VanDusen Botanical Garden: Tickets and Info

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

VanDusen Botanical Garden: A green city-centre oasis

Highlights

Stroll through beautifully maintained gardens featuring a wide variety of plants from across the globe.

Discover the intricate Elizabethan Hedge Maze made of 3,000 cedar trees.

Enjoy observing native wildlife such as birds and butterflies in a peaceful urban green space.

Explore seasonal self-guided tours available throughout the year.

Relax and refresh at the on-site garden café after your visit.

VanDusen Botanical Garden

Discover the natural beauty and diverse plant collections of VanDusen Botanical Garden, a serene 55-acre oasis nestled in Vancouver’s Shaughnessy neighborhood. Home to over 7,500 species from around the globe, this garden offers a unique experience for nature lovers and international visitors alike. Whether you wish to explore themed gardens, enjoy seasonal events, or relax in the award-winning Visitor Centre, VanDusen provides an unforgettable visit. Secure your tickets today to experience this vibrant botanical destination firsthand.

About VanDusen Botanical Garden

VanDusen Botanical Garden is a renowned 55-acre urban oasis situated in Vancouver's Shaughnessy neighborhood. Established on August 30, 1975, this botanical garden emerged from the grounds of a former golf course and serves as a vibrant sanctuary dedicated to the cultivation and display of over 7,500 plant species from around the globe. While emphasizing community engagement and garden development over scientific research, VanDusen maintains strong educational partnerships and community programs. The garden features diverse themed gardens, water features, and artistic elements, all supported by a LEED Platinum-certified Visitor Centre known for its sustainability and innovative design.

Address: 5151 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC V6M 4H1
Annual Visitors: Approximately 250,000
Founded: August 30, 1975
Garden Size: 55 acres (22 hectares)
Number of Plant Species: Over 7,500 species and varieties

Why Visit VanDusen Botanical Garden?

Extensive Plant Collections: VanDusen Botanical Garden showcases over 7,500 plant species and varieties from around the globe. Visitors can explore diverse collections including native Northwest Coast flora, nearly 1,000 unique Rhododendron hybrids, and rare cultivars of European Beech and Magnolia. This rich botanical diversity offers an immersive experience for plant enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.

Sino-Himalayan Garden: Spanning approximately eight acres, the Sino-Himalayan garden is a serene and unique feature of VanDusen. It highlights plants native to the mountainous regions of China and the Himalayas, providing insight into alpine flora and distinctive landscaping that contrasts with local Pacific Northwest vegetation.

Elizabethan Hedge Maze and Heritage Vegetable Garden: Adjacent to the heirloom vegetable garden lies an Elizabethan-style hedge maze, inviting visitors to engage in a playful challenge amid historic landscaping. The nearby heritage vegetable garden presents seasonal displays, illustrating traditional agricultural practices and offering a glimpse into the region’s gardening heritage.

Visitor Centre and Amenities: The award-winning Visitor Centre is a highlight in itself, known for its sustainable LEED Platinum certification and innovative design. It houses a garden-themed gift shop, a specialized botanical library, the Shaughnessy Restaurant, and Truffles Cafe—making it an ideal spot for rest, refreshment, and learning.

Cypress Pond and Water Features: Throughout the garden’s rolling landscape, water elements like the serene Roy Forster Pond (formerly Cypress Pond) add to the tranquil atmosphere. These ponds and streams not only enhance the aesthetic appeal but also support local wildlife and contribute to the garden’s ecological balance.

Timings

The garden's hours of operation vary by season to best showcase its natural beauty.

January & February: 10am - 2pm
March: 10am - 5pm
April: 9am - 5pm
May: 9am - 6pm
June to September 1 (Labour Day): 9am - 7pm
September 2 to October 31: 9am - 5pm
November & December: 10am - 2pm

Last entry to the garden is 30 minutes before closing time.

VanDusen Botanical Garden and the Garden Cafe are closed on December 25th and January 1st.

How to Get There?

Address
By Car
By Public Transit
By Bike

5251 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC V6M 4H1

The garden is located in the Shaughnessy neighborhood of Vancouver, on the northwest corner of Oak Street and West 37th Avenue. Its central location makes it easily accessible from many parts of the city.

The garden's main entrance is on Oak Street, with a free parking lot located on West 37th Avenue, just west of Oak Street. Accessible parking spots are available.

There is also an accessible drop-off loop at the front entrance on Oak Street.

TransLink offers several bus routes that stop within a short walk of the garden.

Bus #17 (Oak Street) stops directly at the entrance on Oak Street.

Bus #41 (41st Avenue) stops nearby on West 41st Avenue, a short walk from the garden.

Bus #10 (Granville) stops on Granville Street, about a 10-minute walk away.

For SkyTrain users, the closest station is Oakridge-41st Avenue Station on the Canada Line, which is a manageable walk or a quick bus ride away.

The garden is accessible via Vancouver's network of dedicated bike routes. A popular and scenic route is to follow the Arbutus Greenway to VanDusen Botanical Garden.

Bike racks are available on-site for secure parking.

Accessibility Information

Mobility: The Visitor Centre, Administration Building, and most paved garden paths are accessible to wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and walkers. Please note that some pathways are unpaved and can be uneven.

Parking: Free accessible parking spots are available in the parking lot on West 37th Avenue. There is also an accessible drop-off loop at the front entrance on Oak Street.

Washrooms: Accessible washrooms are located in the Visitor Centre, and some portable accessible washrooms are available in the garden.

Admission: Attendants accompanying guests with accessibility needs receive complimentary admission.

Sensory: Sensory Support Kits, which include noise-cancelling headsets and tinted glasses, can be borrowed from the admission desk for patrons with sensory sensitivities.

Facilities & Amenities

Visitor Centre: The award-winning Visitor Centre is an architectural highlight, recognized for its sustainable and innovative design. It houses the gift shop, a cafe, and event spaces.

Dining: The Garden Cafe offers a selection of handcrafted beverages and light meals. For a more formal dining experience, the Shaughnessy Restaurant is located on-site and provides picturesque garden views.

Gift Shop: The gift shop is open daily and features a variety of garden-themed gifts, souvenirs, and books.

Picnic Area: Visitors are welcome to bring a picnic and a blanket to enjoy on the Great Lawn. Lawn chairs and coolers are permitted in this area only.

Parking: Free parking is available in the lot on West 37th Avenue, with accessible spots and a drop-off loop at the main entrance.

Things to Know Before Visiting VanDusen Botanical Garden

Last entry is allowed 30 minutes before the garden closes.

Peak visiting times are typically midday during weekends and holidays; mornings are usually quieter.

The garden is wheelchair and stroller accessible, with most paved paths and facilities designed for ease of movement.

Some garden paths are uneven; caution is advised for those using walking aids.

Minimum age to visit unaccompanied is 13 years old; younger children require adult supervision.

Service and guide dogs are welcome; other pets are not permitted on the grounds.

Free accessible parking and a drop-off loop are available near the main entrance.

Comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended.

Photography is allowed; however, drones, sports equipment, and amplified music are prohibited.

Food and beverages are available onsite, and picnics are permitted in designated lawn areas only.

Sensory support kits are available upon request for neurodivergent guests.

Tickets can be purchased online or at the gate.

Interesting Facts about VanDusen Botanical Garden

The garden was once a private golf course, owned by the Canadian Pacific Railway from 1911 until the 1960s.

A public campaign was launched by residents to save the land from development and turn it into a public garden.

The garden is named after W. J. VanDusen, a lumber magnate and philanthropist who donated a significant sum towards its creation.

It officially opened to the public on August 30, 1975, and now spans 55 acres.

During excavation, workers found seashells, indicating the site was under the ocean 12,000 years ago.

The Elizabethan hedge maze is a popular attraction, featuring over 3,000 pyramidal cedars.

The garden's award-winning Visitor Centre, which opened in 2011, was designed to a high LEED Platinum standard for sustainability.

VanDusen is home to an impressive collection of over 7,500 plant species and varieties from around the world.

There is a serene Korean Pavilion located in the garden, which was a gift from the Korean community of British Columbia.

The garden hosts the Festival of Lights, a major winter event that transforms the landscape into a dazzling display.

A collection of eleven large stone sculptures created during the Vancouver International Stone Sculpture Symposium in 1975 are on display throughout the garden.

The garden is jointly operated by the City of Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation and the Vancouver Botanical Gardens Association, a non-profit organization.

VanDusen Botanical Garden - Highlights in Pictures

FAQs about VanDusen Botanical Garden

When was VanDusen Botanical Garden founded?

The garden officially opened to the public on August 30, 1975, on the site of a former golf course.

How large is VanDusen Botanical Garden?

It spans 55 acres (22 hectares) and features diverse plant collections and themed gardens.

How many plant species are at the garden?

VanDusen is home to an impressive collection of over 7,500 plant species and varieties from around the world.

What is the significance of the Visitor Centre?

The Visitor Centre is an award-winning building designed to a high LEED Platinum standard for sustainability.

Is there a hedge maze at VanDusen?

Yes, there is an Elizabethan-style hedge maze made of over 3,000 pyramidal cedars.

Is VanDusen Botanical Garden owned by the City of Vancouver?

The garden is jointly operated by the City of Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation and the Vancouver Botanical Gardens Association.

Are there other attractions located nearby?

Yes, VanDusen is just a short distance from Queen Elizabeth Park, which is home to the Bloedel Conservatory.

Is there a fee to park at VanDusen Botanical Garden?

No, parking is free in the lot located on West 37th Avenue, just off of Oak Street.

What is the closest SkyTrain station to the garden?

The closest station is Oakridge-41st Avenue Station on the Canada Line.

Are pets permitted in the garden?

Only working guide and service dogs are allowed; other pets are not permitted.

Is the garden accessible for wheelchairs and strollers?

Yes, most paved paths and facilities are accessible for wheelchairs, scooters, and strollers.

What should I do if I find a lost item?

Please return any found items to a staff member or volunteer.

Can I bring my own food and drinks to the garden?

Yes, you may bring a picnic to enjoy on the Great Lawn, but outside alcoholic beverages are prohibited.

Is it possible to visit the garden during the holidays?

The garden is closed on December 25th and January 1st.

Can I bring a drone to take photos?

No, the use of drones is strictly prohibited at any time within the garden.

Are there special offerings for guests with accessibility needs?

Yes, attendants accompanying guests with accessibility needs receive complimentary admission.

What is the best time to visit if I want to avoid crowds?

Mornings are typically quieter than midday, especially on weekends and holidays.

Are there dining options available on-site?

Yes, the garden has the Shaughnessy Restaurant and the Garden Cafe for dining and refreshments.

What is the minimum age for a child to visit alone?

The minimum age to visit the garden without an adult or guardian is 13 years old.

Can I bring sports equipment like a frisbee or ball?

No, sports equipment of any kind is prohibited to protect the garden and its visitors.

Is there a place to leave my bike?

Yes, bike racks are available for use outside the Visitor Centre.

Is smoking or vaping allowed in the garden?

No, smoking of any kind, including vaping, is strictly prohibited.