On my recent Princess Cruise, the Victoria cruise excursion that completely surprised me was the Butchart Gardens Fireworks, an evening experience I almost skipped.. Since the ship didn’t arrive until 7:30 pm and we weren’t scheduled to leave until 11:30 pm, I assumed there wouldn’t be much time to do anything worthwhile. I planned to stay onboard, enjoy a quiet evening, and get some extra rest. That is, until a fellow cruiser convinced me to book the Butchart Gardens Fireworks excursion—one of the best evening excursions you can take in Victoria if you’re visiting by cruise ship.
At first, I was hesitant. On my previous Alaska cruise, we had stopped in Victoria late at night, and I just wandered around downtown before heading back onboard. But when my new friend showed me a video of the Butchart Gardens Fireworks she had experienced on the same cruise, I was sold. Within minutes, I booked the excursion through the Princess Cruises app.
And let me tell you—this was not just another fireworks show. As a Disneyland annual passholder who’s seen countless firework displays, I can confidently say the Butchart Gardens Fireworks are in a league of their own.
Getting to Butchart Gardens
Since the excursion takes place late in the evening, I planned ahead with a mid-day nap so I’d have plenty of energy. At around 7 pm, I headed to the ship’s theatre where the tour groups were gathering. From there, we disembarked, passed the giant “Welcome to Victoria, Canada” sign, and boarded a classic double-decker bus.
I had never ridden one before, so I climbed straight to the top and grabbed the front-row seat for the best views. The ride to Butchart Gardens is about 45 minutes, but it’s an experience in itself. Our driver kept us entertained with stories and local facts while pointing out sights along the way.
Exploring Butchart Gardens at Night
When we arrived, I finally understood why Butchart Gardens is one of the top attractions in Victoria. Spanning 55 acres and home to over 900 varieties of flowers and plants, it’s one of the most celebrated botanical gardens in the world. The iconic sunken garden, built in a former limestone quarry, is particularly breathtaking.
Because this is an evening cruise excursion, time in the gardens is limited. My advice is to head straight in and explore while there’s still a little daylight left. I had just enough time to enjoy the rose garden and capture a few videos of the stunning sunken garden before sunset.
The Butchart Gardens Fireworks Show
As night fell, the excitement built. At around 9:30 pm, the Butchart Gardens Fireworks began—and it was pure magic. Unlike traditional fireworks, these are choreographed to classical music, creating a beautiful harmony of sound and light.
The most unique feature is the combination of dazzling sky-high bursts with ground-level effects that light up the gardens themselves. Being so close to the action makes it feel like you’re inside the show, not just watching from a distance.
The entire performance lasted about 35 minutes and was one of the most impressive firework shows I’ve ever seen. It was the highlight of my Victoria cruise stop and well worth staying up late for.
Returning to Victoria
After the finale, I quickly made my way back to the bus and reclaimed my front-row seat on the upper level. The ride back into Victoria was a treat in itself. The city sparkled at night, with highlights like historic Chinatown and the illuminated Parliament buildings, which are especially stunning after dark.
Tips for the Butchart Gardens Fireworks Excursion
- Expect a late-night adventure. The excursion runs from about 7:30pm to 11:30pm, so plan a mid-day nap if needed.
- Eat an early dinner before leaving the ship. Food options at the gardens are limited in the evening.
- Grab a snack like popcorn or hot chocolate before the fireworks start.
- Seating is casual—you can sit on the grass, perch on the stone wall ledges, or stand.
- Return to the bus a little early if you want the best seats on the top deck for the scenic night ride back.
Why This Is the Best Evening Excursion in Victoria, Canada
If your cruise itinerary includes a late-night stop in Victoria, don’t make the mistake of staying on the ship. The Butchart Gardens Fireworks excursion is hands down the best evening excursion for cruise ship passengers visiting Victoria, Canada. It combines the beauty of world-class gardens with a firework show unlike any you’ve ever seen, all set against the charm of this historic city at night.
This excursion turned what I thought would be a quiet evening into one of the most magical nights of my entire cruise—and it’s an experience I’ll never forget.
Sondra Barker
