How to Get to Butchart Gardens from Vancouver: A Botanical Escape

Getting to Butchart Gardens from Vancouver requires a longish, yet scenic journey across the Strait of Georgia to Vancouver Island.

Visitors traveling from Vancouver typically depart from Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal on BC Ferries’ main route to Swartz Bay.

From Swartz Bay Terminal, the gardens sit just 30 minutes south via Highway 17 and Keating Cross Road.

With my guide you’ll learn the ferry schedules, transportation options, travel times, organized tours, and seasonal visiting strategies for planning your trip.

A Visitor’s Take on How to Get to Butchart Gardens from Vancouver

Here’s what most people don’t realize…

Getting to Butchart Gardens from Vancouver isn’t a simple drive or bus ride.

You’re crossing water first.

As such, the journey from Vancouver happens in two stages:

• From Vancouver (or Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal) to Vancouver Island
• From Victoria (or Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal) to Butchart Gardens

When I first planned this trip, I assumed I could just hop in a car. That’s not how geography works here.

The silver lining? You’ve got several solid options, mostly involving BC Ferries.

In fact, let me interrupt myself a sec, here’s a sneak preview of what’s involved:

I went for the ferry.

A BC Ferries agent told me the Swartz Bay route books up fast in summer. She wasn’t kidding – I watched three cars get turned away.

Luckily I was a foot passenger, who got dropped off by a Vancouver friend.

Here’s the thing: the journey is kind of the whole experience. The strait crossing alone took 90 minutes, which honestly felt longer than expected.

But… the gardens are absolutely worth the multi-step journey.

So how do you actually pull this off without the confusion I dealt with?

Let’s break each method of getting to Butchart Gardens from Vancouver.

How to Get to Butchart Gardens from Vancouver

How to Get to Butchart Gardens from Vancouver by Car

Duration (One Way): 3 hours | Departure Point: Custom | Cost: ~$150.00 pp

There is no denying that driving is the quickest way to get to Butchart Gardens from Vancouver.

What’s more, you’ll have the flexibility to hit up other stops on your Victoria itinerary without difficulty.

Here are the steps involved:

1. If you’re without a vehicle, consider renting one. When you add up the rental and fuel expenses, anticipate spending over $100.00 for a return journey.
2. Start at Tsawwassen Terminal, which should take about 45 minutes away from Vancouver.
3. You’ll get the ferry from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay. BC Ferries’ current prices are $63.85 for each vehicle and $18.50 for every adult, for a total cost of $201.72 for a roundtrip for two adults.
4. Next, you’ll need to drive from Swartz Bay to Butchart Gardens, an approximately 30-minute trip. During peak season, entry fees to the Gardens are $41.50 per individual.
5. After your visit, you’ll return to Swartz Bay to catch your ferry back to Vancouver.

Organized Tours from Vancouver

Duration: 13 hours | Departure Point: Vancouver hotels | Cost: ~$260.00 pp

If you prefer a hassle-free, all-inclusive experience as a tourist, organized tours to Butchart Gardens from Vancouver is the way to go.

The Butchart Gardens, Victoria, and Gulf Islands Cruise takes care of everything – hotel pickup, ferry tickets, garden admission, and a scenic cruise through the Gulf Islands.

You’ll also get free time to explore Victoria’s Inner Harbour.

Here’s what’s included:

1. Hotel pickup and drop-off from downtown Vancouver hotels
2. BC Ferries passage with breathtaking views of the Gulf Islands
3. Skip-the-line admission to Butchart Gardens with 2+ hours to explore
4. Guided tour of Victoria including the Inner Harbour and historic downtown
5. Free time for lunch and shopping in Victoria (meals not included)
6. Optional hotel to stay the night and explore even more

Vancouver to Butchart Gardens by Bus

Duration (One Way): 4.5 hours | Departure Point: Pacific Central Station | Cost: ~$269.00 pp

The Vancouver to Victoria bus is the most common way to get to Butchart Gardens from Vancouver for travellers without a vehicle.

Having said that, the bus doesn’t stop at Butchart Gardens (it’ll drop you downtown). So, additional transit (and time) will be involved.

But don’t write it off quite yet.

The bus is a great option if you’re already heading to Victoria for a couple of days. The time involved is simply not conducive to a day trip.

Follow these steps to get to Butchart Gardens from Vancouver by bus:

1. Grab a round-trip ticket on the bus from Vancouver to Victoria. The current price is $98.00 for each leg of the journey, for a round-trip total of $200. Conveniently, your ticket includes the ferry crossing.
2. Head to Pacific Central Station to catch your bus (YVR & hotel pickup are also available). This service will transport you to the ferry that heads towards Victoria and Butchart Gardens. Just note that it’s not a direct route.
3. Upon arrival, you’ll be dropped at Capital City Station, situated in the heart of Victoria.
4. Grab a ticket for the Victoria Butchart Gardens Express Shuttle for $50 (pre-booking recommended). The ticket does not include entry to the gardens, which is an additional $41.00 for adults in the high season.
5. Finally, return to Capital City Station to catch your bus back to Vancouver, retracing your steps back home.

Related: Victoria’s Best Parks & Gardens: A Guide to the City’s Greenspace

Butchart Gardens from Vancouver via Public Transit

Duration (One Way): 4.5 – 5 hours | Departure Point: Numerous | Cost: ~$50.00-$60.00 pp

At just over $50, public transit is far and away the cheapest way to get from Vancouver to Butchart Gardens.

Just be aware that you’ll be forced to navigate the transport system of two cities, so many visitors may find it intimidating. It is also important to note that your ferry fare is not included.

Here is the breakdown:

1. SkyTrain: Board the Canada Line at any station in downtown Vancouver and disembark at Bridgeport Station. The Skytrain and bus should cost approximately $7.75. You can tap a credit or debit card once you’re aboard.
2. Bus to Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal: From Bridgeport Station, catch bus #620 Tsawwassen Ferry from Bay 12 on your right-hand side coming down the escalator. It will take you straight to the terminal (the final stop).
3. Ferry to Vancouver Island: The ferry ride to Swartz Bay costs $18.75 per adult for a single journey. Relish the beautiful 1.5-hour sail across the Salish Sea.
4. Option A – (Bus from Swartz Bay to Victoria): Once you land, get on either bus #70 Downtown Express (via Hwy 17) or #72 Downtown via Saanichton, heading to downtown Victoria from outside Swartz Bay Terminal. This part of the trip will cost another $2.50.
5. Victoria to Butchart Gardens: Depart from Legislature Terminal on bus #75 Saanichton, which goes directly to Butchart Gardens. Expect to pay $2.50 for the bus fare, with the ride lasting about 45 minutes.
6. Option B (Bus from Swartz Bay to Butchart Gardens): Board the #72 Downtown via Saanichton. Get off at the Saanichton Exchange and switch to the #75 Downtown. Stay aboard for 21 stops, and you’ll be dropped right at Butchart Gardens.
7. Return to Vancouver: Follow these steps in reverse order. Make sure to verify the schedules for the last bus and ferry to ensure a smooth return trip.

For more information, check out our guide on how to get to Butchart Gardens from Victoria.

Seaplane Option: Vancouver to Victoria

Here’s the thing:

Flying via the Vancouver to Victoria seaplane is hands down the fastest way to reach Butchart Gardens from Vancouver.

The entire flight takes just 35 minutes.

I took this route last spring when I had limited time. Worth every penny.

Seaplanes depart from Vancouver Harbour downtown, landing at Victoria’s Inner Harbour. From there, Butchart Gardens is a 30-minute taxi ride or quick shuttle connection.

The best part?

You’ll fly low over the Gulf Islands with stunning aerial views. My flight passed directly over sailboats and forested coastline.

Expect to pay $300-350 CAD each way for this premium option.

This option makes sense if you’re doing a day trip. You can easily visit Butchart Gardens and return to Vancouver the same evening.

Transportation Options: Getting to Butchart Gardens

Travel Time Between Vancouver and Butchart Gardens

Here’s what most guides don’t tell you upfront:

The total journey from downtown Vancouver to Butchart Gardens takes 3 to 4 hours each way. That includes ferry time, driving, and waiting.

Let me break down the timing for each transport option.

When I drove last summer, my GPS showed 102 kilometers total distance. But the clock? That told a different story.

• BC Ferry route – 90-minute crossing plus 30-minute wait plus 25-minute drive from Swartz Bay (3 hours minimum)
• Seaplane option – 35-minute flight plus 20-minute taxi to gardens (under 2 hours total)
• Tour bus package – 3.5 to 4 hours including all ferry transfers and stops
• Private car with ferry – Same as BC Ferry timing, but you control departure flexibility

The best part?

You can absolutely do this as a day trip. I left Vancouver at 8 AM and returned by 9 PM with 4 full hours at the gardens.

My advice is simple: plan for 7-8 hours round trip if taking the ferry. That accounts for potential delays and missed sailings.

What surprised me most was the ferry wait times during summer weekends. Budget an extra hour during peak season just to be safe.

Related: The Best Things to Do in Victoria in Summer

Vancouver to Butchart Gardens Tours

Wondering how to get to Butchart Gardens from Vancouver in the quickest, most efficient way possible?

Why not opt for a packaged tour from Vancouver to Butchart Gardens? These packages offer a plethora of benefits over navigating the journey independently.

One of the most significant advantages is the inclusion of transportation, whether you’re soaring over the scenic vistas by seaplane or cruising through the Salish Sea by ferry.

This convenience eliminates the hassle of coordinating multiple modes of transport and dealing with the unpredictability of schedules and availability. In most cases, you’ll also receive convenient hotel pick-up.

Moreover, guided tours provide both day trips and overnight options, catering to a variety of schedules and preferences.

So, whether you’re looking for a quick escape or a leisurely exploration of Victoria with the luxury of time, there’s a package designed to meet your needs.

If you’re looking for more information, be sure to check out our guide on Butchart Gardens Tours from Vancouver.

Best Time to Visit Butchart Gardens

Here’s what most guides won’t tell you:

Spring is peak season at Butchart Gardens, but it’s also the most crowded. I visited in late April and could barely move through the tulip displays.

The best part?

Each season offers completely different displays. You’re not just visiting a garden – you’re seeing four different experiences throughout the year.

• Spring (March-May) – Over a million bulbs bloom, including tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths
• Summer (June-August) – Rose garden peaks with 2,500 varieties, plus evening entertainment on Saturdays
• Fall (September-October) – Dahlias and autumn foliage create stunning color contrasts with fewer crowds
• Winter (November-January) – Magic of the Lights transforms the gardens with over a million twinkling lights

My personal favorite? Early September offers the best value when planning how to get to Butchart Gardens from Vancouver.

The summer crowds have thinned out significantly. But the gardens are still in full bloom with incredible dahlia displays.

Let me be honest:

I’ve visited twice in spring and once in fall. The fall visit was infinitely more enjoyable with half the wait times and better photo opportunities.

One local told me this during my September trip: “We get the same flowers as summer, just without the tour buses.”

How to Get to Butchart Gardens from Vancouver FAQs

Getting to Butchart Gardens from Vancouver: My Recommendation

As our guide comes to a close, remember that the journey from Vancouver to Butchart Gardens is more than a trip – it’s a gateway to experiencing the profound beauty and peace that nature holds.

Four tourists I recommend going by car/ferry as opposed to the bus or seaplane option.

It’s cheaper, and there’s less friction with additional transport at all ends.

Either way, you’re now ready to embark on an adventure into the heart of nature’s splendour!

Enjoy the gardens 🙂