Overview
Van Dusen Botanical Garden is a 22-hectare (55-acre) public garden located in the Shaughnessy neighbourhood of Vancouver, British Columbia. Opened in 1975 on the former Shaughnessy Golf Course, the garden is now home to more than 7,500 plant species and varieties sourced from around the world, organized into thematic collections and naturalistic landscapes.
The garden is operated by the City of Vancouver in partnership with the VanDusen Botanical Garden Association. It functions as a living plant collection, an education centre, and a community gathering space, drawing visitors year-round for its changing seasonal displays, horticultural programming, and special events.
The site includes a Victorian-era hedge maze, a series of interconnected lakes and streams, a children's garden, and the striking LEED Platinum–certified Visitor Centre designed by Perkins+Will and completed in 2011. The centre's living roof and passive heating systems make it one of the more architecturally notable garden buildings in Canada.
Because the garden is large, relatively flat, and well-signposted, it is accessible to visitors of varying mobility levels and ages. Paths wind through distinct areas — from a Mediterranean garden and an Sino-Himalayan collection to a rhododendron walk and a winter garden — giving the site a varied character across seasons.
Before You Go
Admission
Van Dusen charges admission fees that vary by season, resident/non-resident status, and age group. The Festival of Lights in December has separate pricing. Check current rates directly on the garden's official website or call ahead before your visit, as fees are updated periodically.
Visas
Vancouver is in Canada. Visa and entry requirements vary by nationality. Review TravelerPulse's Visas section and consult Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) at canada.ca for the most current entry requirements before booking travel.
What to Bring
- Comfortable walking shoes; paths are paved or well-graded gravel but can be damp after rain
- Layers — Vancouver weather can shift quickly even in summer
- A camera; the garden is photogenic year-round
- Cash or card; verify locally which payment methods are accepted at the gate
Seasonal Highlights
- Spring (March–May): Magnolias, rhododendrons, and cherry blossoms peak
- Summer (June–August): Rose garden, water features, and the Elizabethan Maze in full leaf
- Autumn (September–November): Foliage colour across the maple and oak collections
- Winter (December): Festival of Lights transforms the garden with hundreds of thousands of LED lights; book timed tickets in advance as this event sells out
Getting There
Van Dusen is located at Oak Street and West 37th Avenue in Vancouver. The address is 5251 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC.
By Public Transit
TransLink buses serve Oak Street and nearby arterials. The 17 (Oak/Richmond) bus stops close to the garden entrance. Verify current routes and schedules on the Translink website (translink.ca) before travel, as routes change.
By Car
The garden is accessible by car from Oak Street heading south from downtown. On-site parking is available; a parking fee may apply. Verify locally. During the Festival of Lights, parking is extremely limited and transit or rideshare is strongly recommended.
By Bike
Vancouver's cycling infrastructure is reasonably well developed in this part of the city. Bike racks are available near the entrance. The Seaside Greenway and Ontario Street bike route are within cycling distance, though the most direct route along Oak Street involves heavier vehicle traffic.
Things to See & Do
Garden Collections
The garden's plant collections are organized geographically and thematically. Highlights include the Rhododendron Walk (exceptional in April and May), the Mediterranean Garden, the Korean Pavilion Garden, the Sino-Himalayan collection, and the Southern Hemisphere Garden. Each section rewards slow, deliberate walking.
The Elizabethan Hedge Maze
One of the more unusual features on the site, this evergreen maze covers roughly half a hectare and is genuinely tricky to navigate. It is a favourite with families and a memorable stop regardless of your age.
Visitor Centre and Living Roof
The 2011 Visitor Centre houses a café, a garden shop, restrooms, and interpretive displays. Its living roof — planted with sedums and native species — is visible from elevated points within the garden and is worth examining up close if you are interested in sustainable architecture.
Seasonal Events
- Festival of Lights (December): A major annual event featuring elaborate LED light installations throughout the garden. Tickets should be purchased well in advance.
- Orchid Show and Plant Sales: The VanDusen Botanical Garden Association organizes plant sales and specialist shows throughout the year. Check the official events calendar.
- Children's Programs and Guided Walks: Educational programming runs for school groups and the general public. Verify current offerings on the official site.
Photography
The garden permits personal photography. Permit requirements apply for commercial, professional, or wedding photography; inquire at the Visitor Centre.
Food & Drink
The Truffles Fine Foods Café (operated inside the Visitor Centre; verify current operator locally) offers light meals, baked goods, and beverages. It is a convenient option for a mid-visit break without leaving the garden. Hours typically follow garden hours but may be shorter — confirm on-site.
There are picnic areas within the garden where outside food is permitted. Bringing a packed lunch is a practical and popular option, particularly for families and longer visits in good weather.
For a broader dining experience, the surrounding Shaughnessy and South Granville neighbourhoods offer a range of restaurants within a short drive or walk. West 41st Avenue, a short distance away, has a concentration of independent cafés and casual restaurants serving the local community.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Van Dusen is open daily, with hours varying significantly by season — earlier closing times in winter, later in summer. Always verify current hours on the official website (vandusengarden.org) before visiting.
Accessibility
The main paths are designed to be accessible to visitors using wheelchairs and mobility aids, though some garden paths are gravel and may be uneven. Manual wheelchairs are available to borrow at the Visitor Centre — confirm availability locally. Service animals are welcome.
Dogs
Pet dogs are not permitted inside the garden. Verify this policy before your visit as it is strictly enforced.
Restrooms
Restrooms are located in the Visitor Centre and at secondary locations within the garden. Look for signage on the garden map provided at entry.
Garden Map
A printed map is typically provided at the admission gate. A digital version is usually available on the official website. The garden is large enough that a map genuinely helps with navigation.
Emergency
In any medical or safety emergency in Vancouver, dial 911. The Visitor Centre staff can assist with non-emergency first aid inquiries.
Safety
Van Dusen Botanical Garden is a well-maintained, family-friendly public space with a low-risk profile. Standard urban awareness applies: keep an eye on personal belongings and do not leave valuables visible in parked vehicles.
The garden's pond and lake edges are unfenced in places. Parents and caregivers should supervise young children near water features.
During the Festival of Lights the site becomes very crowded in the evenings. Allow extra time for parking and entry, and follow staff directions. Pre-purchased timed tickets are typically required and enforced.
