Butchart Gardens has reopened after temporarily closing on March 26 amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Friday’s reopening of the 22-hectare attraction on the Saanich Peninsula comes with new safety protocols.
Visitors must maintain physical-distancing of two metres from other groups.
Children and pets must remain directly at your side, Butchart’s website says, and all visitors must stay to the right on pathways and follow directional arrows. Washrooms will be closed except for one near the parking lot.
Restaurants are closed, other than takeout service at the Gelateria and coffee shop.
The carousel is closed, all seating has been removed and no picnics or seated gatherings are permitted. Drinking fountains are not available.
The seed and gift store are closed, but people can shop online or call 250-652-4422 to place an order.
Visitors must follow the rules to ensure safety for themselves and for staff, the website says.
“This will allow us to remain open to offer comfort to all those who wish to come here in these difficult times.”
A national historic site, Butchart normally attracts more than one million visitors annually. The attraction features 900 varieties of bedding plants at 800 Benvenuto Ave.
— Times Colonist
