janisj

"Too many plants" - how is that possible? Unfortunately I won't be there on a Saturday.

Thanks for the tips about Beacon Hill and Government House. Isn't Gov't House near Craigdarroch Castle -- I'm hoping to get there so might make a good two-fer.

It seems I won't have nearly enough time for everything I want to see

Fodorite018

Janisj--I agree, add time for Beacon Hill Park. If you have good weather, walk all the way through it over to the water side. Just to add to your full schedule, lol, but the day we did Butchart Garden we did it in the morning and then in the afternoon took a float plane ride. The plane went over the gardens and it was amazing to see them from another perspective. If you can fit this in, I highly recommend it! BTW, the BC Museum is a must, and tea at the Empress is very good. You will not need another meal after tea though. DD and I were both stuffed for the day after that and passed on dinner.

janisj

"<i>tea at the Empress is very good. You will not need another meal after tea though. DD and I were both stuffed for the day after that and passed on dinner.</i>"

That's my usual strategy - whenever I have afternoon in tea in London, I book a late-ish seating -- covers lunch AND dinner.

If I spend less time at Butchart Gardens than I expect -- That will give me a bit of free time Thurs afternoon to fit more in.