Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
beautify them by transplanting their collection into formal gardens interspersed with con-
crete footpaths, small bridges, waterfalls, ponds, and fountains. The gardens now contain
more than 5,000 varieties of flowers, and the extensive nurseries test grow some 35,000
new bulbs and more than 100 new roses every year. Go there in spring, summer, or early
autumn to treat your eyes and nose to a marvelous sensual experience (many gardeners
would give their right hands to be able to work in these gardens). Highlights include the
Sunken Garden (the original quarry site) with its water features and annuals; the formal
Rose Garden, set around a central lawn; and the Japanese Garden, from where views ex-
tendtoSaanichInlet.Inwinterwhenlittleisblooming,thebasicdesignofthegardenscan
best be appreciated. Summer visitors are in for a special treat on Saturday nights (July and
August only), when a spectacular fireworks display lights up the garden.
As you may imagine, the attraction is super busy throughout spring and summer. For
this reason, try and arrive as early as possible, before the tour buses arrive. Once through
the tollgate and in the sprawling parking lot, make a note of where you park your vehicle.
On the grounds, pick up a flower guide and follow the suggested route. After you've done
therounds(allowatleasttwohours),youcanchoosefromavarietyofeateries.You'llalso
find a gift shop specializing in—you guessed it—floral items, as well as a store selling
seeds.
Victoria Butterly Gardens
In the same vicinity as Butchart Gardens,
Victoria Butterfly Gardens
(1461 Benvenuto
Dr., 250/652-3822,
www.butterflygardens.com
,
9am-7pm daily in summer,
9:30am-4:30pm daily Mar. to mid-May and Oct., adult $15, senior $10, child $5) offers
you the opportunity to view and photograph some of the world's most spectacular but-
terflies at close range. Thousands of these beautiful creatures—species from around the
world—live here, flying freely around the enclosed gardens and feeding on the nectar
provided by colorful tropical plants. You'll also be able to get up close and personal with
exotic birds such as parrots and cockatoos.
Gowlland Tod Provincial Park
ThewestsideoftheSaanichPeninsulafacingFinlaysonArmisdottedwithrockybeaches
and tracts of forest. Much of this coastline in the central section of the peninsula is pro-
tected by Gowlland Tod Provincial Park, which extends from Finlayson Arm Road in the
south to the Tod Inlet of Brentwood Bay in the north. The inland portion of the park, ex-
tending west to the Gowlland Range, includes towering Douglas fir, grassy meadows that
