Butchart Gardens
 

Should we purchase tickets online? What is the best way to enjoy the gardens - from opening to closing or can we get there in the afternoon till the fireworks?

Unless you are an avid gardener, I think half a day is plenty. However, there is a café if you want to spend the whole day. I have been there three times and found half a day plenty. If you want to see the fireworks, I understand it is crowd controlled and I do not know if buying tickets online guarantees a spot.

Info on the fireworks:
http://www.butchartgardens.com/activities/fireworks

Anyone who enters the garden can stay and watch the fireworks. You just have to arrive early enough to get a parking spot and you may not get the best viewpoint.

Unless you make reservations for VIP seats (extra cost), there are no seats for the fireworks. You bring a blanket to sit on as chairs aren't permitted in the main viewing area. There are other areas where chairs are permitted.

The fireworks aren't until between 9 and 10pm, depending on the date. You can't re-enter the gardens, so it's probably worth coming later in the day if you intend to stay until the show.

Based on your other posts I don't think you are in Victoria on a Saturday night which is the only night they have fireworks.

Thank you. you are right I discovered fireworks only Saturday night - but replies helped decide that we do not need a full day at the gardens. Thanks

You don't need to drive. There's a bus from Victoria in the afternoon and leaves the gardens after the fireworks are over. We loved taking the bus and got back to Victoria for a late dinner.