Alan ‘Bo’ BorensteinWith tickets to VanDusen Botanical Garden starting at CAD 5-7 for kids and CAD 10-14 for adults, your day is set for an unbeatable mix of beauty and adventure. Every visit is packed with moments—from maze wandering to bloom gazing—that punch well above the entry fee.
Take a peek at our list to find out how every corner of VanDusen is brimming with wonderful things to do!
- Best Things to Do in VanDusen Garden
- Explore the Maze
- Join a Guided Tour
- Visit the Visitor Centre
- Enjoy Seasonal Blooms
- Stay for Bird-watching
- Take Pictures for Your IG Feed
- Participate in the Festival of Lights
- Attend Other Special Events
- Relax by the Waterlily Pond
- Learn in the Vegetable Garden
- Have a Taste of the Garden
- Take a Course or Educational Workshop
Best Things to Do in VanDusen Garden
Here’s our list of the 12 best things to do in VanDusen Botanical Garden!
Explore the Maze
There’s something downright magical about wandering through the Elizabethan hedge maze at VanDusen Botanical Garden.
Picture this: over 3,000 pyramidal cedars forming walls that twist and turn, creating a puzzle that’s as fun as it is beautiful. It’s the kind of place where you can’t help but laugh as you make wrong turn after wrong turn, all while somehow feeling like you’ve stepped into a storybook.
The maze is perfect for anyone looking to add a dash of adventure to their garden visit, whether with your family, a group of friends, or on a solo mission. And let’s be honest, finally finding your way out feels like a real accomplishment.
Pro tip:
Try to hit the maze early in the morning or on a weekday if you can – it’s much quieter then. Just remember, the maze is part of the garden, so entry is included in your ticket.
Join a Guided Tour
If you’re anything like us and love getting the inside scoop, then you definitely want to sign up for one of the guided tours at VanDusen.
It’s like being let in on the garden’s secrets, from the backstory of its creation to the low-down on some of its most fascinating plants.
You can join a private tour like Globalduniya’s Vancouver Day Tour or Vancouver City Tour with Cherry Blossom Festival.
Or you can just approach VBGA volunteer guides, who can make the whole experience feel like you’re on a mini adventure with a friend who just happens to know a lot about botanical gardens.
Plus, there’s something special about hearing the stories behind the plants and the landscape – it adds a whole new layer to your visit.
Pro tip:
Wear comfy shoes because you’ll be covering a lot of ground. If you weren’t able to arrange participation in a guided tour, you can also follow the self-guided tour prepared by the volunteer guides.
Visit the Visitor Centre
Starting your visit at the Visitor Centre isn’t just practical – it’s a highlight in its own right. This place is a goldmine of information, from the detailed exhibits about the garden’s diverse plant life to the scoop on their green initiatives.
It’s also a stunning example of eco-friendly design, blending seamlessly with its natural surroundings. Take a moment to watch the orientation video to get a quick overview of what’s in store.
Plus, grabbing a map here means you won’t miss out on any hidden gems. And honestly, the architecture alone is worth the visit.
Pro tip:
Don’t rush through! There’s a lot to see and learn in the Visitor Centre, and it sets the tone for the whole visit.
Enjoy Seasonal Blooms
One of the coolest parts about VanDusen is that no matter when you decide to drop by, there’s always something in full bloom.
Seriously, this garden has its timing down to an art – from cherry blossoms in the spring to fiery maple leaves in the fall. It’s like walking through a live calendar of flowers, each turn and path offering a new color palette.
And the best part? You get to see how the garden changes with the seasons, which is pretty neat if you’re into the whole cycle of life and our connection with nature’s rhythm.
Pro tip:
Keep your garden map handy to hit all the seasonal highlights – and maybe check out the garden’s social media or website before you visit, so you know exactly what’s popping.
Stay for Bird-watching
Now, if you’re the type who finds joy in the little things, then you’ll love the bird watching at VanDusen.
It’s like a whole other world; one minute you’re in the city, and the next, you’re spotting everything from tiny hummingbirds to majestic eagles.
The garden is a bit of a hotspot for our feathered friends, thanks to its diverse habitats. Bring your binoculars, find a cozy spot, and just chill – it’s a surprisingly zen way to spend an hour (or, you know, three).
And who knows? You might just find a new hobby: bird watching is one of those activities that’s as much about patience as it is about the thrill of the sighting.
Pro tip:
Early mornings or late afternoons are prime birding times, and if you’re super into it, there’s a bird checklist available – just ask!
Take Pictures for Your IG Feed
Let’s be real: VanDusen is an Instagrammer’s dream. Every corner, every path, and every plant seems like it was designed with your feed in mind.
From the whimsical maze to the serene waterlily pond, there are endless opportunities to snap that perfect shot. And with the garden’s ever-changing blooms, you could visit a hundred times and still find something new to capture.
Whether you’re into portrait photography, landscapes, or just snapping pics of pretty flowers, you’ll be in heaven. Plus, playing around with angles and lighting in such a gorgeous setting can really up your photography game.
Pro tip:
Golden hour – that’s early morning or late afternoon – gives you the best light for those soft, dreamy shots. And don’t be shy to ask a fellow visitor to take a photo of you – it’s all part of the fun.
Participate in the Festival of Lights
If you’re around VanDusen during the holiday season, you absolutely can’t miss the Festival of Lights. Imagine the garden transformed into a twinkling wonderland, with millions of lights turning every tree, bush, and pathway into something out of a fairy tale.
It’s not just about the lights, though; there are themed areas, festive decorations, and even live performances that make the whole experience feel like a celebration of winter.
Walking through, you’re wrapped in the warm glow of the lights, and it’s impossible not to feel a bit of that holiday magic. And yes, it’s as Instagrammable as it sounds.
Pro tip:
Tickets for the Festival of Lights tend to sell out fast, especially for weekend dates, so snag yours early. And dress warmly – you’ll want to stay and explore every corner.
Attend Other Special Events
VanDusen isn’t just a one-trick pony; throughout the year, it hosts a variety of special events that cater to all sorts of interests. From plant sales for the green thumbs to art shows for the creatively inclined, there’s always something happening.
These events are a great way to see the garden through a different lens, often highlighting unique aspects of nature and conservation.
It’s also a fantastic opportunity to meet like-minded folks and learn something new, whether it’s about local wildlife or sustainable gardening practices. Keep an eye on their event calendar – you never know what might pique your interest.
Pro tip:
Some events might require advance registration or a separate ticket, so it’s worth checking the details beforehand to make sure you don’t miss out.
Relax by the Waterlily Pond
For a moment of absolute peace, make your way to the waterlily pond. It’s a spot in the garden where time seems to slow down, and all you can hear is the gentle ripple of water and the distant sound of birds.
The pond itself is a masterpiece, with waterlilies and lotuses floating serenely, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot a frog or two.
Sitting there, surrounded by lush greenery and the reflections of clouds on the water’s surface, is the perfect way to unwind and reflect. It’s a reminder of the simple beauty of nature, right in the middle of the city.
Pro tip:
Early morning is the best time to visit the pond for the most tranquil experience – plus, it’s a fantastic opportunity for photography with the soft light and calm waters.
Learn in the Vegetable Garden
Tucked away in one of VanDusen’s many corners is a gem for anyone curious about where their food comes from or how to grow it themselves – the vegetable garden.
This isn’t just any plot of land; it’s a living classroom, bursting with everything from heirloom tomatoes to leafy greens, all grown using sustainable practices.
As you wander through, you’ll see signs explaining what’s growing, tips for your garden at home, and maybe even catch a gardener at work, who’s usually happy to share a bit of wisdom. It’s a hands-on reminder of the connection between the earth and our plates.
Pro tip:
Check the garden’s schedule before you visit; they sometimes offer guided tours or workshops right in the veggie garden, giving you a deeper dive into urban agriculture.
Have a Taste of the Garden
After you’ve explored the vegetable garden, you might be wondering where you can taste some of that fresh produce.
Well, you’re in luck. Shaughnessy Restaurant offers a seasonal menu with ingredients sourced right from the garden whenever possible.
Sitting down for a meal or even just a snack here is a delicious way to connect your exploration of the garden with the flavors on your plate. Plus, it’s a great spot to relax and soak in the surroundings with a cup of coffee or tea in hand.
Pro tip:
The outdoor seating is a fantastic choice on a nice day, offering views of the garden that make your food taste even better, if that’s possible.
Take a Course or Educational Workshop
For those who love diving deeper, VanDusen offers a range of courses and workshops that can turn a simple visit into a learning opportunity.
Whether you’re interested in botanical art, bird watching, or sustainable gardening, there’s likely a class for you. These sessions are led by experts and provide a hands-on approach to learning, often with a small group of like-minded individuals.
It’s a chance to expand your knowledge, pick up a new hobby, or even just spend a few hours doing something different and enriching.
Pro tip:
Spaces for these courses can fill up quickly, especially the popular ones, so it’s a good idea to book in advance. Plus, members often get a discount, so if you’re local, consider joining.
