There are a few different options for making your way to Butchart Gardens with various costs and time involved, something for every budget. Depending on the type of experience you want listed here are the different choices.
By Car
The gardens are about a 40 minute drive from downtown Victoria and probably the cheapest option for families. Get on to Blanshard Street which then turns into highway #17 ( the Pat Bay Hwy ) take exit 18 ( Keating Cross Rd ) and follow towards the gardens. There’s plenty of signage to direct you, the price of admission includes your parking.
By City Bus/ Public Transportation
Hop on the # 75 ( cost is $2.50 pp each way ) which takes you right to the gate, this is the cheapest and yet most time consuming way to visit Butchart Gardens. You can also board the # 75 at the Royal Oak Exchange and for the times the # 75 doesn’t go directly the # 30 or 31 will drop you at the gate.
By Boat
Visitors arriving by private yacht or sea kayak can tie up at the Butchart Gardens dock while they enjoy their stroll through the gardens.
Walking Off B C Ferries From Swartz Bay
Peninsula attractions conveniently offer a free hop on hop off loop service from the Swartz Bay Terminal, also from the Washington State Terminal in Sidney to Butchart Gardens, Butterfly World, Shaw Ocean Discoveries Center and Sea Cider Farm and Cidery. The service also sells several admission passes with complimentary transfers to the shuttle service to downtown. Note it only operates in July and August.
By Float Plane
Imagine a fly and dine experience via Harbor Air Seaplane after a scenic flight the plane lands at Tod Inlet and ties up at the gardens dock. After your time in the gardens dinner is served there after which you’ll return to downtown Victoria by limousine.
By Shuttle Bus or Tour Bus
During July and August CVS Tours offer an all day package complete with lunch and many of the area’s attractions including Craigdarroch Castle, Oak Bay Village the Butchart Gardens with options for Church and State Winery or Butterfly Gardens and Sidney by The Sea. This 7 hour tour departs daily at 9:30 am and the cost is $158.00 per adult including lunch and admissions.
Contact CVS Tours if you are looking for a Butchart Gardens bus tour.