VanDusen Botanical Garden

Facility and garden access

The Visitor Centre, Administration Building, Floral Hall, Shaughnessy Restaurant, and most paved garden paths are fully accessible to wheelchairs, scooters, and walkers.

Touring the garden

Many of the pathways, both paved and unpaved, can be uneven. Care should be taken for those using walking aids. Some steps do not have handrails or handrails on both sides. 

Service animals

Working guide and service dogs are welcome. Leave pets at home.

Accessible toilets

Accessible washrooms are located in the Visitor Centre. Some accessible portable washrooms are available in the garden. 

Parking

The VanDusen Botanical Garden parking lot is located on West 37th Ave, just off of Oak St. Accessible parking spots are available, and parking is free. There is an accessible drop-off loop just off of Oak St at the front entrance of the garden. 

Admission

Required attendants for those needing assistance are offered free access. Let our staff at the admission desk know and a complimentary ticket will be processed for the attendant.

Sensory

At times, vehicles and machinery such as lawn mowers may be at work in the garden that could affect those with sensory issues. 

Sensory support kits, including tinted glasses, noise-cancelling earmuffs, and other items are available for neurodivergent patrons. Ask staff at the membership desk if you would like to borrow a kit during your visit.

General garden rules 

• We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes and weather appropriate clothing. Shirts and shoes are required.
• Walk and explore the garden along designated pathways and lawn areas only. 
• To protect our botanical collections, do not pick or remove any plant materials such as flowers, seeds or foliage. All plant material must be left in the garden. 
• Dispose of waste in the garbage and recycling bins provided.
• Baby strollers, wagons, and wheelchairs are welcome. Leave rollerblades, skate boards, and tricycles at home, and lock up bicycles outside the Visitor Centre. 
• Working guide and service dogs are welcome. Leave pets at home.
• Do not feed or handle wildlife.
• Supervise children at all times. The minimum age to visit the garden without an adult or guardian is 13 years old (youth).
• One adult, senior, or youth can supervise and accompany up to a maximum of 5 children 0 to 4 years of age. For example, at least two adults, seniors, or youth must accompany a group of six to ten children in the 0 to 4 age category. This ratio is not applicable for daycares and school groups that have booked through our education department. 
• Bring a picnic and a blanket to enjoy in the garden. Lawn chairs and coolers are permitted on the Great Lawn only. Portable grills are not permitted. 
• Keep personal items with you at all times. The garden is not responsible for lost or stolen belongings. If you find something in the garden that does not belong to you, return it to a staff member or volunteer.

Prohibited at any time

• Use of drones
• Balls, frisbees, hula hoops, hockey sticks, and other sports equipment
• Swimming in the lakes, ponds and waterfall
• Amplified music
• Outside alcohol (Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase at onsite licensed establishments.)
• Smoking of any kind, including vaping
• Tripods in garden beds or pathways (They may only be used in grassy areas.)