Butchart Gardens

My first visittoButchart Gardens in Victoria, B.C. was more than 40 years ago, on a day trip from Vancouver.  I loved it so much, especially the beautiful begonias.   

It does feel strange not to have been back until now. I am so glad, however, that we finally vacationed in Victoria recently. Butchart is everything I remember it to be and more.

Since many say that no trip to Victoria is complete without afternoon tea, we had tea at Butchart Gardens and the Empress Hotel.  They were both delightful experiences, but we agreed that Empress was “one and done”, and Butchart is the tea to repeat. The reason is founder Mrs. Jennie Butchart's lovely private garden setting and the overall wonderful day we had exploring the various gardens.  Our tea was served in a Victorian atrium filled with plants and overlooking the idyllic flower-filled space.   

Butchart was developed from 1906 to 1939. It was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 2004 and is still family-owned and operated. The signature Sunken Garden used to be a limestone quarry.