Victoria Butterfly Gardens

Victoria Butterfly Gardens is a tropical paradise located just minutes from Butchart Gardens in Brentwood Bay, near Victoria, British Columbia. It is a lush indoor environment filled with thousands of free-flying butterflies, exotic birds, tropical plants, and fascinating insects and reptiles. This enchanting attraction offers a unique opportunity to step into a living rainforest without leaving Vancouver Island, making it a favorite destination for families, nature lovers, and photographers.

How to Reach Butterfly Gardens, Victoria

Victoria Butterfly Gardens is located at 1461 Benvenuto Avenue in Brentwood Bay, approximately 25 kilometers (16 miles) from downtown Victoria.

• By Car: It takes about 25 to 30 minutes to drive from downtown Victoria. Follow Highway 17 north and take the exit toward Brentwood Bay. There is free parking on-site.
• By Public Transit: Take BC Transit bus #75 from downtown Victoria. The bus stops near both the Butterfly Gardens and Butchart Gardens.
• By Tour or Shuttle: Many guided tours from Victoria include transportation to Butterfly Gardens as part of their itinerary, often combined with a trip to Butchart Gardens.

Weather at Butterfly Gardens, Victoria

Since Butterfly Gardens is an indoor facility, weather outside does not impact your visit. Inside, the temperature is kept warm and humid to simulate a tropical rainforest environment.

• Indoor Conditions: Around 26°C (79°F) with high humidity to support butterfly and plant life.

This makes the gardens a perfect year-round activity, especially on rainy or cooler days. Outside, the weather in Victoria is typically mild, with warm summers and cool, wet winters.

Timings of Butterfly Gardens, Victoria

The Victoria Butterfly Gardens is open daily throughout the year, including most holidays.

• Regular Hours: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
• Summer Hours: Extended hours during peak tourist season (May–September), sometimes open until 5:00 PM or later

It is best to check their official website before visiting, especially during holidays or special events.

Why is Butterfly Gardens, Victoria Famous?

Victoria Butterfly Gardens is famous for being home to over 70 species of tropical butterflies flying freely in a lush indoor jungle environment. Visitors can see butterflies up close, sometimes even landing on them. The gardens also feature tropical birds, poison dart frogs, turtles, flamingos, large insects, and exotic plants like banana trees and orchids.

The immersive rainforest experience, complete with waterfalls, ponds, and educational displays, sets it apart as a fun and informative attraction suitable for all ages. It's not just about butterflies—it's a celebration of biodiversity and nature.

Entry and Visit Details About Butterfly Gardens, Victoria

Entry to Butterfly Gardens requires an admission ticket. Prices are reasonable and support conservation and education programs.

• Adults: Around $17 CAD
• Seniors (65+): Around $15 CAD
• Youth (13–17): Around $12 CAD
• Children (5–12): Around $7 CAD
• Children under 5: Free
• Family Passes and Annual Memberships: Also available

Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or online. The visit typically lasts 45 minutes to 1.5 hours. There is a gift shop and restroom facilities, and the site is fully wheelchair accessible.

History and Architecture of Butterfly Gardens, Victoria

Victoria Butterfly Gardens opened to the public in 2001 with the goal of educating visitors about the beauty and importance of butterflies and other tropical species. The facility was designed to recreate a tropical rainforest, complete with flowing water features, dense plant life, and free-flying animals.

The architecture of the garden includes a large glass dome greenhouse that maintains the tropical environment. The structure is equipped with climate controls to keep humidity and temperature at levels ideal for butterfly breeding and plant growth.

Over the years, the gardens have expanded their exhibits to include reptiles, amphibians, birds, and insects, creating a more complete tropical ecosystem experience.

Things to Do in Butterfly Gardens, Victoria

There’s plenty to explore and enjoy inside the Butterfly Gardens:

• Watch Butterflies Up Close: See thousands of butterflies fluttering freely around you. You might even have one land on your shoulder!
• Visit the Insectarium: A separate area showcasing exotic insects like tarantulas, beetles, scorpions, and stick insects.
• See Tropical Birds and Reptiles: Look for parrots, flamingos, turtles, iguanas, and poison dart frogs among the greenery.
• Learn from Educational Displays: Signs and interactive exhibits explain butterfly life cycles, rainforest ecosystems, and conservation.
• Photography: The vibrant colors and close encounters make it a dream spot for photographers of all levels.
• Relax and Enjoy: Sit on a bench and watch the butterflies and birds in this peaceful, warm environment.

Facts About Butterfly Gardens, Victoria

• The indoor garden spans over 12,000 square feet.
• More than 3,000 butterflies fly freely in the gardens at any given time.
• There are over 70 species of butterflies from around the world.
• The butterflies live for only 2–4 weeks, so new butterflies are added regularly.
• The gardens are home to over 200 species of tropical plants.
• Educational programs and field trips are offered for schools and groups.

Tips for Visiting Butterfly Gardens, Victoria

• Wear bright-colored clothes—this can attract butterflies to land on you!
• Bring your camera or smartphone to capture amazing close-ups of butterflies and animals.
• Dress in layers—the inside is warm and humid, so you may want to remove a jacket.
• Plan to spend 1 to 1.5 hours exploring, especially if you're visiting with children.
• Combine your visit with nearby Butchart Gardens for a full day of nature and beauty.
• Arrive early or later in the afternoon to avoid crowds, especially during weekends and holidays.

Victoria Butterfly Gardens offers a magical and educational experience that brings visitors face-to-face with some of the most beautiful creatures in nature. Whether you're a local or a tourist, it's a great place to unwind, learn, and reconnect with the wonders of the natural world.