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It all began with one woman’s vision and passion
With a former quarry as a canvas, Jennie Butchart envisioned transforming this space into a beautiful garden haven, overflowing with lush greens and colourful blooms. The result of her vision is The Gardens, which are still family run to this day.
1904
Where it all began
Coming from Ontario, husband and wife, Robert and Jennie Butchart moved to Vancouver Island to build a cement plant on a rich limestone deposit at Tod Inlet.
1912
A passion project
As cement production exhausted the limestone deposits, Jennie envisioned a grand garden in its place and began transferring top soil by horse and cart. Little by little, the quarry blossomed into today’s Sunken Garden.
1929
The gardens grow
Between 1906 and 1929, the Butcharts expanded The Gardens, designing the Japanese Garden on the seaside, the Italian Garden on their former tennis court and the fragrant, overflowing Rose Garden.
1939
A destination in the making
The Butcharts gifted their grandson Robert Ian Ross The Gardens on his 21 birthday. Over the decades following he transformed them into the world-renowned attraction we know today.
1977
A family legacy
In 1977, great-grandson Christopher began producing choreographed fireworks shows, which still can been seen on Saturday nights in July and August.
1987
Celebrate the Wonder of Something New
Christmas Lights are installed for the first time. Today, the Magic of Christmas is a tradition with Light Up on December 1 and continuing until January 6.
2004
100 Anniversary and Acknowledgement
2009
Where Adventure and Imagination Come to Life
In 2009, current owner of The Gardens, Robin-Lee Clarke, commissioned the Rose Carousel, with 30 hand-carved animals and two chariots, housed in the Children’s Pavilion.
2015
A Gift of Friendship
The Gardens is gifted a bronze and granite Dragon Fountain, from sister city Suzhou & People’s Republic of China, on the 35th anniversary of sister city relationship. Unveiled in Water Wheel Square, it was later moved to its current location near the Concert Lawn.
2026
A modern masterpiece
1904
Where it all began
Coming from Ontario, husband and wife, Robert and Jennie Butchart moved to Vancouver Island to build a cement plant on a rich limestone deposit at Tod Inlet.
1912
A passion project
As cement production exhausted the limestone deposits, Jennie envisioned a grand garden in its place and began transferring top soil by horse and cart. Little by little, the quarry blossomed into today’s Sunken Garden.
1929
The gardens grow
Between 1906 and 1929, the Butcharts expanded The Gardens, designing the Japanese Garden on the seaside, the Italian Garden on their former tennis court and the fragrant, overflowing Rose Garden.
1939
A destination in the making
The Butcharts gifted their grandson Robert Ian Ross The Gardens on his 21 birthday. Over the decades following he transformed them into the world-renowned attraction we know today.
1977
A family legacy
In 1977, great-grandson Christopher began producing choreographed fireworks shows, which still can been seen on Saturday nights in July and August.
1987
Celebrate the Wonder of Something New
Christmas Lights are installed for the first time. Today, the Magic of Christmas is a tradition with Light Up on December 1 and continuing until January 6.
2004
100 Anniversary and Acknowledgement
2009
Where Adventure and Imagination Come to Life
In 2009, current owner of The Gardens, Robin-Lee Clarke, commissioned the Rose Carousel, with 30 hand-carved animals and two chariots, housed in the Children’s Pavilion.
2015
A Gift of Friendship
The Gardens is gifted a bronze and granite Dragon Fountain, from sister city Suzhou & People’s Republic of China, on the 35th anniversary of sister city relationship. Unveiled in Water Wheel Square, it was later moved to its current location near the Concert Lawn.