon the shrubs and trees, and upon the flower beds as well. This nightly transformation into a wonderland of light is known as Night Illuminations.

Each summer evening the Concert Lawn stage comes alive with a variety of performing artists. Sit on a bench, or take a blanket for the lawn and enjoy marvellous music and entertainment in the open air. Even the swallows seem to be influenced by the music as they sweep back and forth over the lawn.

Summer Saturday night visitors in July though to the Labour Day weekend will be thrilled by the pyrotechnic marvels of one of the most extravagant firework displays in North America. The concerts are timed to end with enough time to allow visitors to stroll across to the Fireworks lawn.

GLORIOUS AUTUMN runs October 1st to November 30th

Glory in the crowning beauty of Autumn when the Japanese Garden comes to center stage. A stunning parade of red, russet and golden maples is joined by magnificent arbutus and copper beech trees along with dozens of varieties of chrysanthemums.

THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS runs December 1st to January 6th 

Tens of thousands of coloured lights combine with evergreen swags and wreaths of holly and winter berries line walkways and festoon lamp posts. The ever-popular Twelve Days of Christmas displays are tucked away about The Gardens.

From 5 pm to 9 pm in the Piazza you will find lively performances featuring traditional caroling and music. Details will be found on The Butchart Garden's Calendar.

Enjoy some recreational ice skating on the 307 sq. m (3,300 sq. ft.) outdoor rink. No need to worry about hockey sticks flying about, or figure skaters making you look bad.

Skating is available daily during admission hours. Just show up and skate at the next available time, or you can book a time by visiting the Visitor Information Centre upon arrival. Skate times run on the hour and last for 40 minutes. The rink capacity is 50, so be sure to bring your friends.

Skate prices (GST included) are Adults $5, Youth (13-17) $4, and Children (12 and under) $3. Admission to The Gardens is required. Skate rentals are available on a first come basis for $2.50 per pair. Helmets and wrist guards are available at no charge.

The Dining Room Restaurant, in the former residence of the Butchart family, is decorated in holiday finery and serves a delicious 3-tiered Afternoon Tea. Evening dinners are accompanied by a solo pianist playing holiday melodies. The Blue Poppy Restaurant, filled with poinsettias, offers a variety of tasty main dishes and desserts, with a convenient cafeteria-style service. For a light meal and hot beverages in front of glowing fire, drop in to the Coffee Shop.

WARM WESTCOAST WINTER runs from January 7th to March 31st

Enjoy the temperate winter weather. This is the time of year to see the background shrubs and trees of summer standing out more prominently in the various gardens. Take a look at The Gardens 'What to See' plant guide at the bottom of their Winter Season web page. You'll be surprised what grows in a temperate winter climate.

Spring Prelude indoor garden — January 15th - March 31st

Step out of Winter and into Spring! It's as easy as that when you visit the astonishing indoor garden. Beds of daffodils and tulips, with flowering cherries, witch hazel and viburnum fill the stone-flagged Blue Poppy conservatory with all the joys of Spring. The combination of plant material is unusual enough to send any indoor gardener home bursting with fresh inspiration.

This is also a great time to walk about the gardens and see the essential trees and shrubs. It is these which frame the seasonal floral presentations.

Historical Display — January 15th - March 15th

"Benvenuto", the Butchart family residence, is open during the warm wintry weather for visitors to view a display of memorabilia chronicling the development of the cement making plant, and the ensuing development of Jennie Butchart’s garden. Furnishings, correspondence, and photographs follow the development of the Gardens and allow the visitor to step back into the graciousness of the period. Staff members are on hand to assist visitors with their questions. Afternoon Tea, served in the Dining Room Restaurant, is available daily.