The Shakespeare Garden
in Stanley Park

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Nestled between the Rose Garden and the forest in Stanley Park, the Shakespeare Garden pays homage to the bard. The garden is a diverse arboretum that includes trees mentioned in his plays and poems.

The Shakespeare Garden has a long history within Stanley Park. The official opening of the garden was for Vancouver's Golden Jubilee celebration in 1936. However, plans for the garden in this area had been percolating since 1916, the tercentenary of Shakespeare's death. For close to a century, this area has provided a quiet grove for park visitors to discover.

The prominent feature of this garden is the Shakespeare monument. It is secluded on the north side of the area. There are about 45 trees that form the arboretum that accompanies the monument. Trees designated from the works of Shakespeare have been affixed with plaques that display their appropriate quotes. These Shakespeare trees are integrated throughout the arboretum for visitors to find as they explore the garden.

As we approach four hundred years since the bard's death, garden enhancements are being considered. Recently, an inventory and analysis of the assets of this garden were documented. Plans are being developed that will make the garden more connected and accessible.