Victoria & Butchart Gardens

About Victoria and Butchart Gardens

The capital city of British Columbia, Victoria is home to historic Buildings, great shopping and some of the best museums in Western Canada. Established in 1843 as a fort for the Hudson’s Bay Trading Company, you can still see many British legacies such as double decker buses, horse drawn carriages, and original Buildings. Though rich in history, Victoria is now a busy city with entertainment and a wide range of street festivals & activities.

Join us as we visit the Butchart Gardens, a Natural Historic Site of Canada. Butchart Gardens features 6 gardens (The Sunken Garden, Rose Garden, Japanese, Italian and Mediterranean Garden as well as a Concert Lawn). What is now the Sunken Garden was originally a cement plant quarry (until 1916) which was transformed into the beautiful garden you see today. The gardens are a world class tourist site with coffee shops, restaurants, a carousel, live concerts, and much more.

After the Gardens, you will have free time for shopping, eating, and exploring Victoria's beautiful downtown. Stroll the waterfront and see the many beautiful sights that are a photographer's dream!

What to Wear:

• Appropriate clothing and footwear for the weather and for walking

 What to Bring:

• Face mask (optional - not required, but recommended) 
• Umbrella or rain coat (in case it rains) 
• Water bottle 
• Money if you wish to shop
• Snacks & lunch (or money for food)
• A backpack to carry all your items
• Camera

Meeting Location: 

VIU Building 255, Main Lobby (second floor) at 8:15 am

Trip Includes:

Transportation to and from Butchart Gardens and Downtown Victoria, free time to explore and shop, and you will also have the option of a short tour through downtown Victoria.

Policies, Health & Safety

We have an ongoing commitment to ensure the safety and quality of our trips, with trained and responsible student leaders, staff and community partners. Before you sign-up, please check out our policies & procedures for more information about how to prepare for a trip, as well as our cancellation policy.

How to Sign Up

Our activities are available to all current VIU Students. Sign up with us in person in at the Front Reception Desk on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10am – 1pm in Building 255 - Second Floor.

You will need to have your:

1. Student card,
2. Proof of medical insurance (BC Care Card or Guard.me Insurance Policy)
3. Payment (cash is currently the only method of payment for activities)

Waiver Form

Please read our general waiver form for VIU group activities in the attachment section below. All participants are required to read and sign the waiver before the start of the trip. We will provide a paper copy for you to read through again and sign the morning of the trip.

Contact

Kelsey Moon – Activity Program Coordinator
Kelsey.moon@viu.ca
250-753-3245 x 2228