Friday, March 29, 2024

Victoria’s Butchart Gardens has re-opened to the public as of May 1

Share

After closing its doors over a month ago, Butchart Gardens has announced they have re-opened to the public as of today, May 1st at 9 a.m.

The popular Victoria landmark shuttered their tourist site on March 26th, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and out of an abundance of caution to protect their visitors from risk of virus transmission.

The announcement comes with a set of physical distancing measures to be put in place for all visitors to the gardens, to ensure they can remain open for the time being.

“We need you to follow the rules to guarantee you and your families and our staff and their families stay safe,” reads a statement from Butchart Gardens.

“This will allow us to remain open to offer comfort to all those who wish to come here in these difficult times.”

The physical distancing rules now in place at Butchart Gardens are:

  • Follow the instructions of staff
  • Be patient, maintain physical distancing, and do not allow you or your group to get within 2m/6ft of another group
  • Children and pets must remain directly at your side
  • Please keep to the right on all pathways
  • Follow the directional arrows and abide by the ‘Do Not Enter’ signs

In addition, though the main walkways are open, these areas may be closed to the public:

  • Most washrooms closed
    • One washroom near the parking lot will be available for use
  • Restaurants closed
    • Gelateria and Coffee Shop will be open for take-away service
  • Rose carousel closed
  • Seed & Gift Store closed
    • Shop online or call 250-652-4422 to place an order
  • Umbrellas
    • Due to COVID-19, they are unable to supply umbrellas
  • No benches
    • All seating has been removed
  • No drinking fountains
  • Do not bring your own food to the gardens
    • They are not permitting picnics or seated gatherings
  • Information Centre
    • Open for 12 Month Pass sales only

Butchart Gardens also reminds visitors that they are welcome to bring and wear their own masks, if they choose to do so.

The tourist attraction hosts over one million visitors each year across their 55 acres, and employees over 50 full-time gardeners alone along with numerous other staff.

The popular spot is a hub for tourists and locals alike and has been in operation for over 100 years in Victoria.

Seanna Wainman
Seanna Wainmanhttps://www.victoriabuzz.com
Managing Editor at Victoria Buzz. Have a story idea? I'd love to hear from you! Email me at seanna@victoriabuzz.com

Read more

Latest Stories