Bloedel Conservatory: Tickets and Info

This website offers official tickets for this venue. Please note, however, that it is not the official website of the venue.

Bloedel Conservatory: Indoor Tropical Garden

Highlights

Discover three distinct tropical climate zones within a large dome.

Explore a variety of colorful birds flying freely around you.

Enjoy the peaceful and well-maintained healing garden.

Perfect for families, with a kid-friendly scavenger hunt booklet included.

An all-season tropical retreat only minutes from the city center.

Bloedel Conservatory

Nestled atop Vancouver’s highest point in Queen Elizabeth Park, Bloedel Conservatory offers a year-round tropical sanctuary featuring over 500 exotic plants and free-flying birds within its impressive domed structure. As Canada’s largest single-structure conservatory, it provides visitors with a unique opportunity to explore three distinct climate zones under one roof. Discover this lush indoor paradise and immerse yourself in its vibrant ecosystem. Secure your tickets today to experience the natural beauty and tranquility of Bloedel Conservatory.

About Bloedel Conservatory

Bloedel Conservatory is a renowned indoor tropical garden located at the highest point in Vancouver’s Queen Elizabeth Park. Established in 1969 through the generous donation of Prentice Bloedel, this domed conservatory offers visitors a unique experience with over 500 species of exotic plants and flowers, as well as more than 100 free-flying tropical birds.

Its vast dome encloses three distinct climate zones - Tropical, Subtropical, and Desert - creating a lush, temperature-controlled environment that showcases diverse flora and fauna all year round. Designated a heritage building, Bloedel Conservatory serves as a peaceful urban oasis that combines horticultural wonder with cultural significance.

Address: 4600 Cambie Street, Queen Elizabeth Park, Vancouver, BC V5Z 2Z1
Annual Visitors: Approximately 200,000
Founded: 1969
Dome Height: 70 feet
Total Area Covered by Dome: 16,386 square feet
Number of Plant Species: Over 500
Number of Free-Flying Exotic Birds: More than 100

Why Visit the Bloedel Conservatory?

Three Distinct Climate Zones Under One Roof: Experience the unique opportunity to explore tropical, subtropical, and desert environments all within the expansive dome of the conservatory. Each zone houses a diverse collection of plants carefully cultivated to thrive in their respective climates, providing visitors with an immersive botanical journey through varying ecosystems without leaving Vancouver.

Exotic Free-Flying Birds: Discover over 100 free-flying exotic birds including vibrant macaws, parrots, and cockatoos. These colorful avian inhabitants add dynamic life and sound to the lush garden settings, creating an interactive and engaging experience for bird enthusiasts and visitors of all ages.

Extensive Collection of Over 500 Tropical Plants: Wander among a vast assortment of exotic plant species such as rare figs, palms, orchids, and cacti. The collection features tropical fruit and spice trees, vibrant flowers, and unique specimens like carnivorous pitcher plants, offering both botanical variety and educational value to all guests.

Architectural Marvel of the Triodetic Dome: Admire Canada's largest single-structure conservatory dome, spanning 140 feet in diameter and soaring 70 feet high. Constructed from thousands of aluminum tubes and plexiglass panels, this heritage-designated architectural landmark is as much a visual attraction as the natural exhibits it shelters.

Prominent Henry Moore Sculpture: Located in the entrance plaza, the bronze sculpture "Knife Edge - Two Piece" by renowned artist Henry Moore complements the conservatory’s natural beauty. This notable artwork is one of only three castings worldwide, adding a distinct cultural and artistic dimension to the visit.

Timings

The Bloedel Conservatory offers a tropical escape year-round, with hours that shift seasonally to accommodate the changing light. Please note that the last entry is 15 minutes before closing time.

How To Get There?

Address
By Public Transit
By Car
By Bike

Perched atop Vancouver's highest point, the Bloedel Conservatory is a stunning glass dome sanctuary located within the beautiful Queen Elizabeth Park, offering both a beautiful indoor escape and stunning panoramic views of Vancouver.

Bloedel Conservatory, Queen Elizabeth Park
4600 Cambie Street
Vancouver, BC V5Y 2M4

The Conservatory is easily accessible via the Canada Line SkyTrain.

The closest station is King Edward Station, which is a 10-15 minute uphill walk through Queen Elizabeth Park to the Conservatory.

Alternatively, the #15 Cambie bus stops directly at the park entrance at 33rd Avenue and Cambie Street.

Bloedel Conservatory is located at the top of Queen Elizabeth Park.

From downtown Vancouver, take the Cambie Street Bridge and continue south on Cambie Street until you reach the park entrance.

Pay parking lots are available throughout Queen Elizabeth Park, managed by EasyPark.

The area around Queen Elizabeth Park is well-served by bike routes.

The Conservatory is a popular destination on a number of scenic self-guided cycling tours, including the Ontario Street bike route.

Bike racks are available on-site for secure storage.

Accessibility Facilities at the Bloedel Conservatory

Bloedel Conservatory is committed to ensuring a welcoming and accessible experience for all visitors. The main pathway inside the conservatory is fully accessible to wheelchairs, scooters, and walkers. Accessible washrooms are also available on-site for your convenience.
For visitors with a disability requiring assistance, a designated attendant will receive a complimentary ticket to accompany them. Simply inform the staff at the admission desk.
Sensory support kits, which include items like noise-cancelling earmuffs and tinted glasses, are available to borrow for neurodivergent guests who may be sensitive to the sounds of machinery or the birds inside.
Please note that working guide and service dogs are welcome, but personal pets are not permitted. Pay parking lots with accessible spaces are available throughout Queen Elizabeth Park, managed by EasyPark. There's also a convenient drop-off loop near the Seasons in the Park Restaurant.

Bloedel Conservatory - Code of Conduct

Respect the environment: Please stay on the designated pathways and do not pick or remove any plant material. Touching the plants and feeding the birds is strictly prohibited. Outside food and beverages, other than bottled water, are not allowed.
Supervise children: Youth aged 13 and older may visit without an adult. For children under 13, one adult, senior, or youth can supervise up to five children aged 0-4.
Personal items: Keep your belongings with you at all times. The conservatory is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
Prohibited items: For the safety of the conservatory's birds and plants, please do not bring any outside wildlife or plant material inside. Smoking and vaping are not permitted, nor are selfie sticks, rollerblades, skateboards, or tricycles.
Photography: While personal photos are encouraged, please note that staged photography sessions, including wedding, graduation, or portrait photos, are not permitted during business hours.

Things to Know Before Visiting the Bloedel Conservatory

Tickets: You can purchase tickets online in advance to save time upon arrival and secure your entry.

Last Entry: Be aware that the last entry is 15 minutes before the stated closing time each day.

Accessibility: The main pathway is fully accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, and accessible washrooms are available inside.

Parking: Paid parking is available within Queen Elizabeth Park, managed by EasyPark, with a drop-off loop near the restaurant.

What to Wear: The conservatory is warm and humid inside, so dressing in layers is recommended.

Prohibited Items: Outside food, smoking, selfie sticks, and pets (with the exception of service animals) are not permitted.

Photography: Personal photos are welcome, but staged professional photoshoots are not allowed during business hours.

Supervision: Children under the age of 13 must be accompanied by an adult or guardian.

Support Kits: Sensory support kits, including noise-cancelling earmuffs, are available to borrow at the front desk.

Interesting Facts about the Bloedel Conservatory

Bloedel Conservatory is a triodetic dome, an architectural style that uses a network of interlocking triangles for its structure.

It was designed by architects C.B.K. Van Norman and Associates and opened to the public in 1969.

The conservatory's distinctive dome is 140 feet in diameter and 70 feet high.

The dome is made of 1,490 acrylic bubbles and is a prominent feature of the Vancouver skyline.

It was built with funds from the Vancouver Foundation and a generous donation from Prentice Bloedel, for whom it is named.

The conservatory houses over 120 free-flying exotic birds.

The interior of the dome is divided into three distinct climate zones: tropical, subtropical, and desert.

Bloedel Conservatory is a designated heritage site by the City of Vancouver.

The building is heated by steam from a central heating plant to maintain its warm, tropical environment.

The tropical section features a variety of palms, ferns, and towering fig trees.

The desert zone is home to arid-climate plants like cacti and succulents.

The conservatory has a small waterfall and pond that provides a soothing soundscape.

There are over 500 species of plants inside the dome, collected from various parts of the world.

The birds inside, including parrots, finches, and pheasants, are free to fly throughout the space.

Bloedel Conservatory is a popular spot for both local residents and tourists looking for a tranquil escape in the city.

Bloedel Conservatory - Highlights in Pictures

FAQs about the Bloedel Conservatory

What is the Bloedel Conservatory?

It is a domed tropical sanctuary and aviary located in Queen Elizabeth Park, home to exotic plants and birds.

What is the significance of the dome?

The conservatory is housed in a unique triodetic dome, an architectural landmark that is Canada's largest single-structure conservatory.

How many birds are at the Conservatory?

There are more than 100 free-flying exotic birds, including parrots, finches, and macaws.

What types of plants will I see inside?

The conservatory features over 500 species of plants and is divided into three distinct climate zones: tropical, subtropical, and desert.

Is the Bloedel Conservatory a heritage site?

Yes, the conservatory has been officially designated as a heritage building by the City of Vancouver.

When is the best time of year to visit?

The conservatory is a year-round attraction, providing a warm, tropical escape during Vancouver’s cooler seasons.

Can I purchase tickets at the door?

Yes, tickets are available at the admission desk, but it is recommended to purchase them online in advance.

How long does a typical visit take?

Most visitors spend between 45 minutes to an hour inside the conservatory, but you are welcome to stay as long as you like.

Are there other attractions nearby?

Yes, it is located within Queen Elizabeth Park, which also features gardens, a restaurant, and a pitch and putt golf course.

Is the Conservatory suitable for children?

The vibrant birds and unique plants make it a very popular and engaging experience for visitors of all ages.

Can I bring outside food or drinks?

Outside food and beverages, other than bottled water, are not permitted inside the conservatory.

Are pets allowed in the Conservatory?

No, only working guide and service dogs are permitted inside the dome.