Victoria Butterfly Gardens
Immerse yourself in a lush tropical paradise filled with hundreds of free-flying butterflies, exotic birds, and fascinating creatures.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more butterfly sightings
Victoria Butterfly Gardens
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more butterfly sightings
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Immerse yourself in a lush tropical paradise filled with hundreds of free-flying butterflies, exotic birds, and fascinating creatures.
"It was just beautiful! Butterflies everywhere you turn.I really enjoyed seeing the colorful butterflies and birds."
👗 Dress for the Tropics
It's warm and humid inside! Wear light clothing to stay comfortable.
🚶♀️ Take Your Time
No time limit on tickets, so linger and enjoy the serene atmosphere.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Free-Flying Butterflies
Hundreds of vibrant butterflies gracefully flutter around you in a lush, tropical environment. Prepare to be mesmerized!
Exotic Birds and Animals
Meet colorful parrots, a charming flamingo named Mango, and other fascinating creatures like chameleons and turtles.
Leaf-Cutter Ant Colony
Witness the incredible sight of ants meticulously cutting and carrying leaves back to their colony. A true marvel of nature!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat and Crowds
More Than Just Butterflies
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👗 Dress for the Tropics
It's warm and humid inside! Wear light clothing to stay comfortable.
🚶♀️ Take Your Time
No time limit on tickets, so linger and enjoy the serene atmosphere.
THANKS A LOT FOR NOTHING GUYS
Butchart Gardens in Brentwood Bay, British Columbia, Canada
📸 Capture the Magic
Bring your camera to photograph the stunning butterflies and vibrant flora.
🐜 Look for the Ants!
Don't miss the fascinating leaf-cutter ants outside; a unique spectacle.
Butterfly Gardens and Butchart Gardens
Tips
from all over the internet
👗 Dress for the Tropics
It's warm and humid inside! Wear light clothing to stay comfortable.
🚶♀️ Take Your Time
No time limit on tickets, so linger and enjoy the serene atmosphere.
📸 Capture the Magic
Bring your camera to photograph the stunning butterflies and vibrant flora.
🐜 Look for the Ants!
Don't miss the fascinating leaf-cutter ants outside; a unique spectacle.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Victoria Butterfly Gardens for its stunning display of free-flying butterflies and its surprisingly diverse collection of other tropical creatures, including parrots and a flamingo. The warm, humid environment is noted, with many recommending light clothing. The ability to spend as long as you like is also a significant plus.
"I am so glad we stopped in here, we had time to kill and it was definitely a good place for that. It is really warm inside, so be prepared, but it is gorgeous and there's multiple little benches you can just sit and enjoy everything from, there were butterflies everywhere, I've been to butterfly gardens where they actually gave you sugar sticks to feed them and I swear there are never nearly as many just flying around. They might not land on you if you aren't being still enough but they will definitely be gliding past you and there were dozens that you could sit and identify at the food stations. They also have macaws and parrots and a flamingo named Mango, right next to the big koi pond, it was just amazing and a fabulous time that we would've missed if we hadn't been looking for something quick and easy and I'm glad we didn't it was 20 bucks for a ticket and no time limit. So if you enjoy butterflies this is a great past time!"
Brianna Lancaster (BriBri)
"Place is sublime. Make sure to dress light cause it’s cooking in there. Cool critters though, even had this chill flamingo named mango. Very rad 9.5/10 would recommend 🐢🦩🦋"
Samuel Benastick
"So cool! We had a blast here. It's quite warm inside so come prepared. There's so much more than butterflies to see here which was a huge surprise. My son loves turtles and was ecstatic to see them walking around (he apparently is an escape artist lol).
The ants out front were the highlight for me, watching them cut the leaves and then carry them down across sticks to another area was so awesome. I've seen it on TV but never in person.
There were several staff walking around as well who were very knowledgeable and loved sharing with guests."
Matt Mella
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Victoria Butterfly Gardens is located at 1461 Benvenuto Ave, Brentwood Bay, BC V8M 1J3. It's easily accessible by car, and public transportation options are available from Victoria. Many visitors combine a trip here with Butchart Gardens, as they are relatively close to each other.
Yes, there is ample parking available at the gardens, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
BC Transit buses serve the Brentwood Bay area. Check the BC Transit website for current routes and schedules from Victoria.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The gardens typically open daily, but hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date opening and closing times before your visit.
Ticket prices are generally around $20 per person, with no time limit for your visit. It's advisable to check their website for current pricing and any potential discounts.
While not always mandatory, booking tickets in advance can save you time, especially during peak seasons. Check their website for online booking options.
In the past, the gardens have implemented measures like social distancing and enhanced cleaning. It's recommended to check their website for the latest safety guidelines.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed and encouraged! It's a fantastic place to capture stunning photos of butterflies, birds, and the lush tropical environment.
Everywhere is photogenic! Focus on areas with dense foliage, near water features, and where butterflies are actively feeding or resting. The flamingos and parrots also make great subjects.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally best to avoid flash photography around delicate creatures like butterflies and birds to minimize disturbance. Natural light is abundant.
🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience
The gardens maintain a warm, humid, tropical climate year-round to support the butterflies and plants. Expect temperatures to be significantly warmer than outside.
Many visitors spend two hours or more exploring the gardens, enjoying the butterflies and other exhibits. Since there's no time limit, you can stay as long as you like.
You'll find a variety of fascinating creatures including parrots, macaws, flamingos, chameleons, frogs, turtles, and even leaf-cutter ants.
Yes, knowledgeable staff are often present and happy to share information about the plants and animals.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tip: Dress kids in light clothing, as it gets warm. The no-time-limit policy means you can let them explore at their own pace without feeling rushed. It's a great opportunity for them to learn about different species in a fun, interactive setting.
📸 Photographers
Tip: Visit during the morning or late afternoon when the light is softer and butterflies are often more active. Be patient, and you'll be rewarded with incredible shots. Remember to avoid flash to protect the creatures.
🌿 Nature Enthusiasts
Tip: Take your time to appreciate the smaller details, like the leaf-cutter ants or the intricate patterns on butterfly wings. The knowledgeable staff can also provide deeper insights into the natural world on display.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Butterfly Experience
Visitors often remark on the sheer abundance of butterflies, noting that they are much more prevalent here than in some other butterfly conservatories. The setup includes numerous benches where you can sit and simply absorb the tranquil atmosphere, watching the butterflies alight on flowers and feeding stations. The staff are also a great resource for identifying different species and learning about their life cycles.
Beyond the Butterflies: A Tropical Oasis
Beyond the birds, you can discover chameleons, frogs, and turtles, each adding to the rich biodiversity of the gardens. One of the most unique exhibits is the leaf-cutter ant colony, where you can witness these industrious insects in action, cutting and transporting leaves. This unexpected display of nature's engineering often becomes a highlight for many visitors, offering a different kind of wonder.
Planning Your Visit: Comfort and Timing
Regarding crowds, visiting on a weekday morning is often cited as the best strategy to avoid the busiest times. While there's no time limit on your ticket, a less crowded environment allows for a more peaceful and intimate experience with the butterflies and other creatures. The gardens are a perfect place to spend a couple of hours, or even longer if you wish to fully immerse yourself in the tropical ambiance.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit