VanDusen Botanical Garden

Overview

VanDusen Botanical Garden is a 22-hectare botanical garden that features a diverse collection of plants from around the world. It is a popular destination for nature lovers and photographers.

The garden is known for its extensive collection of plants and beautiful landscapes, making it a significant cultural and natural landmark in Vancouver.

Botanical Garden Nature Attraction

Location

Address

5251 Oak St., Vancouver, British Colombia

Neighborhood: Shaughnessy

Coordinates

49.246000, -123.169000

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

tuesday 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

wednesday 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

thursday 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

friday 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

saturday 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

sunday 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Admission

Adults

$10.95

Children

Free (0-12)

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

April-October

Best Time of Day

Early morning

fewer crowds, better lighting for photography

Duration Recommendations

Minimum

1.5 hours

Recommended

3-4 hours

Full Experience

full day

Seasonal Highlights

spring

mild to cool

• tulip display
• cherry blossoms

summer

warm to hot

• extended summer hours

autumn

cool to mild

• fall foliage
• pumpkin display

winter

cold

• Festival of Lights

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

Book tickets online in advance
Bring photo ID
Check weather forecast

What to Bring

essential

ID water bottle tickets

seasonal

jacket umbrella warm layers

not allowed

pets (except service animals) drones

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: moderate (some walking required)

• uneven paths in some areas

Medical facilities: first aid available on-site

Payment Information

Accepted

cash, credit/debit cards

Currency

Canadian Dollars (CAD)

Typical Costs

entry $10.95 (adult)

parking $6 (non-members)

food $15

souvenirs $10-$50

Dress Code

casual and comfortable, comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, sturdy walking shoes, inappropriate or offensive clothing

Booking Tips

• 1-2 weeks
• official website
• 48 hours notice for refund
• available online

Amenities

Restrooms

Gift shop

Atm

Wifi

Lockers

Wheelchair rental

Stroller rental

On site restaurant

Cafe

Picnic areas

Outside food allowed

Digital Services

Mobile App

VanDusen Botanical Garden App

Size: 45 MB

Features: Interactive map, Audio guides, Ticket booking, Event calendar

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Visitor Center, Cafe, Seating areas

Charging Stations: Visitor Center, Cafe

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: Vancouver International Airport (YVR)

Distance: 15 km

Travel Time: 25 minutes

taxi

$45-$55 25 min

public_transport

$6 45 min

From City Center

Distance: 7 km

metro

$3.00 15 min

bus

$3.00 20 min

taxi

$15-$20 15 min

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: Historic importance, beautiful landscapes, peaceful environment

Historical Significance: Established in 1975, named after distinguished forester and landscape architect W.S. VanDusen

Insider Tips

Free entry early morning for locals
Best food and drinks at the Visitor Centre's cafe
Weekday visits are less crowded

Local Recommendations

• Try the apple cider at the Visitor Centre
• Ask for guide Sarah for in-depth knowledge
• Visit nearby Queen Elizabeth Park

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello Hello

thank_you Thank you

where_is Where is

how_much How much

beautiful Beautiful

ticket Ticket

Guide Languages: English, French, Spanish

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

Main entrance

Best Time: Golden hour

Tips: Low angle for the archway

Result: Great shot of the entrance with warm lighting

#VanDusen #VancouverGardens

Elizabethan Maze

Best Time: Late afternoon

Tips: Aerial view from top

Result: Unique patterns of the maze

#GardenMaze #BotanicalGarden

Dahlias Garden

Best Time: Mid-morning

Tips: Close-up shots

Result: Vibrant colors of the dahlias

#DahliaFlowers #SummerBlooms

Photography Rules

allowed areas All outdoor areas, Designated indoor exhibition spaces

prohibited areas Administrative buildings, Staff-only areas

flash photography allowed in designated areas

commercial photography permit required

drone policy prohibited without special permission

tripod policy allowed with supervision, restrictions during peak hours

selfie sticks allowed

Nearby Attractions

Queen Elizabeth Park

Distance: 500m

Walking: 7 min

Type: Park

Bloedel Conservatory

Distance: 1km

Walking: 15 min

Type: Conservatory

Kitsilano Beach

Distance: 3km

Walking: 40 min

Type: Beach

Museum of Anthropology

Distance: 5km

Walking: 60 min

Type: Museum

Reviews

4.7

Based on 5,000 reviews

Recent Visitor Tips

"Book online for discounts"
"Visit early for fewer crowds"
"Don't miss the Elizabethan Maze"

Contact Information

+1 604-874-5153

info@vandusen.org

www.vandusen.org

Social Media

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