irobro Posted March 2, 2009 #1 Share Posted March 2, 2009 We dock in Victoria at 7:00PM in late May, the last night of a Princess cruise before disembarking in Seattle the next morning. We have always wanted to see Butchart Gardens based on the experience of others but that desire is based, I'm sure, on a daylight tour. I'd love to hear opinions about Butchart Gardens at night. It is the melancholy last night of the cruise, dinner-time, packing, and the time to put suitcases out the door. Should we do the evening tour? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Putterdude Posted March 2, 2009 #2 Share Posted March 2, 2009 In late May the sunset is not until about 9pm in Victoria and twillight is about another 40 minutes or so. That notwithstanding the gardens are illuminated in the evening and are spectacular. I know that is rather an expensive excursion but people come from all over the world to see Butchart Gardens and it would be a shame to be so close and not see them. www.butchartgardens.com/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rubytue Posted March 2, 2009 #3 Share Posted March 2, 2009 In late May you will have daylight until 9-ish. I think twilight will last for 45 minutes there, too. In addition, Butchart is lit up with lots of lights for night viewing. You can't see the flowers, but the lights are very impressive. These were at Christmas, but I am fairly certain they do the light thing all year Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
compulady Posted March 2, 2009 #4 Share Posted March 2, 2009 I visited Butchart Gardens several years ago, though not from a ship. It really is a lovely garden. I have never seen such a display of Delphiniums, really awesome! Other gardens were really nice too but that one really sticks out in my mind. The sun doesn't set until 9pm in Victoria in late May so it should be quite nice. I would go for it, you will not be in the dark. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
allib81 Posted March 2, 2009 #5 Share Posted March 2, 2009 On their website, it says Buchart Gardens closes at 6pm. Here's the link: http://www.butchartgardens.com/planning-your-visit/admission-hours-and-rates/hours-of-operation.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
compulady Posted March 2, 2009 #6 Share Posted March 2, 2009 You didn't say exactly which day you are there but the site says: ** Additional late open hours: May 21, 22, 23, 28, 29, 30 and Jun 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13. Gates close at 9pm with grounds open until 10pm. I would assume if the ship is offering it as an option it is one of these days, since it is an unusual time the ships excursion would likely be the safest bet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
irobro Posted March 2, 2009 Author #7 Share Posted March 2, 2009 Thank - you. You all thought of things I hadn't even considered. We will be in Victoria on May 22nd. It will be light until almost 9:00pm and as you mentioned, Butchart Gardens is open late that evening (gates open until 9:00pm, gardens open until 10:00pm) although it is still a questioon whether the lights will be on or not. Regardless, we will be going. Again, thank you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Host Caroline Posted March 2, 2009 #8 Share Posted March 2, 2009 According to the website the illumination at night won't start till June 15 or somewhere thereabouts so we are saving that for a cruise or visit when we will be there to enjoy that as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Putterdude Posted March 3, 2009 #9 Share Posted March 3, 2009 The gardens do stay open on the nights that cruise ships are in town and illuminate at twilight. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WebStir4 Posted March 3, 2009 #10 Share Posted March 3, 2009 I will be on a cruise leaving Seattle on July 5. I probably get to Victoria on July 11, 2009. I am now 100% sure that I should see Buchart Gardens after reading this board. Thank you all for your input and helping me decide. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
can786 Posted March 3, 2009 #11 Share Posted March 3, 2009 We were in Victoria from 7pm to midnight a few years ago on the Star Princess and went to Buchart Gardens. It was fantastic, and I especially liked the fact that we got to see it in both daylight and lighted after dark. Both ways were spectacular. This was in late August, so it probably got dark a bit earlier than in late May. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flamomo Posted March 4, 2009 #12 Share Posted March 4, 2009 We are cruising from Sept 13-20th. The list of hours of operation for the Gardens says it closes ay 5:30 PM in September. But the tour is offered on the excursion list. Does anyone know if the Gardens will be open in the eveing then, since someone said they are open when cruise ships are in port. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Debbie42467 Posted March 4, 2009 #13 Share Posted March 4, 2009 Could you tell me when does the sun set on Aug. 7th? I'm taking this tour through our cruiseline. Thanks, Debbie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
compulady Posted March 4, 2009 #14 Share Posted March 4, 2009 Here is a sunrise/sunset web site: http://www.sunrisesunset.com/custom_srss_calendar.asp This one is great for Alaska: http://alaska.org/SunTimes/# Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quenby Posted March 4, 2009 #15 Share Posted March 4, 2009 I did this excursion on May 19th two years ago. It was fantastic, and my photos of all the flowers came out great. :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bballprncess Posted March 4, 2009 #16 Share Posted March 4, 2009 Hey there Webstir! I think we are on the same sailing. I leave on the Westerdam on July 5 from Seattle. If you are on our same sailing, head on over to the roll call board and post with me there. We would also like to do the gardens and maybe we can share some of the transportation costs. The gardens will be great in July! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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