Victoria Butterfly Gardens isn’t just for kids or bug enthusiasts—it’s a mini jungle packed with surprises. Think tropical heat, birds that might land on you, and butterflies everywhere (and I mean everywhere).
But is it really worth squeezing into your already-packed Victoria itinerary?
Here’s where I’ll break it all down: what you’ll see, what you’ll feel, and why it might be more magical than you expected.
Stick around—because Victoria Butterfly Gardens has way more going on than just fluttering wings.
Victoria Butterfly Gardens
The Butterfly Gardens in Victoria is home to a stunning variety of tropical butterflies, birds, and plants.
As soon as you step inside the lush, temperature-controlled environment, you’ll feel as if you’ve been transported from Canada straight into a tropical paradise.
The attraction is located in Brentwood Bay, about 40 minutes north of town. It is just down the road from Victoria’s famous Butchart Gardens. Visiting this quiet suburb is one of the best day trips from Victoria.
Whether you’re on your own or visiting Victoria with kids, this delightful attraction is most definitely one of the top things to do in Victoria.
‼️ We’re thrilled to bring you skip-the-line tickets with a low price guarantee! Find cheaper tickets anywhere online, and you’ll be refunded the difference! Click below to learn more:
Related: Victoria’s Best Parks & Gardens
Reasons to Visit Victoria Butterfly Gardens
Victoria Butterfly Gardens is one of the best things to do in Victoria because:
- ✅ It feels like stepping into the tropics—warm, lush, and full of life.
- ✅ There’s something peaceful about watching butterflies land on your sleeve or head.
- ✅ The vibe is calming and a little magical (especially for kids or anyone needing a reset).
- ✅ You get close to wildlife without cages or glass separating you.
- ✅ It’s low-key educational in the best, most surprising ways.
If I had to pick one negative thing about Butterfly Gardens:
- ❌ Its Brentwood Bay location is a bit far from the city centre.
Most visitors already plan on making the trek to Butchart Gardens anyway, so it’s actually quite convenient. In other words, don’t let it stop you.
This attraction is perfect for families, photographers, animal lovers, and anyone who needs a warm break from the BC drizzle. If you’re that type of visitor, I recommend slotting it into a two day Victoria itinerary.
OK! Now, let’s take a deeper look at what to do at Victoria Butterfly Gardens.
The Must-Sees at Victoria Butterfly Gardens
Thousands of Free-Flying Butterflies
At Victoria Butterfly Gardens, an incredible 3,000+ butterflies fill the air, hatching daily from the onsite nursery. The species rotate depending on the season, which means every visit feels slightly different.
I honestly felt like I had walked into another world. The butterflies were landing on my shoulder like I was some sort of nature princess, and I didn’t hate it.
It’s warm inside, a bit muggy, and filled with jungle sounds—definitely a mood. I’d say kids are mesmerized, but honestly, so were most adults.
Keep an eye out for: The Blue Morpho. It looks brown with eyespots when resting, but flashes brilliant electric blue when it flies.
The Insectarium
This zone showcases the “other” stars of the tropics—giant beetles, scorpions, tarantulas, and stick bugs that look straight out of a sci-fi flick. It’s perfect for fans of the Victoria Bug Zoo.
I didn’t expect to be fascinated by bugs, but this section surprised me. I learned that some insects mimic leaves so well that I had to stare at a branch for a minute to even notice one move.
It’s cooler than it sounds—especially for curious kids or anyone who grew up glued to nature documentaries.
Keep an eye out for: The Leafcutter Ant colony—they’re busy, fast, and totally mesmerizing to watch.
Tropical Birds
Parrots, finches, and other tropical birds live freely here, often mingling with the butterflies or perching nearby to check you out.
One of the birds gave me the side-eye like I owed him money. Another sang along to the sound of the water feature nearby.
I loved that there weren’t barriers or cages, which makes it feel more like you’re a guest in their home than a visitor at a zoo.
Keep an eye out for: Mango the parrot—he’s cheeky and might even say hi.
Is Victoria Butterfly Gardens Worth a Visit?
For me? Yes. What stood out most was how immersive and calming the whole experience felt.
It wasn’t just a quick walk-through—it made me slow down. I found myself genuinely pausing to watch ants carry leaves or to figure out which butterfly had landed on my backpack.
When the crowd picked up, the koi pond was a peaceful break, and the birds added an unexpected splash of personality.
One tip? Wear layers. It’s hot and humid in there. Also, skip the perfume or cologne—some butterflies are sensitive to scents.
This is an easy win if you’re into nature, color, or photography.
My Tips for Visiting Victoria Butterfly Gardens
- Go early or late to avoid crowds. Midday can get packed, especially when tour buses roll in. The first or last hour is the quietest.
- Don’t skip the Insectarium. It’s easy to miss, but some of the most fascinating stuff is there.
- Check the butterfly nursery. You can watch butterflies emerging from their chrysalises—so cool to see in real time.
- Eat before you go. There’s no café inside. If you’re hungry after, head to The Dining Room at Butchart Gardens or Adrienne’s Tea Garden nearby.
- Wear bright colors. Butterflies are drawn to them. You might get more landings for photos!
Victoria Butterfly Gardens Tickets
You can grab skip-the-line tickets with a low price guarantee via our partners at Viator.
After all, you don’t want to travel all that way to waste valuable time standing in a queue.
The prices are as follows:
| Age | Price |
| Adult (18-64) | $21.00 |
| Senior (65+) | $16.80 |
| Youth (13-17) | $16.80 |
| Child (5-12) | $9.97 |
How to Get to Victoria Butterfly Gardens
Victoria Butterfly Gardens is in Brentwood Bay, about 30 minutes north of downtown Victoria. It’s just minutes away from Butchart Gardens, so you can easily pair the two on the same day.
The location is surrounded by forest and farmland, so it feels like a getaway even before you walk in. You won’t accidentally stumble upon it—it’s a destination.
Ease of reachability rating: 7/10
How to Get to Victoria Butterfly Gardens from City Centre
- By Car: 30 minutes, estimated cost $8–10 (fuel + free parking onsite).
- By Bus: 50 minutes, estimated cost $5. Take the #75 bus from along Douglas Street downtown.
- By rideshare: 30 minutes, typically costing $40-50.
- By Ferry: (if coming from Vancouver): 1.5 hours + 50 minutes combined driving time, estimated cost $20. Check the BC Ferries schedule for up-to-date times.
⛴️ Coming from Vancouver? Read my post on how to get to Victoria from Vancouver
The Easiest Way to Get to the Victoria Butterfly Gardens
Driving is the fastest and most convenient way to reach Victoria Butterfly Gardens.
You get to explore at your own pace, and parking is free and easy. If you’re already heading to Butchart Gardens, the Butterfly Gardens are just five minutes away–so why not kill two birds with one stone?
Butterfly Gardens Victoria Hours
The Butterfly Gardens are open 364 days a year, with the exception of Christmas Day.
Summer hours (June 16 – Sept 1)
- Mon – Wed: 9:30 am – 4 pm
- Thu – Sun: 9:30 am – 6 pm
Winter hours (Sept 2 – June 15)
- 10:00 am – 4 pm (everyday)
Victoria Butterfly Gardens FAQs
What is Victoria Butterfly Gardens?
Victoria Butterfly Gardens is an indoor temperature-controlled tropical garden located in Brentwood Bay, British Columbia, Canada. The garden is home to hundreds of species of butterflies, birds, and other animals, making it a popular attraction for visitors of all ages.
Is Victoria Butterfly Gardens suitable for children?
Absolutely! Victoria Butterfly Gardens is a great place for families with children of all ages. Kids will love seeing the colourful butterflies up close, and there are many other animals to discover too, such as flamingos and parrots. All in all, the attraction is one of the best things to do in Victoria for families with children.
Where is Victoria Butterfly Gardens located?
Victoria Butterfly Gardens is located at 1461 Benvenuto Avenue in Brentwood Bay, BC. The location is about a 30-minute drive from downtown Victoria and 20 minutes from Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal.
What is the best way to get to Butterfly Gardens in Victoria?
Seeing that Butterfly Gardens is located a fair distance from the Inner Harbour and most Victoria hotels, the best option is simply to drive. However, if you don’t have a vehicle, the attraction is easily reached via the #75 Saanichton Exchange bus from along Douglas Street. You’ll just be looking at about an hour’s trip in each direction.
All Set to Visit the Victoria Butterfly Gardens?
This unique attraction is able to provide visitors with a quick tropical getaway right in the heart of a temperate Vancouver Island rainforest.
It is said that butterflies are nature’s confetti, and there is no better place to get up close and personal with these beautiful and transformative creatures.
Enjoy your Victoria Butterfly Gardens visit 🙂
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