Happy New Year and welcome to 2021! Our first Spring Awakening article will cover the Butchart Gardens in British Columbia!

I don’t know about you, but I am one of those people that as soon as Christmas is over, I immediately start putting away all the decorations and start thinking about the coming of Spring, the warmer weather, and the beautiful flowers blooming in a rainbow of colors.

I also feel, especially after the tough year we had and the still difficult coming months, that time spent outside is precious and we should take advantage of all those beautiful parks and gardens that fill our cities with colors and clean air. Obviously, still following safety guidelines and protecting yourself and others.

So, I have decided to put together a little series of articles exploring different gardens, parks, and flower displays around the world. I hope you will enjoy reading it as much as I have enjoyed researching it.

This week we are traveling to Canada, more specifically to British Columbia and the the Butchart Gardens. The Gardens are located in Brentwood Bay, near Victoria

A little history

The gardens are over 100 years old and are the vision of Jennie Butchart, who turned an empty limestone quarry into the Sunken Garden. During your visit pay special attention to the information plaques scattered around to learn more about the history of the place.

During the winter months, the former residence of the Butchart family is also open for visitors (please check ahead of time as Covid might have changed this) Each room shows the history of the family and how the gardens have come to life.

Different Seasons – Different Gardens

The gardens span for 55 acres and there are actually five different gardens each one inspired by a distinct theme:

• Sunken Garden– the original garden
• Rose Garden
• Japanese Garden
• Italian Garden
• Mediterranean Garden

Having different themed gardens means you can visit any time of the year and have something wonderful to see every time:

• Spring – tulip season and the first flowers blooming on trees
• Summer – Fireworks, night illumination, and outdoor stage concerts
• Autumn – trees changing color and greenhouses tours
• Winter – make sure to visit the Spring Prelude garden and pay a visit to the family house

As you walk around the gardens make sure to look for the beautiful bronze statues scattered around the place.

Also, take the kids for a ride on the Rose Carousel, you will find plenty of adults enjoying it too.

Tip for the fireworks: bring a blanket to sit on and be prepared to wait, sometimes they do not start until 10 pm once it’s properly dark.

Food

Make sure to make the most of your time at the gardens and stop for a bite to eat. There are plenty of places to stop for a bite to eat within the gardens from the Coffee Shop, to the Dining Room and the very popular High Tea experience with traditional scones jam and cream, savory tea sandwiches, cakes, and a selection of teas.

You may also like these articles from Bébé Voyage:

How To Do New York City With Kids This Spring

Editors’ Picks: 5 Awesome Things To Do With Kids In Florida That’s NOT Disney Or The Beach

5 Amazing Winter Train Rides That Everyone Should Take Once In Their Life