Table of Contents
1. Introduction
Despite encompassing 55 acres (22 hectares), the VanDusen Botanical Garden presents a more intimate atmosphere compared to its expansive counterpart, Queen Elizabeth Park. Within VanDusen, one can feel a sense of seclusion from the bustling city, as it resembles a fairytale setting with its slender, winding pathways, gently undulating hills, and charming wooden bridges that span ponds adorned with lily pads.
This garden boasts an impressive diversity of flora, containing over 255,000 plants representing more than 7,300 taxa from across the globe. It features plant collections from South Africa, the Himalayas, the Canadian Arctic, and the Pacific Northwest, all presented in visually appealing landscape arrangements.
A notable attraction within the garden is the intricately designed hedge maze. While it appears modest in size and seemingly easy to navigate, reaching the center proves more challenging—and entertaining—than one might expect! Additional amenities include a gift shop, the Truffles Cafe, and the Shaughnessy Restaurant.
The VanDusen Botanical Garden is situated at 5251 Oak Street, at the intersection of Oak and W 37th Avenue. Ample parking facilities are available for visitors in the adjacent free parking lot. Public transportation schedules can be checked via Translink.
2. History of VanDusen Botanical Garden
Previously owned by the Canadian Pacific Railway, the land that now comprises the VanDusen Botanical Garden was initially home to the Shaughnessy Heights Golf Club from 1911 until 1960.
Following the relocation of the Golf Club, the site underwent transformation into the current garden through collaboration among the Vancouver Park Board, the City of Vancouver, the Government of British Columbia, and the Vancouver Foundation, aided by a donation from lumber magnate and philanthropist W. J. VanDusen, after whom the garden is named. The VanDusen Botanical Garden officially opened to the public on August 30, 1975.
3. Making the Most of Your Visit
The duration of your visit to the VanDusen Botanical Garden will largely depend on the weather conditions. On sunny days, visitors can easily spend a full afternoon exploring the grounds, relaxing by the ponds, or photographing the stunning variety of colorful plants and flowers.
During the winter months, it is advisable to plan visits for late afternoon or evening to experience VanDusen’s annual Christmas and Holiday Festival of Lights. This event occurs after sunset and transforms the garden into a winter spectacle where millions of twinkling lights illuminate flower beds, trees, and shrubs, creating a captivating experience for families.
Given its prime location within the city, it is convenient to combine a trip to VanDusen with explorations of other sites in Vancouver. A brief drive from VanDusen leads to nearby attractions such as Granville Island and South Granville shopping districts, or a quick 15-minute drive to downtown Vancouver or to Kitsilano Beach.
Alternatively, visitors can enhance their botanical experience by pairing their visit with another one of Vancouver’s impressive public gardens, such as Queen Elizabeth Park, where a tropical garden is hosted year-round within the Bloedel Tropical Conservatory.
