Butchart Gardens reopens amid pandemic – with some new rules

The Butchart Gardens are back in bloom after reopening 9 a.m. Friday morning, but it is not without some new restrictions.

“We need you to follow the rules to guarantee you and your families and our staff and their families stay safe, said Buchart Gardens on their website. “This will allow us to remain open to offer comfort to all those who wish to come here in these difficult times.”

Butchart Gardens previously shut their doors to the public on March 26 due to COVID-19 concerns.

The gardens are asking all visitors to make sure your group does not get within two metres of another group or person, and for all to walk on the right-hand side of all pathways. There are arrows to help follow distancing rules.

Pets are still allowed, but they must remain directly at their owner’s side.

Visitors will only be allowed entry to the flowery site after answering three questions:

1. Have you experienced cold or flu-like symptoms within the last 14 days?
2. Have you been in close contact with anyone else who has had these symptoms in the last 14 days?
3. Have you travelled outside of British Columbia in the last 14 days?

If anyone refuses to answer the questions or fails to listen to the rules, they can be removed from the premises.

The only washroom available for guests is the one by the parking lot. All others throughout the gardens are closed.

All restaurants are closed, but the Gelateria and Coffee Shop are open for take-away service.

The Rose Carousel is closed, as well and the gift shop. The Information Centre is only open for 12-month pass sales.

To help stop the spread of the virus, Butchart Gardens will not be supplying umbrellas to visitors and there will be no benches to sit on as all seating has been removed. There are also no drinking fountains open.

The tourist site is asking everyone to withhold from bringing your own food to the gardens, as it is not allowing picnics or seated gatherings.

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