On my most recent trip to Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, I had to visit the world-famous Butchart Gardens. Founded in 1904 by Jennie and Robert Butchart, these historic gardens are one of the city’s top attractions and are celebrated around the world for their unparalleled beauty. Although I had visited many times before, this would be my first time visiting The Butchart Gardens in fall, and I wasn’t sure what to expect.
Fortunately, my visit turned out to be absolutely perfect. Honestly, I don’t think there’s a bad time to visit the Butchart Gardens, but there are some very special things about visiting in fall. If you’re considering a trip to Vancouver Island this autumn, you’ll probably want to consider adding this Victoria attraction to your itinerary.
Are The Butchart Gardens worth visiting in fall?
Most people think of the beautiful spring blossoms or colorful winter Christmas lights when they imagine visiting The Butchart Gardens. However, I think that the gardens are absolutely worth visiting in autumn too – the crowds are almost non-existent, and the many trees around the park are showcasing leaves in vibrant red, warm orange and vivid gold tones. These colors are contrasted beautifully by the lush green of the many evergreen trees, which come to life in the autumn rain. It’s a true autumn wonderland.
Things to See at The Butchart Gardens in Autumn
I never want to spoil all of the surprises for my readers, so I’m going to give you a broad overview of how the Butchart Gardens look in fall, without showing all of the special seasonal displays and hidden autumn treats.
The Sunken Gardens
The most famous view of the Butchart Gardens is taken from the top of the Sunken Gardens, which are located in a former limestone quarry. As you can see, the Sunken Gardens are absolutely beautiful in fall. Many of the flowers are still in colorful, full bloom, and they are surrounded by vibrant green trees and plants.
If you compare my photo to other (unedited) photos of the Butchart Gardens in spring, summer or fall, you’ll also see how few crowds there are in autumn. You can see two people on the pathway through the Sunken Gardens, but other than that couple it was just my group and one other couple. I honestly couldn’t believe how private our visit felt.
The Ross Fountain
At the far end of the Sunken Gardens you’ll find the Ross Fountain, which was built in 1964 to celebrate the Butchart Gardens’ 60th anniversary.
Like the Sunken Gardens, this fountain is situated in a former quarry. In the fall, West Coast rainfall sends streams of water tumbling over the edges of the quarry. Look carefully in the trees and you may spot totem poles carved by the local Indigenous communities.
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The Bog Gardens Pathway
I think one of the most beautiful sections of the Butchart Gardens in fall is the pathway between the Ross Fountain and the Concert Grounds. Running parallel to The Bog Garden, this walking trail is lined with typical Canadian maple trees who shower passersby with colorful leaves.
If you look down into The Bog Garden you can still spot original mining wagons (now doing double-duty as planters) along with the flora of Pacific Northwest marshes, like the “fragrant” skunk cabbage plants.
The Rose Garden in Fall
Rose lovers, have no fear! Many of the Butchart Gardens’ roses are still blooming well into the early autumn. These gardens will be celebrating their 100-year anniversary in 2029, and are home to more than 2,500 roses.
If you’re visiting the Butchart Gardens in November, you may not see any roses in bloom here, but instead you may get a glimpse of the gardening staff beginning to plant the bulbs for next spring.
The Japanese Gardens
The Japanese Gardens have always been my favorite section of the Butchart Gardens, and I think they’re even more magical in the fall. These were the first gardens designed by the park’s founder, Jennie Butchart, and she enlisted the help of a Japanese landscape designer to create this magical place.
As you pass under the red gate and descend down the stone stairs into the Japanese gardens, the Japanese maples trees on either side of the path are the oldest imported trees on the site. Follow the stepping stone path across the babbling brook, and keep your eyes and ears peeled for the wild boar scarer, a traditional Japanese device made from bamboo.
Towards the lowest point of the Japanese Gardens you’ll find a lookout point carved into the trees, with views of the nearby Butchart Cove. You can pass through the wrought-iron gate and cross the street to visit the cove. In the fall, the actual dock is usually closed, but there is a scenic viewpoint where you can watch for eagles, seals and otters.
The Italian Gardens
After passing the Star Fountain you’ll pass under a hedged archway to enter the Italian Gardens. This is where the Butchart family used to play tennis, but they converted the courts to an immaculately-manicured garden in 1926. The flowers here are still blooming brightly in fall, and the ponds offer a perfect reflection of the bronze statue of Mercury, the god of merchants, travelers and thieves (which one are you?).
Before leaving The Italian Gardens be sure to sign one of the guestbooks. I have a friend who worked at the gardens and he promises that they really do keep all of their guests’ kind comments! It’s also amazing to see how far other travelers have come to see the Butchart Gardens in fall: on our recent visit we saw fellow guests from Syria, Australia and Argentina!
The Show Greenhouse
In total, The Butchart Gardens has more than two acres of greenhouses, which are used to grow many of the plants that visitors will see in the spring and summer. One of these greenhouses, The Show Greenhouse, is located after the Italian Garden, before you pass by the gift shop on your way out.
In the autumn, they keep one window into the Show Greenhouse open so that you can photograph the flamboyant flowers without a glass barrier blocking your view. In the autumn, you’ll notice a high number of poinsettias in the greenhouse, as gardeners prepare to move them outdoors for the Christmas displays.
Tips for Visiting the Butchart Gardens in September, October & November
Again, I didn’t photograph (or write about) everything you can see in the Butchart Gardens in fall, as I really wanted to preserve that element of surprise that comes from seeing such beautiful seasonal displays. If your interest is piqued and you’re now thinking of visiting the gardens in autumn, I’ve got a few bonus tips to help you enjoy your visit even more.
Butchart Gardens Hours in Autumn
The Butchart Gardens are open seven days a week, 364 days per year (they are closed on Christmas Day). These are the hours for the 2023 and 2024 autumn seasons:
- In September, the entrance gates are open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, with extended hours until 10:00 pm from Wednesday to Sunday until September 15th.
- In October, the entrance gates are open from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.
- In November, the entrance gates are open from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm.
After the gates close, visitors can stay in the park for up to one hour. If you’re a first-time visitor, you’ll probably need at least two to three hours inside the gardens. If you only have one day in Victoria, consider spending the morning in the city center and then come out to the gardens after lunch.
Butchart Gardens Admission Prices in Autumn
Butchart Garden admission prices vary depending on the season. Current prices are:
- $34.45 for adult admission in October
- $26.80 for adult admission in November
Admission prices are in Canadian dollars and include tax. Discounted prices are offered for children 17 and under.
At publication time, The Butchart Gardens offers same-day readmission and next-day readmission. To re-enter the gardens you must have your hand stamped before leaving, and present your original ticket when you return. There is a fee for re-admission, which is currently $3.70 for adults and slightly less for children.
What to Bring to The Butchart Gardens in Fall
You don’t need to bring much to the Butchart Gardens when you’re visiting in the autumn. The park provides clear plastic umbrellas. If it rains, guests are encouraged to use these, rather than their own umbrellas, as they don’t impede sightlines or create unsightly colorful blobs in other people’s photos.
Look for the complimentary umbrellas in folding baskets around the park and in front of the information center. On your way out, leave your umbrella in one of the baskets in the parking lot.
Rain can come on quickly in autumn in Victoria, however. I do recommend bringing a lightweight waterproof jacket, even if rain isn’t in the forecast. You should also wear shoes with good traction, as the paths could get slippery in the rain.
The Butchart Gardens doesn’t allow picnics within the gardens, so you don’t need to bring any food or drink (aside from a water bottle). If you really need to bring a picnic lunch, there is a small area with tables and trash bins near the parking lot.
I’m currently traveling in Western Canada, with trips throughout Alberta and British Columbia planned for the months ahead. Check out all my Canada travel guides for even more travel inspiration!
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