Butchart Gardens/Victoria BC transport

I know there is a bus that goes there and it stops behind the Empress. We always take our own vehicle, so have not taken the bus myself to give any more information than that, sorry! I think a taxi would be expensive since it is a ways out of town.

Hi Tammy, here is the information from the Butchart Gardens website. Bus #75 from downtown stops, or a shuttle that picks up by the Empress.

https://www.butchartgardens.com/how-to-get-here/

Thank you Lola! What a ding a ling I am! I should have thought to look at the website!

Enjoy Victoria and the gardens—I’ve been there 3 times and would gladly go again.

We took a bus and it was easy.

Yes, a taxi can approach USD $75-$100 with traffic delays. We planned on a city bus, but gave up after waiting 1/2 hour, because we were meeting others for dinner. There may be a tiny number of special shuttles from central downtown in high season. You have correctly identified a problem for budget travelers.

Edit: I don't want to overstate the case, but we go to a lot of public gardens. As elaborate and attractive as Butchart Gardens is, it is less "technical", and more "family day out" than is Van Dusen. I mainly mean that Butchart could be said to have too many "conventional annuals" planted, in vast quantities. They are refreshed almost daily, so the appearance is perfect. But those plants are sold at Home Depot every Spring! Of course there are unusual plants, and evergreens and perennials at Butchart. But while strollers and weddings are found at both gardens, Van Dusen has a wider variety of unusual plants. Opinion.

When we visited Vancouver back in the 90's (yikes!), we didn't have the time to go to Butchart Gardens because of our route. We did go to Van Deusen Gardens and were very impressed...not the renown of Butchart, but absolutely beautiful, and right in town. You might want to consider a stop there.

As mentioned, Bus 75 is the direct line to the Gardens and back. We were there the first week of June and took it from Downtown. There is a stop a few blocks away from your hotel on Belleville St. just east of Government St. They drop off and pick up inside the gardens very close to the entrance booths. It was a seamless trip in both directions. We got a 10:30 bus and returned mid-afternoon. We had lunch in the gardens at the Blue Poppy cafeteria and it was ok.

Judy, you are correct that in Vancouver, Vandusen Gardens is lovely to visit. There is a restaurant there too for lunch and dinner. During the summer there are some outdoor concerts. It’s easy to get to by bus from downtown.

Claire, I remember the restaurant in the gardens. It was a lovely setting with good food. Very enjoyable!

Be sure to get on the right bus at the Butchart stop. One bus leaves at about the same time as the correct one, but is a local and stops frequently. The correct one is an express to downtown. Ask the driver to verify the express bus as they are often not "marked" until just before leaving.

For seafood, especially halibut, try Red Fish, Blue Fish on Wharf St. And a tea and pastry stop at Murchie's on Government St. is a must. For Italian fine dining, Il Terrazzo. There used to be a very good Greek restaurant near your hotel - unknown if still operating. Craigdarroch Castle is the lovely former residence of a wealthy Nanaimo coal baron. Victoria is one of our favorite cities - a bit of England nearby.

Larry42, thanks for the recommendations. We do already have dinner reservations at Il Terazzo. Can’t wait!

I don't know if it's your thing, but we had a lovely afternoon tea in Butchart Gardens on the veranda. (a lot cheaper than at the Empress, not nearly as elegant, but more charming). We were enchanted by Miniature World.

Tammy--If you need another dinner recommendation, Little Jumbo is wonderful!

If you like gardens two other charming gardens in Victoria are Abkhazi Gardens and the grounds of Government House. Abkhazi was the home of emigres from Russia who settled in Victoria and built a delightful home and created the beautiful garden. The grounds of government House, official home of the alt. Governor of BC, is open free to the public all year. Lovely grounds and stunning views to the Olympias. Both gardens serve lunch and afternoon tea. My personal favourite is A bkhazi Gardens.