VanDusen Botanical Garden in Vancouver

VanDusen Botanical Garden

Category: Gardens & Parks | Neighbourhood: Shaughnessy / South Cambie | Best for: Families, photographers, garden lovers, quiet walks

VanDusen is the garden locals bring visiting relatives to when they want to show off Vancouver without fighting the crowds at Stanley Park. It covers 55 acres and holds more than 7,500 plant species gathered from around the world, laid out around lakes, a waterfall, and sculpture-lined lawns in the middle of a residential neighbourhood. You can see the highlights in two hours, but a slow afternoon here is the better plan.

A Short History

The land was once part of the Shaughnessy Golf Course. When the club moved in the 1960s, residents pushed back against plans to subdivide it, and lumber businessman W.J. VanDusen helped fund its purchase. The garden opened to the public in 1975 and is now owned by the City of Vancouver, with education and programming run by the Vancouver Botanical Gardens Association.

What to See and Do

The Elizabethan Hedge Maze

The maze is the garden's most popular stop for kids. It's built from more than 3,000 pyramidal cedars, and children can also explore the nearby Learning Garden and climb on a vintage tractor. Plan on 15 minutes if you're competitive, longer if you're not.

Lakes, Waterfall and Themed Gardens

Expect picturesque lakes, a waterfall, notable architecture, sculptures, and 70 separate botanical collections. Livingstone Lake is the classic photo spot, especially in October when the maples around it turn. Wander the Sino-Himalayan Garden, the Rhododendron Walk, and the Heather Garden depending on the season.

The Learning Garden

This hands-on area includes a garden lab with raised planters, a sensory lab designed around all five senses, and a renovated vegetable garden, and it was built with the Disabled Independent Gardeners Association to be genuinely accessible.

Birdwatching and Wildlife

More than 85 bird species have been recorded here, from black-capped chickadees and ravens to great blue herons and robins. Kids can grab a Junior Birder challenge at the admission desk and earn a button for completing it. You may also spot hummingbirds, hawks, owls, eagles, butterflies, and turtles, and there are honey bee hives near the maze.

The Visitor Centre

Even the building is worth a look. Its orchid-inspired design, green roof, and sustainable systems earned it LEED Platinum status in 2014, and it was designed by Busby, Perkins + Will.

Best Time to Visit

Spring (April–May): Rhododendrons, magnolias, cherry blossoms, and the famous Laburnum Walk, a tunnel of hanging yellow flowers that usually peaks in mid to late May.
Summer (June–early September): Longest hours, roses, lilies, and warm evenings for a picnic on the Great Lawn.
Fall (late September–October): Maple colour around the lakes. Harvest Days runs on weekends from September 26 to October 18 (plus Thanksgiving Monday), 10:30am to 4:30pm, with autumn activities, live music, face painting, lawn games, and seasonal food, all included with regular admission.
Winter (December): The VanDusen Festival of Lights transforms the garden after dark. It's a special event, so regular admission tickets and discount vouchers don't apply. Book early, as popular dates sell out.

Local tip: Pick up the monthly bloom guide and check the "Today in the Garden" display at the entrance to find out what's flowering that week.

Hours (2026)

Hours are from the City of Vancouver; last entry is 30 minutes before closing.

Admission Prices (2026, before GST)

Buying online in advance saves $1 on adult tickets. Groups of 10 or more paid tickets get 10% off automatically. Regular visitors can buy a 10-visit pack at the admission desk for 15% off. Self-identifying Indigenous Peoples receive free regular admission, available in person at the desk. Approved Leisure Access Program cardholders get 50% off general admission.

Getting There

Address: 5251 Oak Street (at West 37th Avenue), Vancouver, BC V6M 4H1
Phone: 604-257-8463

By car: The lot is on West 37th Avenue just off Oak Street, parking is free with accessible stalls, and there's an accessible drop-off loop at the front entrance.
By transit: The #17 Oak bus runs along Oak Street and stops near the garden entrance at 37th Avenue.
Pair it with: Bloedel Conservatory is close enough to combine in one day, reachable by a short walk, bike, or bus ride.

Dining at VanDusen

Shaughnessy Restaurant is the sit-down option, with a patio overlooking the garden. Its chef runs a rotating "Taste of the Garden" menu built around produce from VanDusen's own vegetable garden. For something quicker, Truffles Garden Café serves coffee, sandwiches, and snacks. You can also bring your own lunch: picnics and blankets are welcome, with lawn chairs and coolers allowed on the Great Lawn only.

Accessibility

The Visitor Centre, Floral Hall, Shaughnessy Restaurant, and most paved paths are fully accessible, though some paved and unpaved paths can be uneven. Attendants accompanying visitors who need assistance get in free; just let staff know at the desk. Volunteer guides offer walking tours and golf cart tours for visitors with mobility challenges, running daily from 1pm to 4pm between April 1 and Thanksgiving Monday, then walking tours only until October 31.

Know Before You Go

• No pets. Working guide and service dogs are welcome, but pets must stay home.
• Leave the drone and frisbee at home. Drones, balls and other sports equipment, amplified music, outside alcohol, and smoking or vaping are all prohibited.
• Photographers: tripods are only allowed on grassy areas, not in beds or on pathways.
• Self-guided tour: The free Bloomberg Connects app has a Garden Highlights tour and a First Peoples and Plants tour.
• Wear proper walking shoes. The full loop covers a lot of ground and some trails are gravel.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much time do I need at VanDusen Botanical Garden?

Two hours covers the main highlights including the maze. Plan three to four hours if you want lunch and a proper wander through the themed gardens.

Is parking free at VanDusen?

Yes. The lot on West 37th Avenue is free, with accessible stalls.

Can I bring food into the garden?

Yes, picnics are welcome. Coolers and lawn chairs are limited to the Great Lawn, and outside alcohol isn't permitted.

Is VanDusen good for kids?

Very. The hedge maze, Junior Birder challenge, Learning Garden, and vintage tractor keep younger visitors busy, and kids 4 and under get in free.

Does my regular ticket cover the Festival of Lights?

No. The Festival of Lights is a separately ticketed special event.

Are dogs allowed at VanDusen?

Only working guide and service dogs.