UTHorns81

Has anyone tried to see the fireworks at Butchart Gardens on Saturday nights in July? If so how early do you have to get there and is it worth the hassle of competing with all the crowds?

UTHorns81

ttt

falcon

Yes, Yes, a thousand times yes!!!! We were there several years ago and it was the most amazing fireworks display we had ever seen (and I grew up in D.C., which is no slouch in the fireworks department!) Coached by our hosts at Prior House (which was wonderful--the 3rd floor has fabulous views of the Strait), we put our blanket and a cooler down on the designated spot before we even looked through the gardens. We came back and checked on our blanket, and it was totally undisturbed, even though there were people all around. We then went to one of the restaurants for dinner and returned about an hour before the show was to start. While waiting, we got to know our "neighbors" and ended up having a jolly time. Yes, the traffic is bad and you should plan for at least an hour wait/travel time to get back to Victoria, but it was definitely one of the highlights of our trip!

daisyf

Yes they are wonderful.

grahambell

Thousands have seen the Firework Show already this year. If you are visiting Victoria you may want to take a shuttle from downtown or take public transit as they are both permitted entry even if our parking lot is full. We set this page up for cruise passengers but even if you aren't coming that way to Victoria the shuttle and public transportation info will be useful.
http://www.butchartgardens.com/plann...assengers.html

amygirl

I agree that the fireworks at Butcharts are WELL worth the hassle involved, but do try and come via a tour bus from downtown or public transit as you will be guaranteed admission and you won't have to come early, early, just to get in before they close the gstes (capacity issues) I strongly advise that once you arrive, you make your way to the viewing area and somehow reserve yourself a spot as it gets VERY crowded. Enjoy!!!

Mathieu

I have been and seen the show and completely agree with Falcons comments. It is a very unusual firework display and we thoughly enjoyed it. The 'getting to know your neighbors' bit is very true and fun. Or you don't have to say anything to them if you don't want to. Take blankets to sit on and light snacks and drinks and have a mini picnic.

And we took the shuttle from Victoria and found it to be quite hassle free. We arrived at the gardens at 5.00pm, they drop you off and pick you up close to the entrance, toured the gardens, secured a spot at 7.00pm (for 10.00pm, this was mid July), toured somemore and came back to our spot at 9.30 and got into the scene.

AndrewDavid

i am not a big fan of butchart's gardens but the fireworks are brilliant. they quite take your breath away and are worth even walking from downtown imo!!

cheers
AndrewDavid

globetrotterxyz

Mathieu - what company did you use for the shuttle?

Is it just in July that it's crowded, or is every Saturday night show crowded? There's a chance we may go to the last one for the summer (Sept 4), so I wonder if it will be packed because of that and because it's Labor Day weekend?

Mathieu

Sorry can't remember the name of the company, but do recall that we just booked it at a booth located in the bus terminal in Victoria that brought us there after getting off the ferry. Its very easy to do so.

I thought that the fireworks only ran during July weekends, but if you can get one for Labor Day weekend, thats great. Yes, I do expect it will be crowded for the same reasons you mentioned but if you go early enough and stake out your spot, maybe even sit there to secure it, you should be fine.

globetrotterxyz

Thanks!