Sites and landmarks
There are several small lakes and ponds in VanDusen Garden, including Heron Lake and Meadown Pond, as well as both permanent and temporary sculpture exhibits.
Special events
Two special times of year to visit VanDusen Botanical Gardens include December, during the Festival of Lights and April, when the Cherry Blossoms are in bloom. There are also several other events, including a seed sale, that VanDusen Garden hosts. Check VanDusen's website for more information about upcoming events.
Dining at VanDusen Garden
Visitors to VanDusen Garden can enjoy an elegant west-coast meal at Shaughnessy Restaurant, which is located in the VanDusen Garden close to West 37th Ave at Oak St.
Enjoy freshly made breakfasts, healthy lunches, Afternoon Tea, or a charcuterie platter paired with wine at Truffles Fine Foods Cafe located in the new VanDusen Visitors Centre.
History
Until the mid 1960s, this site, owned by the Canadian Pacific Railway, was one of Vancouver's first golf courses.
Destined to become a housing development by the 1970s, a dedicated group of citizens joined forces with the Vancouver Park Board to set aside 22 hectares of the site for a botanical garden.
Through a unique partnership at the time, funding for the land, then valued at $3 million, was made possible by three contributors: the Provincial Government ($1 million); the City of Vancouver ($1 million) and W.J. VanDusen ($1 million).
Mr. VanDusen's generosity was recognized by naming the garden for him.
This spectacular garden opened to the public in 1975.
The mild Vancouver climate allows the cultivation of an outstanding plant collection, which is a delight any time of the year.
Specific garden areas are planted to illustrate botanical relationships, such as the Rhododendron Walk, or geographical origins, as in Sino Himalayan Garden.
The VanDusen Botanical Garden is operated by the Vancouver Park Board and the VanDusen Botanical Garden Association.
