VanDusen Botanical Garden is a 55-acre garden at 5251 Oak St in Vancouver’s Shaughnessy neighbourhood. Its collections bring together more than 7,500 plant species and varieties from seven geographic regions, arranged across themed gardens, ponds and walking paths. Look for the formal rose garden, water lily ponds, sculptures and Elizabethan hedge maze. Spring and summer bring changing displays of flowers, while the holiday Festival of Lights adds an evening visit in winter. It is a calm place to walk, take photographs or settle on a bench with a picnic.
A garden on the former golf course
VanDusen Botanical Garden opened to the public in 1975 on the former Shaughnessy Golf Course. Its 55 acres hold more than 7,500 plant species and varieties, with plants from seven geographic regions arranged in distinct collections. The scale means there is more to see than a single set of formal flower beds: paths lead through different plantings, woodland areas and ponds.
The garden’s collections include plants from the Himalayas, the Mediterranean, Louisiana and the Pacific Northwest. Themed areas also include a Japanese garden, a Sino-Himalayan garden, a Korean Pavilion and a Canadian heritage garden. Plant labels can help you identify what you are looking at as you move between sections.
Maze, water and garden details
The Elizabethan hedge maze is one of the garden’s most distinctive features. Its tall hedges create a playful change of pace from the quieter paths, and an observation deck nearby gives a view over the maze. Families may enjoy the challenge, though the garden’s wider appeal is its varied planting and space to walk at an unhurried pace.
Look out for the rose garden, water lily ponds, fountains, a waterfall and sculptures placed around the grounds. The Phyllis Bentall Garden area includes hybrid water lilies and carnivorous plants. A meditation garden provides a quieter place to pause, while the Stone Garden and Korean Pavilion offer other points of interest on a walk through the collections. Benches are set around the garden, so you can take a break without needing to leave the grounds.
Seasonal displays and planning your walk
The garden changes with the seasons. Spring brings cherry blossoms, magnolias and rhododendrons; roses are a highlight later in the season, with late May suggested for visiting near their peak. Summer brings further flowering displays, and autumn colour gives the trees a different character. In winter, the Festival of Lights transforms part of the garden with illuminated displays. Dates and arrangements for seasonal events can change, so check the garden’s current information before planning around one.
Allow about two to three hours for a relaxed visit. The grounds are large, and taking the smaller paths adds time; you can also choose a shorter stroll and spend longer at one garden or pond. A picnic gives you the option to pause for lunch, while the on-site café and restaurants provide alternatives. Lunchtime lines can form at the restaurants, so bringing food is a practical choice if you want to keep your visit moving.
FAQ
How long do you need at VanDusen Botanical Garden?
Allow about two to three hours for a relaxed visit. Exploring the smaller paths can take longer.
When is the rose garden at its best?
Late May is a good time to visit for the rose garden near peak bloom.
Does VanDusen Botanical Garden have a hedge maze?
Yes. The Elizabethan hedge maze is one of the garden’s main features, with an observation deck nearby.
Do you need a ticket to enter VanDusen Botanical Garden?
Yes, a ticket is required for entry. The supplied information does not include admission prices.
