Getting to The Butchart Gardens during your visit to Victoria is really a must. Widely regarded as the BC capital’s top attraction and frequently ranked among Canada’s best, it’s like entering a whole new world, bursting with color.
Step inside and you’ll be greeted by everything from soft pastels and sunny yellows to vibrant orange, red, and violet. The aromas and sounds give it a meditative feel. Think freshly cut lawns, damp earth, sweet roses, water cascading from fountains, the low hum of bees drifting across blossoms. No two visits seem quite the same.
The only question is, how to get there from the ferry terminal in downtown Victoria?
Obviously, the most scenic and most convenient way to reach the city itself is by the FRS Clipper. We’ve even provided a guide to scoring the best possible deal:
$AVE HERE: VICTORIA VALUE HOTEL HACKS & FERRY BUNDLES
So, once you’ve reached Victoria, how do you get to The Butchart Gardens?
While it’s possible to rent a car, many people prefer to go car-free. There are multiple “no-car” ways to reach the gardens. Plus, you can save on the rental costs while letting someone else do the driving. All you have to do is relax and enjoy the scenery!
The Top 3 Transit Hacks for Getting to The Butchart Gardens
As the interests of travelers vary, so do the transit hacks. Whether you’re a sightseer, prefer to go independent, or are more of an adventurer, you’ll find an option for getting to The Butchart Gardens that fits the bill.
The Sightseer
Book one of the packages that bundle your FRS Clipper ride with a CVS Tour to The Butchart Gardens (and perhaps a hotel if you’re planning to stay overnight). You’ll find deals that include the gardens on day trips and overnight packages.
Insider Tip: The CVS Tour is a “hidden gem” many aren’t aware of. The CVS Shuttle has a convenient pickup location just outside the Fairmont Empress. If you book the aforementioned Butchart Gardens package, your tour includes the shuttle with departure right from the terminal.
What to expect when booking the Seattle to Victoria Day Trip or Seattle to Victoria Overnight for getting to The Butchart Gardens
Upon arrival to the Victoria ferry terminal, you’ll hop on a motorcoach for the CVS Tour to The Butchart Gardens. It’s a narrated (and picturesque) 45-minute drive.
Enjoy at least two hours exploring the gardens before returning to downtown Victoria. You can be dropped off at ther ferry terminal or the Fairmont Empress on the Inner Harbour. It’s perfect for day trippers who want time to enjoy the beauty of the iconic hotel and waterfront before cruising back to Seattle on the Victoria Clipper V ferry.
The Independent
Of course, getting to The Butchart Gardens independently is also possible. Public transit is the “budget, local” way and takes about 60 to 70 minutes.
When you disembark the ferry, you’ll see the bus stop right outside the foot passenger terminal. Take the #81 bus directly to The Butchart Gardens. Alternatively, you can take the #72 bus which connects the ferry terminal to the Saanichton Exchange. Then, follow the BC Transit Route 75 that will bring you right to the gardens.
The Adventurer
For those seeking the most scenic and more active way for getting to The Butchart Gardens, bring your bike onto the Victoria FRS Clipper. Or, you can rent one from The Pedaler, less than a five-minute walk from the ferry terminal.
The roughly 13-mile-long route on the Lochside Regional Trail, following part of the Galloping Goose Trail, takes about an hour depending on your speed. It’s well-posted with bright, white signs with pink painted roses that will direct you to the gardens.
See how easy getting to The Butchart Gardens is from the Victoria Clipper terminal?
Once you’ve booked your trip from Seattle to Victoria via the FRS Clipper, it’s sure to be smooth sailing from there!