The Victoria Butterfly Gardens is the perfect partner to Butchart, especially on a cool, grey day. It sits in Brentwood Bay, about 20 kilometres north of downtown Victoria and a few minutes from The Butchart Gardens, and inside it is always summer: a 12,000-square-foot indoor tropical rainforest kept at 26 to 30 degrees Celsius with around 70 percent humidity. Thousands of butterflies from up to 70 species fly freely among the plants, settling on flowers, feeding stations and occasionally visitors, and the gardens raise new butterflies continuously, so the mix changes from visit to visit. The rainforest is also home to a flamingo and tropical birds including parrots, reptiles such as iguanas and tortoises, and koi in the waterfalls and ponds, while an insectarium shows off exotic insects and other invertebrates. Most people spend 45 minutes to an hour and a half, and the whole place is designed to be easy for families, with level, stroller-friendly paths. This page links to the Victoria Butterfly Gardens entry ticket on Tiqets, rated 4.7 from 75 reviews.
Hours: in the fall season, from 5 September to 13 December, the gardens are open daily from 10am to 5pm, with last admission at 4pm. Holiday hours are similar from mid to late December, with an earlier 4pm close on 24 and 31 December, and the gardens close only on Christmas Day. Winter hours from 1 January are again 10am to 5pm daily, so this is one of the most reliable year-round attractions on the peninsula.
What to wear and bring: dress in layers you can take off, because it is warm and humid inside, and bring a water bottle. Camera lenses fog up when you come in from the cold, so give them a few minutes to adjust. Watch your step, as butterflies sometimes rest on the paths, and check yourself for passengers before you leave.
Practical details: the gardens are fully wheelchair accessible, with designated parking and accessible entrances, and on-site parking is free. Strollers are welcome and service animals are allowed. There is no café, though the gift shop sells light snacks and ice cream bars, and there are places to eat in Brentwood Bay. Combine it with Butchart on the same trip: visit the butterflies first, then walk the big garden while the light lasts.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided walk through a warm indoor tropical rainforest with free-flying butterflies, birds, reptiles, koi ponds and an insectarium.
Best time
A cold or rainy day, when the tropical warmth is most welcome, and earlier in the day when butterflies are active.
How long
Most visitors spend 45 minutes to an hour and a half.
Tips
Wear layers, let your camera lens warm up before shooting, and pair it with Butchart a few minutes away.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families, nature lovers and anyone visiting Butchart who wants a second stop nearby.
- Families
- Young children love the butterflies landing close by, the flamingo and the tortoises, and the paths are stroller friendly.
- Couples
- A warm, quiet hour among the butterflies before an afternoon at Butchart.
- Pair with
- The Butchart Gardens down the road and a stop in Brentwood Bay for lunch.
- Time needed
- About an hour.
Good questions
What are the Victoria Butterfly Gardens hours in November?+
In the fall season, from 5 September to 13 December, the gardens are open daily from 10am to 5pm. Last admission is at 4pm.
How far are the Butterfly Gardens from Butchart Gardens?+
They are just a few minutes apart on Benvenuto Avenue in Brentwood Bay. Both are about 20 kilometres north of downtown Victoria.
How warm is it inside the Victoria Butterfly Gardens?+
The rainforest is kept at 26 to 30 degrees Celsius with around 70 percent humidity. Light clothing and a water bottle are recommended.
Is there parking at the Victoria Butterfly Gardens?+
Yes, on-site parking is free, with designated accessible spaces. The gardens are fully wheelchair accessible.
Is there a café at the Butterfly Gardens?+
No, there is no café, but the gift shop sells light snacks and ice cream bars. There are restaurants nearby in Brentwood Bay.
