Victorians can now enjoy the outdoors surrounded by a plethora of enchanting floral displays in a safer way, after Butchart Gardens reopened to the public on May 1, now that there are just 15 active cases of COVID-19 in the Island Health region.
The National Historic Site, which shut down temporarily on March 26 due to the pandemic, welcomed the public “to take solace” in the gardens, after instating new public health measures to ensure a safe reopening.
To guarantee that the virus has no opportunity to surface and spread at the gardens, Butchart is requesting the public to be patient while staff monitors the number of visitors entering the garden.
They have also asked visitors to keep children and pets by their side, and physical distancing guidelines have been prioritized as guests are instructed to follow the directional arrows throughout the gardens.
While the seed and gift store, restaurants, Rose carousel, and most washrooms are closed, one washroom near the parking area will remain open for use.
Umbrellas and benches will not be available for use, to reduce the number of surfaces people come into contact with.
Patrons are also asked not to bring their own food to the gardens, and drinking fountains are closed to the public.
Nevertheless, after weeks of being cooped up at home, a visit to the gardens may come as a welcome change of scenery for many.
Here’s our first look at Butchart Gardens after it reopened on May 1:
