November 29, 2005

Victoria, BC – The Butchart Gardens has introduced an outdoor ice skating rink and added a day this year to its tradition of Christmas displays of the twelve days and its stunning displays of poinsettias. This year’s season will run from December 1, 2005 to Saturday, January 7, 2006.

The outdoor ice skating rink is the latest addition to The Gardens’ seasonal celebrations that have, since its inception in 1987, grown into one of the grandest holiday galas in North America. Visitors are immediately enchanted when entering The Gardens’ gates with tens of thousands of lights and a multitude of fresh evergreen swags and wreaths; holly, ivy and winter berries line walkways and festoon lamp posts. Traditional holiday music, with carolers and concerts, fills the air enhancing almost 4,000 poinsettias placed indoors throughout the estate. The ever-popular and festive Twelve Days of Christmas displays are tucked away around the property surprising visitors as they meander the many paths and nooks of the winter wonderland.

“Visitors can skate in the fresh air and enjoy the magic of lights, music and decorations which will come together in a spell binding way. Children who were taken around by their parents in strollers in our first year of Christmas lights are close to continuing the tradition with children of their own,” said Alison Partridge, director of public relations and marketing. “We see the addition of our 307 sq. m. (3,300 square foot) outdoor ice skating rink rather like putting the icing on the Christmas cake.”

Up to fifty people will be welcomed on the ice for each skating session, and a portion of the nominal skating fee will go to help support The Cridge Centre for the Family. Groups and individuals may book ice times through group services at The Gardens and skate rentals will be available.

The Gardens’ gates are open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. December 1 to December 15, and from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. December 16 to January 7, 2006, except for Christmas Day’s opening at 1 p.m.. The Seed and Gift Store is open an hour after the gates close for those last minute holiday gift ideas.
    
The Butchart Gardens was created in 1904 by Jennie Butchart out of her husband’s worked-out limestone quarry site, welcoming over one million guests from around the world each year, and it has been designated a National Historic Site. The 22 hectare (55 acre) year round gardens are located 20 km (13 miles) north of the city of Victoria, British Columbia, on the Saanich Peninsula. Visitors can reach southern Vancouver Island by ferry from Tsawwassen on the British Columbia mainland or from the United States ferry terminals in Anacortes and Port Angeles, Washington; by hydrofoil from Seattle; or by plane to Victoria International Airport or Victoria harbour.

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Media Contact:
Graham Bell
Public Relations
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