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VanDusen Botanical Garden – Plan Your Visit

Plan Your Visit to VanDusen Botanical Garden

VanDusen Botanical Garden is a 55-acre oasis in the heart of Vancouver, offering a tranquil escape with over 7,500 plant species. To ensure a pleasant and safe experience for all visitors, please review our guidelines and accessibility information below.

VanDusen Botanical Garden – Garden Code of Conduct

Attire: Wear comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. Shirts and shoes are required at all times.

Pathways: Please stay on designated pathways and lawn areas while exploring the garden.

Collections: Do not pick or remove any plant materials, including flowers, seeds, or foliage. All plant material must remain in the garden.

Waste: Use the provided garbage and recycling bins to dispose of all waste.

Wheeled Items: Strollers, wagons, and wheelchairs are welcome. Please leave items like rollerblades, skateboards, and tricycles at home. Bicycles must be locked up outside the Visitor Centre.

Pets: Only working guide and service dogs are permitted in the garden. Please leave all other pets at home.

Wildlife: Do not feed or handle any of the garden’s wildlife.

Supervision: Children must be supervised by an adult or guardian at all times. The minimum age for visiting alone is 13.

Picnics: You are welcome to bring a picnic and a blanket to enjoy on the Great Lawn. Lawn chairs and coolers are only permitted on the Great Lawn. Portable grills are not allowed.

Lost Items: The garden is not responsible for lost or stolen belongings. Please return any found items to a staff member.

VanDusen Botanical Garden – Prohibited Items & Activities

For the safety and enjoyment of all guests, the following are strictly prohibited:

Drones
Sports equipment (including balls, frisbees, hula hoops, and hockey sticks)
Swimming in the lakes, ponds, or waterfall
Amplified music
Outside alcohol (alcoholic beverages are available for purchase at licensed on-site establishments)
Smoking of any kind, including vaping
Using tripods in garden beds or on pathways (they are permitted in grassy areas)

VanDusen Botanical Garden - 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.

VanDusen Botanical Garden - Location & Hours

VanDusen Botanical Garden is located at 5251 Oak Street, at the corner of Oak Street and West 37th Avenue in Vancouver, British Columbia. The garden's central location in the Shaughnessy neighborhood makes it a convenient and peaceful urban retreat.

The garden's hours vary by season, with last entry always 30 minutes before closing.

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

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

VanDusen Botanical Garden - 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.

VanDusen Botanical Garden - Dining

VanDusen Botanical Garden offers a variety of dining options to complement your visit, from a casual cafe to an elegant fine dining experience. The Shaughnessy Restaurant, located in the Garden Pavilion, provides a peaceful retreat with its casual elegance and picturesque garden views. The restaurant focuses on a seasonal, contemporary West Coast menu and is open for lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner, with brunch available on weekends.

For a more casual option, The Garden Cafe is nestled inside the Visitor Centre, offering beautiful views of the surrounding flora. The cafe serves Fair Trade coffee and handcrafted beverages, along with a daily-changing menu of fresh, locally-inspired sandwiches, soups, and entrees. Afternoon tea packages and summer picnic baskets are also available on a first-come, first-served basis.

VanDusen Botanical Garden - Nearby Attractions

Queen Elizabeth Park: Just a few blocks away, this park offers a magnificent view of the city skyline and the North Shore mountains. It is also home to the Bloedel Conservatory.

Bloedel Conservatory: Located within Queen Elizabeth Park, this geodesic dome is home to a tropical paradise filled with exotic birds and plants.

Granville Island: A vibrant public market and cultural hub with shops, art studios, and a wide variety of food vendors.

Stanley Park: One of North America's largest urban parks, offering a seawall, extensive trails, and attractions like the Vancouver Aquarium and Totem Poles.

Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden: Tucked away in Chinatown, this tranquil garden is a masterpiece of classical Chinese design and a serene escape.

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.

FAQs about Visiting VanDusen Botanical Garden

Are pets allowed in VanDusen Botanical Garden?

No, only working guide and service dogs are permitted, so please leave all other pets at home.

Can I use a drone inside the garden?

No, the use of drones is strictly prohibited at all times within the garden.

Is smoking or vaping allowed on the premises?

No, smoking of any kind, including vaping, is not permitted anywhere in the garden.

Can I bring my own food and drinks?

Yes, you may bring a picnic and enjoy it on the Great Lawn, but outside alcohol is not allowed.

Is there an age requirement for visiting alone?

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

Are tripsods allowed in the garden?

Tripods are only allowed in grassy areas and are prohibited in garden beds or on paved pathways.

Is there a cafe and gift shop on-site?

Yes, the Visitor Centre houses both the Garden Cafe for light meals and a gift shop with a variety of souvenirs.

Is parking available and is it free?

Yes, free parking is available in the lot on West 37th Avenue, including accessible spots.

Are there accessible washrooms at the garden?

Yes, accessible washrooms are located in the Visitor Centre and some portable accessible washrooms are available in the garden.

Can I get a complimentary ticket for a guest with accessibility needs?

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

Is there a restaurant at VanDusen Botanical Garden?

Yes, the Shaughnessy Restaurant is located on-site, offering a more formal dining experience with garden views.

What are the winter hours for the garden?

In November, December, January, and February, the garden is open on a shorter schedule from 10am to 2pm.

Can I bring a sports ball or frisbee to the garden?

No, sports equipment such as balls and frisbees are strictly prohibited to protect the botanical collections.

Can I swim in the lakes or ponds?

No, swimming in any of the garden's lakes, ponds, or waterfalls is not permitted.

Do you offer sensory support for visitors?

Yes, Sensory Support Kits with items like noise-cancelling headsets are available to borrow from the admission desk.

Are lawn chairs allowed in the garden?

Lawn chairs are only permitted to be used on the designated Great Lawn area.

Can I bring my stroller or wheelchair?

Yes, strollers, wagons, and wheelchairs are all welcome on the garden pathways.

What if I find a lost item in the garden?

If you find a lost item, you should return it to a staff member or volunteer.