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BEST RATED SAANICH, BC PLACES TO SEE

3 Best Places To See in Saanich, BC

Expert-recommended Top 3 Places to Visit in Saanich, BC. All of our places to visit actually undergo a rigorous 50-Point Inspection, which includes everything from checking reviews, ratings, reputation, history, complaints, satisfaction, trust and price - all to ensure overall excellence. You deserve only the best!

The Butchart Gardens - Saanich, BC Places To See - Scenic View Image
The Butchart Gardens - Saanich, BC Places To See - Visitor Experience Image
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Saanich places to see The Butchart Gardens video
10+ YEARS ON TBR
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THE BUTCHART GARDENS

(5.0 Score)
800 Benvenuto Avenue, Brentwood Bay,
Saanich, BC V8M 1J8 Directions

Since 1904

Specialty:

✓Gardens ✓Landmarks ✓Nature and Parks ✓Wedding Events ✓Birthday Parties ✓Meetings and Events ✓Group Food Services ✓Entertainment ✓Child and Youth Groups ✓Birds ✓Flowers ✓Plants ✓Group Visits ✓Dining Room ✓Group and Resident Homes ✓Sunken Garden ✓Japanese Garden ✓Rose Garden and Gift Shop

"The Butchart Gardens is known for the extensive floral displays spread across 22 hectares (55 acres). Robert Pim Butchart established the gardens, which were expanded between 1906 and 1929, transforming an old tennis court into the Italian Garden, adding the seaside Japanese Garden, and creating the fragrant, overflowing Rose Garden. The Butchart Gardens features numerous birdhouses and hosts trained pigeons on-site, allowing visitors to observe birds such as parrots, ducks, and peacocks. The Garden also showcases various statues. As you wander through The Gardens, you'll discover over 900 varieties of plants, including millions of bedding plants and original cement planters. The Butchart Gardens feature themed gardens, eateries, and 26 greenhouses. The gardens receive over a million visitors each year. The gardens have been designated a National Historic Site of Canada. During the Holiday Season, the 12 days of Christmas, lights as well as seasonal decorations adorn the gardens. The Butchart Gardens provides free parking and is wheelchair accessible.

2026 Highlights: The Butchart Gardens offers visitors the opportunity to explore a variety of themed gardens and seasonal floral displays, including the Sunken Garden, Rose Garden, Japanese Garden, and Italian Garden. Visitors can also enjoy seasonal entertainment and dining options."

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License #BC0043001

Price:

Autumn 2026, October
1-31: Adult (18+): $36.75
Youth (13-17): $18.38
Child (5-12): $3.00
12-Month Pass
Adult: $88.50
Youth: $44.25
Child: $7.35

Discount:

Get 50% Off for Canadian Forces Veterans

Get 50% Off for Active Foreign Military Members

Contact:

(250) 652-4422 (866) 652-4422

Mon-Sun: 9am - 4pm

TBR® Inspection Report:

Victoria Butterfly Gardens - Saanich, BC Places To See - Outdoor Experience Image
Victoria Butterfly Gardens - Saanich, BC Places To See - Tourist Spot Image
Victoria Butterfly Gardens - Saanich, BC Places To See - Sightseeing Image
Saanich places to see Victoria Butterfly Gardens video
5+ YEARS ON TBR
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VICTORIA BUTTERFLY GARDENS

(4.9 Score)
1461 Benvenuto Avenue, Brentwood Bay,
Saanich, BC V8M 1J5 Directions

Since 1991

Specialty:

✓Exhibit ✓Insectarium ✓Butterflies ✓Gardens ✓Birds and Fish ✓Fish Feeding ✓Shop and Self-guided Tours ✓Creatures ✓Plants ✓Butterflies ✓Garden Map ✓Insectarium ✓Scavenger Hunt

“Victoria Butterfly Gardens offers a unique jungle experience for visitors of all ages. The gardens feature 200 species of tropical plants, which include carnivorous plants and a waterfall that connects to the meandering stream. The gardens are also home to various birds, including parrots like Mango and Houdini. A large pond in the garden houses tropical fish. Visitors can marvel at lush gardens showcasing tropical flowers, carnivorous plants, and fruits from around the globe. You can also witness butterflies emerging from their chrysalises, around 400-700 emerging annually. Victoria Butterfly Gardens offers free infant admission (0-4) and military discounts. The Victoria Butterfly Gardens have over 75 species (over 4,000 in population) of butterflies and moths that fly, eat and lay eggs freely inside the indoor facility. The indoor facility of the gardens is computer-controlled to maintain the temperature, light, mist, cooling and humidity of the simulated 12,000-square-foot rainforest.”

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Price:

ADMISSION RATES:
Child (5–12): $9.50
Senior (65+): $16
Student (13–17): $16
Adult (18–64): $20

Discount:

10% Off On The Victoria Butterfly Gardens Gift Shop

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Contact:

(250) 652-3822 (877) 722-0272

Mon-Sun: 10am - 5pm

TBR® Inspection Report:

Heritage Acres - Saanich, BC Places To See - Outdoor Experience Image
Heritage Acres - Saanich, BC Places To See - Visitor Experience Image
Heritage Acres - Saanich, BC Places To See - Tourist Spot Image
Saanich places to see Heritage Acres video
9+ YEARS ON TBR
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HERITAGE ACRES

(4.8 Score)
7321 Lochside Drive, Saanichton,
Saanich, BC V8M 1W4 Directions

Since 1968

Specialty:

✓Meetings ✓Restoring ✓Special and Public Events ✓Harvest ✓Receptions ✓Exhibits ✓Tractor Guide ✓Steam Engine Guide Exhibits ✓Museum ✓Building ✓The Barbecue and Park Areas ✓Historical Society ✓Industrial and Demonstrating Artifacts ✓Collecting ✓Group Picnics ✓Household and Agricultural Machinery ✓Train Rides ✓Wedding Planning ✓Venue Rental

"Heritage Acres is dedicated to collecting, restoring, housing, and displaying items from the rural past. The Museum is located 15.3 km downtown from Saanich, BC. Heritage Acres features a family-friendly attraction with heritage farm buildings, old tractors, and a seasonal mini-train ride. The site covers approximately 29 acres, offering a space for exploration, picnicking, and relaxation. Heritage Acres was established to preserve history for future generations and offers one of the most significant collections of working steam engines, tractors, farm equipment, and household and industrial artifacts in Western Canada. Additionally, the historical society operates a mini railway for public enjoyment. Heritage Acres is wheelchair accessible. They have a staggering more than 30,000 artifacts in their collection. They even have over 2000 old Edison records.

2026 Highlights: Heritage Acres welcomes visitors to explore the site, with admission available by donation."

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License #FM0649844

Price:

Entry Fee for Adults: $10

Contact:

(250) 652-5522

Mon-Sun: 9am - 4pm

TBR® Inspection Report:

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THE BUTCHART GARDENS REVIEWS

If you love flowers, this is a must-visit; if you don't love flowers, this is still a relaxing way to spend an afternoon with someone who does. As far as gardens go, this is the best I've been to in a long time, if not ever. We visited in late June, and July through August is the best time to visit for blooms. The grounds are immaculate; they vacuum 20 acres every morning (kidding). The gardens are now 120 years old and include every plant in this temperate region. They have 28 greenhouses to stock the grounds, and the plantings are arranged to create exciting color combinations and textures. The bathrooms are clean, the information is free, and there are experts at the information center to answer your questions about the grounds, the plants, or the history of the grounds. The Mediterranean garden seems like a bit of an afterthought, but you can walk past it on your way in. Overall, it is a fantastic, relaxing way to spend an afternoon.

We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to the gardens. We were there for four hours to see all that is there. I expected the Japanese gardens to be my favourite, but it was the sunken gardens that took my breath away. We chose to partake of dinner and it was delicious, with reasonably priced food. My husband had the smashed burger and I had steak. House salad was tangy and fresh.

This place has been on my bucket list for a while. Huge garden made into an old quarry over 100 years ago. Many walking paths and little nooks with special views and features. The sequoia and Japanese garden are not to be missed! They turn on the lights in the evening for a totally different vibe. I would suggest going late in the day to experience both or split it in 2 trips and have dinner somewhere and come back (your ticket will still be valid).

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VICTORIA BUTTERFLY GARDENS REVIEWS

There's something magical about butterflies landing on you. Went into this with zero expectations. There is more than just butterflies. The goldfish was particularly cute, and so was the super friendly parrot. She likes to go from person to person. Such a sweetheart. There is also a collection of bugs in terrariums before you enter. If you're lucky, you can spot a few zebra finches flying around. The butterflies stole the show for me though.

The Victoria Butterfly gardens is absolutely stunning, magical, and impressive. You can tell there is an incredibly dedicated team of people behind the gardens here. We visited for the first time last week and had our expectations blown out of the water. The care for all the inhabitants seems to be first priority, and the horticultural work done here is stunning. All I can say is this should be one of you're first stops when visiting the island. We will be back soon!.

Amazing experience that is great for all ages. The gardens are very well kept and all the butterflies, birds, amphibians, reptiles, etc are beautiful and fun to learn about. The gift shop sells chocolate that uses some of their own cocoa nibs! Watch your step, so much to see and potentially step on.

HERITAGE ACRES REVIEWS

Nice place for children and adults alike. The mini train is fantastic, the museum is worth visiting. It will bring you in the past if you've been there and show the younger generation how innovative people were before the computer era. There are tables available if you want to eat something. I had a lovely afternoon here. My understanding is that the trains run only sometimes, call in advance.

Great place to visit if you're into history or trains. It is free to enter. They also offer cheap miniture train rides around the acres, and I definitely recommend that even if you're an adult.

Step back in time. Always pleasant to walk through the grounds. The volunteers in charge do an amazing job at refurbishing older machines.

TBR® Inspection Score Report

THE BUTCHART GARDENS Total Inspection Points: 119/120
Complete Info: 9
Acknowledgments: 10
Business Hours: 10
Business Images: 10
Contact Info: 10
Current Evaluation: 10
Exact Services: 10
Experience: 10
Legitimate Ratings: 10
Pricing: 10
Reviews Accuracy: 10
Videos: 10

TBR® Inspection Score Report

VICTORIA BUTTERFLY GARDENS Total Inspection Points: 118/120
Acknowledgments: 9
Current Evaluation: 9
Business Hours: 10
Business Images: 10
Complete Info: 10
Contact Info: 10
Exact Services: 10
Legitimate Ratings: 10
Location Proximity: 10
Reviews Accuracy: 10
Videos: 10
Website Source: 10

TBR® Inspection Score Report

HERITAGE ACRES Total Inspection Points: 115/120
Business Hours: 8
Acknowledgments: 9
Complete Info: 9
Current Evaluation: 9
Business Images: 10
Contact Info: 10
Exact Services: 10
Experience: 10
Legitimate Ratings: 10
Reviews Accuracy: 10
Videos: 10
Website Source: 10

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