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    VanDusen Botanical Garden

    4.5 (243 reviews)
    Open 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
    Updated 1 month ago

    VanDusen Botanical Garden Photos

    Recommended Reviews - VanDusen Botanical Garden

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    Shuang W.

    I really think it's the best lights event of Vancouver, it's so clever to do it in a botanical garden, and it was breathtakingly beautiful. Why 4 stars? The entrance ticket is very expensive but I think it's worth it! We walked for 2 hours and couldn't finish looking at everything. The parking is like 25 dollars for the event which is simply ridiculous, the audacity to charge 25 dollars for parking is blowing my mind. Also charging 7.5 for a small af hot chocolate is just ..... if the event is free then sure charge more for the food, but the ticket itself is not cheap too. This I'm taking 1 star off

    Devon S.

    Review for the Festival of Lights Christmas show!! Was so blessed to have this experience! It's beautiful, magical, wonderful family friendly holiday fun!! There's lots to see, incredible light shows and they have food! Not just the usual hot chocolate and mini donuts, but also a dumpling truck, an arancini truck, pizza, Indian food... if I had known I would have waited to have dinner there !!! There's lots of walking involved so you need to be confederate with that, but the paths are wide enough for wheelchairs, mobility scooters and strollers as well. Important to note that there are no dogs allowed, even though it's outside. I was wondering if k could bring my dog but decided to leave him with a sitter since I wasn't sure, and when I got there there was a sign saying no dogs. Luckily it wasn't raining, but even if it was it would still be nice. You have to buy your tickets ahead of time and choose a time slot that works for you. I think the highlights is the light show over the water that is timed in synch with the music. And yes there is lots of holiday music as well!! I think this event could help even the grinchiest Scrooge feel in the restive mood! Definitely becomes it, it's always one of the highlights of the season for me!!

    Jenny T.

    A beautiful garden with mostly easy, flat walking trails. Visiting in the beginning of April was such a treat! There were many beautiful flowers blooming and so many vibrant colors throughout the garden. Although it was raining, it made for a very nice, quiet and enjoyable walk through the park as it was not too busy. The front desk staff had told us they do have umbrellas to borrow for guests but they were all out on loan by the time we had gotten there. So do note the weather and come prepared! Otherwise there may be umbrellas for purchase in the gift shop. The cherry blossoms were my main point of coming by the garden and wow they were so pretty! There are a lot of trees and a lot of great photo ops as well. Highly recommend coming to VanDusen when visiting Vancouver.

    Owl!
    Peter L.

    I've probably visited Vancouver at least 20 times, but I never visited the VanDusen Botanical Garden until this past weekend, which is unfortunate as it was a really awesome place! Starting from the entrance, the scene as you enter is amazing with a pond, fountain and beautifully landscaped plants. As I walked through the trails, I was amazed by the variety of plants as well as a good balance between natural gardens as well as more designed ones. As I was one of the first visitors that day, I did notice that there were more spider webs as there are many industrious 8 legged critters here. Can't wait to visit here again during a different season!

    Monkey tail tree!
    Becky V.

    This garden is so big! Get a map because you might get lost and will wonder where you are and how to get out Annual memberships available and will pay for itself if you got few times a year Wedding space available

    Sharon K.

    For nature enthusiasts, this botanical garden is beautiful. The layout is very nice and when we went in Spring, lots of the flowers were in bloom. It's a pretty large property so you can spend a lot of time here. They also have a garden maze which was fun. We got lost and ended up coming back out the entrance. We at before we went so we weren't hungry but for those who want some coffee or a bite to eat, they also have a cafe there as well.

    Ali B.

    I feel like almost everywhere I visit I have to check out their botanical gardens. This one definitely seemed to be the largest! So many different sections and things to see, even with a few areas being closed off during our visit. Loved the rose garden and the little bridge with all of the lily pads in the water. Got a few things from their cool little gift shop, I love that you can buy plants from here as well. Definitely a place to see in Vancouver.

    Eric B.

    This is a beautiful and large botanical garden in Vancouver. You can book your tickets ahead on the website which saves a little time. There is a brochure with a map upon entering, and I highly recommend grabbing one of these as the garden is large. As I mentioned above, this place is HUGE! It's easy to get lost as you wander around. I wish the paths were a little bit better marked (thus the recommendation to grab a map upon entering). There are so many different varieties of plants and trees including huge giant sequoia trees (very impressive!). Most are marked and labeled so you know what you're looking at. The environment is so peaceful as you wander through trees and foliage. You can easily spend several hours wandering around, or you can go directly to see what interests you most. They have a gift shop and a cafe with coffee and a variety of sweet and savory dishes. I highly recommend a visit!!

    The mighty Maze!
    Rahi Y.

    Great collection of plants from north west vegetation to numerous kinds of roses. Gardening and maintenance is to the point. Information staffs at the entrance were really helpful and super friendly. For me the Maze was the highlight of the garden. The Maze is really challenging and needs great concentration and stamina to finish it. Entrance fee to the garden is reasonable. There are two cafes, one at the entrance and the other inside the park, with reasonable prices. VanDusen is a family friendly facility. For kids maybe a little too much since most of the paths are uneven but for little one in strollers this is a perfect experience. Highly recommended.

    Elyse W.

    VanDusen provided a calming escape in nature during a week of city exploring in Vancouver. It was easy to get there via public transit (train + 20 minute walk). The garden is quite extensive - you could easily spend several hours wandering the grounds. I especially loved the trees! I visited the garden in mid-December, so the plants were a bit subdued, but I'd still recommend a visit during the winter. I bet their Christmas lights display is lovely! The cafe was convenient and the gift shop was quite cute. Ticket price was approximately $10, which I thought was fair. I believe they offer a reduced ticket rate in winter, which makes sense. Overall, I had a relaxing morning exploring this garden!

    Julienne P.

    It's a lovely garden to visit and walk around but this time of year seems to not be the best time in terms of flowers and foliage. Water fall was shut off, Cherry blossoms not blooming yet, and many of the spring flowers are just now being planted. Still, it was for us to check out the huge monkey tree, the homes or offices overlooking a pond there and some of the native plants and trees that are currently blooming. Would have loved to see it in late spring/early simmer or fall.

    Map of VanDusen
    Joce J.

    I'm totally losing it over VanDusen Botanical Gardens in Vancouver - and by losing it, I mean I'm head over heels in love with the place. I'll be back for sure, hopefully in two years on my way to Whistler, which I sadly had to miss this time around in British Columbia. I'm utterly besotted with the stunningly gorgeous gardens at this fancy-schmancy place. And the cherry on top is that it's my second-year garden - talk about the icing on the cake.

    Stephanie L.

    What an amazing place to explore during autumn! The garden is quite large with many different habitat to explore. On a sunny day it is a lovely place to time with family and friends. There are some benches to relax on around the garden. During the Thanksgiving weekend there were some activities for children and some live bluegrass music. There's an annual membership but I don't think I will come back till next year. The single entrance fee is not that expensive anyway.

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    I loved this place. Huge area that you walk through at your own place. The gardens are well kept and the signing is informative.

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    1 year ago

    Worthwhile place to visit and walk around, staff was kind, price is more then fair for what you get. Come prepared to relax!

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    VanDusen Botanical Garden Reviews in Other Languages

    Review Highlights - VanDusen Botanical Garden

    This was my second time going to the Van Dusen gardens and botanical gardens like this never cease to amaze me.

    Mentioned in 19 reviews

    Read more highlights

    Stanley Park - Autumn is my favorite color

    Stanley Park

    4.8(1.2k reviews)
    6.7 kmCoal Harbour

    we drove around stanley park after dinner and caught the sunset, hoping to catch a glimpse of a…read morehumpback whale or maybe even a pod of orcas passing through the water. no such luck this time, but honestly the park still delivered. instead, we spotted a seagull standing perfectly still with a starfish clamped proudly in its mouth like some kind of seafood trophy. it looked both deeply proud of itself and slightly terrified to move in case it dropped its prize. it's easy to understand why stanley park is considered vancouver's most famous attraction. somehow this enormous urban park manages to combine rainforest, beaches, wildlife, gardens, ocean views, and the downtown skyline all in one place without ever feeling overly busy or commercialised. the drive through the park alone is worth it. take your time, there is construction going on right now. winding roads curve beneath towering western red cedars, douglas firs, and hemlocks before suddenly opening up to sweeping coastal views. every turn feels completely different from the last. the stanley park seawall is really the centrepiece of the entire experience. wrapping around the waterfront with nearly nonstop views of english bay, burrard inlet, lions gate bridge, the north shore mountains, and the vancouver skyline, it's the kind of place where people naturally slow down. cyclists cruise past runners, dog walkers stop to admire the scenery, tourists pause every few metres for photos, and families wander along the path with ice cream in hand. prospect point was easily one of the highlights, especially near sunset with the view stretching towards lions gate bridge and the mountains beyond. brockton point lighthouse added another classic postcard view, while the sailboats gathered near the royal vancouver yacht club made the harbour glow in the evening light. along the seawall we passed the scuba diver statue resting casually on a rock beside the water, definitely a scuba diver, not a mermaid, and somehow it perfectly matches the atmosphere of the park: peaceful, slightly quirky, and unmistakably west coast. lost lagoon brought a completely different energy from the oceanfront sections of the park. surrounded by trees and calm walking paths, the water reflected the skyline while ducks, geese, and other birds drifted quietly across the surface. second beach and third beach were both full of people making the most of the evening. second beach has the famous heated outdoor pool sitting right beside the ocean, along with volleyball courts, picnic areas, and one of the best sunset spots in the park. third beach felt quieter and more tucked away, with people stretched out on driftwood logs watching the sky slowly shift colours over english bay. nearby, the teahouse sits hidden among the trees, blending naturally into the surroundings. what makes stanley park stand out is how much there is beyond the famous seawall. tucked throughout the park are forest trails, gardens, playgrounds, tennis courts, public art, wildlife viewing areas, the pitch and putt golf course, and the vancouver aquarium hidden among the trees. despite sitting beside downtown vancouver, the park rarely feels urban. within minutes you can go from skyline views and busy pathways to quiet forest roads where all you hear is wind moving through the trees and waves hitting the shoreline. it's the contrast that makes the place memorable. even without spotting whales or orcas, the evening felt unforgettable. stanley park isn't just a place you visit once for the photos, it's the kind of place you keep wanting to return to because every section of it feels slightly different from the last.

    Stanley Park was at the top of my must-do list while visiting Vancouver--and it was easily one of…read moremy favorite activities. The urban park spans over 1,000 lush acres and has such a rich history. It officially opened as a public park in 1888, named after Lord Stanley, Canada's Governor General at the time. We decided to experience it in the best way possible: on two wheels. After renting bicycles near Coal Harbor, we set off along the park's famous seawall--a scenic path that loops around the entire perimeter and offers nonstop views of ocean, mountains, city, and skyline. It's the kind of ride where you find yourself stopping often because every turn reveals beautiful views. Along the way, we made stops at some of the park's most iconic landmarks. The Stanley Park Totem Poles were vibrant and deeply rooted in Indigenous culture and storytelling. We continued on to the Girl in a Wetsuit statue, and then made our way up to Prospect Point. Don't forget to take in the view of the Lions Gate Bridge stretching across the water! Further along, we stopped to admire Siwash Rock before finishing our route near A-maze-ing Laughter by English Bay. After hours of heavy rain, we got incredibly lucky--the skies cleared what felt like just for us, and we were able to enjoy the entire ride in fresh, crisp air. I was so happy seeing the beaches along the way and the tree-lined paths glowing with orange leaves as we soaked in the last bits of autumn. Best of all, we were treated to a beautiful sunset at English Bay. It felt like the perfect closing moment--peaceful, golden, and well-earned after a full loop around the park. I can't recommend visiting Stanley Park enough. Wish we had enough time to visit the teahouse, but will have to save that for next time. If you're short on time but want to see a lot, biking the seawall is absolutely the way to go. It's active, scenic, and such a memorable way to experience one of Vancouver's most beloved places.

    Photos
    Stanley Park - Lions Gate Bridge

    Lions Gate Bridge

    Stanley Park - Canadian Track and Field Superstar Harry Jerome

    Canadian Track and Field Superstar Harry Jerome

    Stanley Park - Night view of the bridge

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    Night view of the bridge

    Vancouver Public Library - Central - Looking up

    Vancouver Public Library - Central

    4.4(137 reviews)
    4.7 kmDowntown

    vancouver public library is a wealth of information and resources for the community, housed in a…read morestriking building designed to resemble a modern day coliseum. the library provides accessible services to help ensure everyone can use the space comfortably, along with social services and community support resources. it also regularly features events such as talks, workshops, and activities for different age groups. the architecture is organized across several levels. the lower level is currently under construction. level 2 contains the main entrance, information desk, children's collection, library card services, and borrowing services. level 3 focuses on digital creativity, featuring the inspiration lab. this space provides free access to soundproof recording studios, including three sound booths for small groups and the larger terry mcbride recording studio for video and photography. to use these, you can book a session online up to two weeks in advance with your library card, allowing for a maximum of three hours per day. level 4 has collections related to business, cookbooks, esl, and fashion. level 5 is a quiet floor with newspapers and magazines available. level 6 holds dvds, music cds, and spoken word materials. level 7 includes special collections and human resources. level 8 features meeting rooms, a reading room, an eating area, temporary exhibit space, the family theatre, and several outdoor patios for fresh air while you work. level 9 includes additional meeting rooms and a very nice rooftop garden that serves as a great escape with a panoramic view of the city skyline. this green space is even equipped with solar panels that help power the ninth floor. beyond books, the library hosts a musical instrument lending library. you can borrow a variety of instruments free of charge for up to three weeks, including acoustic and electric guitars, violins, ukuleles, and keyboards. to borrow one, simply check the library catalogue to see if it is available and visit the service desk at the central library. inside the building, there are also several convenient services and businesses, including a td machine, blenz coffee, a convenience store, gift store, dental clinic, bike shop, and onigiri ya. together, these resources make the library a welcoming and useful place to study, learn, and spend time.

    If I lived here, I'd go to the library at least twice a week (unlike now, where I only check out…read moreebooks online, and go in once every two years when they make me verify my residency). What an incredible resource for the citizens of Vancouver! We had a long layover so we explored every single floor of this library. There were so many computer stations if you needed to do work online, but also so many little nooks with comfy seating to settle down in with a good book. The rooftop had an incredible view of downtown Vancouver, and the atrium was nice and warm. There was currently an "electronic concert" going on where there were chairs set up so people could listen to recordings played over the speakers in the atrium. I thought it was a really neat way to get the community together to listen, discuss, and engage with one another.

    Photos
    Vancouver Public Library - Central
    Vancouver Public Library - Central
    Vancouver Public Library - Central - Entrance to library atrium~

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    Entrance to library atrium~

    VanDusen Botanical Garden - gardens - Updated July 2026

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