VanDusen Botanical Garden
VanDusen Botanical Garden
4.5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
VanDusen Botanical Garden is a 55-acre oasis in the heart of Vancouver with over 7,500 plant species and varieties from around the world! Spot and photograph local wildlife, find your way through an Elizabethan hedge maze, unwind in a serene setting, dine on the patios of the Garden Café or Shaughnessy Restaurant, and browse the garden-themed gift shop. VanDusen has something for everyone to enjoy! The Garden's multi-award winning LEED Platinum Visitor Centre was named Most Sustainable Building of the Year in 2014. Shaped like an orchid when viewed from above, its organic lines echo the way nature and conservation have been considered at every turn.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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The area
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Neighbourhood: Shaughnessy
Residential neighbourhood to the ultra-wealthy, the gorgeous manor houses centred around The Crescent area are a fabled sight to behold. Shaughnessy is Vancouver's most verdant plotted neighbourhood, and its tree-lined streets, walking routes, bike trails, and charming public parks make for an ideal location to spend and afternoon communing with nature. Consequently, it is also the botanical centre of the city, featuring conservatories and an expansive Botanical Garden, taming and sculpting the wild into seasonal viewing areas and enchanting landscapes. Quiet, elegant Shaughnessy excels at providing the Three Gs: Gardens, Golfing, and Galleries.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
2,160 reviews
Excellent
1,516
Very good
509
Average
105
Poor
16
Terrible
14
anthony c
2 contributions
Nov 2022
The festival is highly overrated with the admission price they charged. Lafarge Lake in Coquitlam has better light display with $0 charge.
Parking is absolutely horrendous and I would not recommend taking the small children because of the wait and congestion.
Parking is absolutely horrendous and I would not recommend taking the small children because of the wait and congestion.
Written November 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello,
We are sorry to hear that you did not enjoy your visit to Festival of Lights. While parking is free, there are limited spots, but there is free parking available in the surrounding neighborhood as well.
We will pass on your feedback to our team for future planning. Take care and happy holidays!
Written November 28, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
wingstofreedom
British Columbia, Canada474 contributions
Sept 2020
We visited from another near by city and this was our third time this year as we enjoyed the gardens and restaurants. Visited Sept 6th, we are seniors, can walk but wish there was more seating in this park. We got our tickets but no maps so asked and got one. We usually enjoy the area infront of the main restaurant where there is a small water pool. No water flowers, water dark brown, why? We walked to the rose garden area, and as gardeners felt that this area needed much attention in cleaning and pruning. Enjoyed the ponds, no small river running why? we walked around to the signage stating restrooms, path not well marked but near totem poles. Got to the restroom and other people there with small children also. The restroom stated closed. This was the same last visit in August so where to go? The other family also did not like the closed sign. We then had to hurry back to main office, should be portables, or someone at restroom area. I did mention this concern to Chinese man at counter and Chinese man at line up. We went walking again and found paths and area's delightful. No one around in park to ask questions about certain trees, plants, would be nice information. We might come again for the Christmas lights. It just seemed the young man at booth was not that interested in our concerns this time. Could improve relations and conveniences. Longbeach.
Written September 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mitzy570
Burlington, Canada222 contributions
Dec 2019
Van Dusen has the most spectacular display of Christmas lights I have ever seen. It was so relaxing walking through the gardens, riding the carousel, enjoying the musical water show and enjoying chocolate fondue under the tent. And sitting with Santa was added fun to these "older" adults. This is a must see for every Vancouverite as well as visitors to Vancouver at Christmas time.
Written January 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tourist28951025169
Abbotsford, Canada27 contributions
Jul 2021
We traveled from another city and just wished to view this park and have lunch at their restaurant. We stood in line and a nice girl came and asked if we had tickets? No as previously always used our CC at the entry desk. We are seniors and lucky my wife had her cell along. This took considerable time, effort, frustration on her and our part! Thank goodness Georgina helped us and why not be like so many other attractions and businesses to just use a credit card to enter?! Not every one owns a cell and not everyone can navigate to the tickets purchase. Make it easier as restrictions now easier, not more difficult to view park. Again thank you Georgina for your help and patience, all the best. I saw other people frustrated also and you helping them. Hope it is easier next month or two! Gardens were beautiful, worth the walk, took us 1.5hrs as did the short route. Yes did enjoy the beauty of the flowers, pond ect. Entry fee I think fair priced. Would suggest more benches to rest and easier way to the washrooms in the park. I saw older aged people sitting on rock ledges and other parts to rest. Easy walk ways, signage and they provide a map. Restrooms are a long way to go in walking and signs not till one gets half way around, better signage. Watch out for the goose poop thou as did manage to get some on our shoes near the pond, grassy area. Nice fountains and water lilies. Small Restaurant near the park, good. Plse have the entry price easier as other businesses now use plastic over credit card machine. My wife says will not use her cell next time, just too difficult and frustrating! Will come back but bring walking sticks or cane for easier walking and resting. (Longbeach).
Written July 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are sorry to hear of your frustration with our online booking system. Kindly note that since our re-opening in May of 2020, we moved to an online booking system to best manage a safe capacity in the Garden. We had been encouraging visitors to book a designated entry time online in advance. We are glad to hear that a staff member was able to assist you in booking tickets on-site. We will now be accepting payments at the desk and look forward to seeing you at the Garden again soon!
Written July 14, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Cloris L
1 contribution
Apr 2022
Sakura Days Japan Fair April 9-10, 2022: While I highly support this event, I thought it was poorly organized. We purchased our tickets online and had to wait in line around the block for approximately 30 minutes before being allowed in the garden. No parking available either, so we took an Uber. The vendors sold out of everything by the time we reached the front of the line. If you were hungry, you had to wait in line for an hour and then wait another 30 minutes to receive food. I believe that in the future, the number of ticket sales should be limited to a maximum capacity, or create tickets with designated block times (i.e. 9-11am; 11am-1pm, etc.). The garden and cherry blossoms are beautiful, but overall not a pleasant experience unfortunately due to way too many crowds.
Written April 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael C
5 contributions
Jul 2022
Very well kept botanical garden with great plant diversity. A good size to spend 3 or 4 hours in. We went with friends coming in from other countries and they liked it very much. Lots of seating around the park and they also have a nice café.
Written August 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
deltadawn103
Delta, Canada95 contributions
Dec 2022 • Family
We went for the festival of lights and were highly disappointed and won’t return. Three years ago we took our then 3 year old granddaughter and it was fantastic there was a merry go round and Santa and Mrs Clause this year no Santa and no merry go round they seemed to have replaced it with food trucks. The lights are nice to see but where is Santa for the kids to see and the merry go round. For $53.00 for two adults and a six year old we won’t bother going again too bad because 3 years ago it was a delight.
Written December 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We're sorry to hear that you were disappointed with your visit to Festival of Lights. We will pass on your feedback to management and our event team for future planning!
Written January 24, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
NorCal-traveler08
Orangevale, CA2,317 contributions
Dec 2023 • Couples
We were here for the Festival of Lights in December. We bought tickets online and had to pick a timed entry. There was a small line upon arrival but it went very fast. Once we were inside it was nice that there wasn’t’ huge crowds as the gardens are quite large and everyone spreads out. The light displays are amazing. So colorful. On the main water there is a light show to music about every 30 minutes. The walkways didn’t seem to flow well and you found yourself repeating some areas to get to other parts of the gardens(not a bad thing because it was so beautiful). We spent about an hour and a half walking around. They did have food through out the gardens you could purchase as well as hot chocolate and other drinks. There are also restrooms and a small gift shop. Loved all the lights and would recommend anyone coming.
Written December 19, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Philippa L
38 contributions
Dec 2021
We went at 6.30 on a Thursday and were disappointed by how crowded it was. It was impossible to walk along the paths at some points. Line ups to go through the grotto. No way to distance properly. The lights themselves were as lovely as ever, however it wasn't possible to take the time to enjoy them because of the crowds. It would greatly help if the ticket website advised of quieter times.
Written December 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi there and thank you for your feedback. We're sorry to hear that you felt the Garden was too crowded. We were completely sold out from December 2 - 5. We normally recommend visiting on weekdays, but we've seen increased demand compared to previous years so early on!
We have reduced our capacity compared to previous years, implemented entry times for staggered entry, require vaccine proof, masks indoors and have reduced touch-point features at the show to make this a safe experience. Your feedback is valuable and we will pass this on to management.
Wishing you a wonderful holiday season!
Written December 6, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
normav684
Burnaby63 contributions
Jan 2020
This was the best display of Christmas Lights for the Metro Vancouver area. We visited others but this surpassed them all. A great way to spend time with the family. This garden is a must see year round. There are artfully arranged pathways and garden plots that offer an easy stroll. The light display to music was incredible.
Written January 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
VanDusen & Bloedel
Vancouver, Canada
We typically recommend an 1 - 1.5 hours to view the entire Garden. Some visitors may require more time if stopping to take photos or dining onsite.
Written June 5, 2023
I’ll be visiting there on a Friday at the end of July. Would it be better to visit early in the morning or closer to closing time to avoid the crowds?
Written June 22, 2018
VanDusen & Bloedel
Vancouver, Canada
In July we're open from 9am to 8pm daily. If you're looking for a quieter experience then we would recommend visiting in the evening between 5pm and 8pm. Generally weekends are busier than week days and evenings are the quietest time of day.
Written June 22, 2018
VanDusen & Bloedel
Vancouver, Canada
Yes, we offer a senior rate for those 65 years and older.
Written May 31, 2018
Are dogs on leash welcome at the Festival of Lights?
Written December 21, 2017
VanDusen & Bloedel
Vancouver, Canada
Thanks for asking! Dogs are not permitted in the garden, with the exception of certified aid dogs.
Written April 20, 2018
If I am dining at Shaughnessy do I need to buy ticket to see gardens?
Written November 4, 2017
If you wish to walk in the gardens then you do need to purchase an entry ticket. The entrance to the restaurant is not inside the gardens so you don’t need to buy an entry ticket in order to get in to dine. The restaurant offers a limited view of the gardens but not entry.
Written November 4, 2017
What is the weather like in early June. If it is raining are there covered roof paths
Written April 23, 2017
No the gardens are spread out, quite a lot of walking
Written November 4, 2017
Is it worth visiting the garden in early February? Or will not much be blooming?
Written January 6, 2017
I wouldnt think there would be much to see. Even when we were there in early June, the flowers wernt very good, been hit and dry
Written November 4, 2017
Not necessarily
Each season has its unique look at VanDusen gardens; you will have plenty to see in Summer, Spring and Fall but Winter would be a little too cold for a visit there
Written January 4, 2017
We will be visiting mid August. Is there a restaurant on the grounds or is there a nice restaurant you can recommend near by
for a relaxing lunch?
Written July 23, 2016
We had lunch in the restaurant there (fairly near the main entrance, before you go in). We found it very good indeed, and would recommend it.
Written July 27, 2016
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