Bloedel Conservatory is an exotic blend of colours, sights, and sounds

The well-being of our birds is of paramount importance to us. Each bird under our care receives dedicated attention and regular avian veterinary oversight to ensure their physical and emotional needs are met.
 
All of the larger perch birds are rescues that had their wings clipped. They were saved from poor living conditions or even dangerous situations, had outlived their owners, or could no longer be cared for by the people who had purchased them as pets. Bloedel Conservatory works directly with local bird sanctuaries, and many of the larger perch birds have come from these non-profit organizations. These birds have never been in the wild and lack the necessary skills and instincts to survive in the wild. The Conservatory and other organizations provide a loving and safe environment, ensuring they are not left without a home.
 
Our birds are provided with enrichment activities and toys to stimulate them mentally and physically. We continuously evaluate and adjust their environment to ensure it promotes their well-being and encourages natural behaviors. Additionally, our avian diet plans are meticulously designed to meet the nutritional needs of each individual species under our care. The birds are fed fresh food throughout the day on a routine schedule.

In 1966, as Canada’s centennial approached, Stuart Lefeaux, Superintendent of the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation, and Deputy Superintendent Bill Livingstone wanted to create something that would enhance Vancouver. They envisioned a conservatory for exotic plants that would be educational and a beautiful place for the community to visit.

They approached Prentice Bloedel of MacMillan Bloedel Limited, who contributed $1.4 million toward the project. Along with contributions from the City of Vancouver and the Province of BC, the funding supported the construction of Bloedel Conservatory, the fountains, and the surrounding plaza. At the time, it was the largest civic gift Vancouver had received.

The components of the triodetic dome frame were manufactured in Ottawa and shipped across the country to Queen Elizabeth Park. The aluminum framework was erected in just 10 days, although the entire Conservatory took more than a year to complete.

Bloedel Conservatory officially opened on December 6, 1969. Under the guidance of Charles Coupar, Bloedel’s first Garden Director, along with Stuart Lefeaux, Bill Livingstone, and Prentice Bloedel, the Conservatory welcomed more than 500,000 visitors in its first year.

In 2009, the City approved a new management approach for the Conservatory. Building on their collaboration at VanDusen Botanical Garden, the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation and the Vancouver Botanical Gardens Association entered into a joint operating agreement for the Conservatory.

The Conservatory's dome is made of 2,324 pieces of 5-inch-diameter aluminum tubing and 1,490 plexiglass bubbles set in aluminum glazing.

The dome is 140 feet in diameter and 70 feet high, covering 16,386 square feet (nearly 1/4 acre) of display space.

Bloedel Conservatory was the first large triodetic dome conservatory in Canada.

General conservatory rules

• We recommend wearing layers at it is warm and humid inside. Shirts and shoes are required.
• Explore the conservatory along designated pathways only. Stay out of plant beds and watch for small birds on paths.
• To protect our birds and tropical plant collections, do not bring any outside plant material or wildlife into the conservatory.
• Do not pick or remove any plant materials such as flowers, seeds or foliage. All plant material must be left in the conservatory.
• Dispose of waste in the garbage and recycling bins provided.
• Baby strollers and wheelchairs are welcome. Leave rollerblades, skate boards, and tricycles at home and lock up bicycles outside the conservatory.  
• Working guide and service dogs are welcome. Leave pets at home.
• Supervise children at all times. The minimum age to visit the conservatory without an adult or guardian is 13 years old (youth).
• One adult, senior, or youth can supervise and accompany up to a maximum of five children 0 – 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 - 4 age category. This ratio is not applicable for daycares and school groups that have booked through our education department. 
• While personal photos are encouraged during your visit, staged photo shoots and elopements are not permitted during business hours. Whether you are with a friend or a professional photographer, this includes wedding, graduation, portrait, and group photography. For more information, review our photography and filming guidelines or learn about our rentals packages.
• Keep personal items with you at all times. The conservatory is not responsible for lost or stolen belongings. If you find something in the conservatory that does not belong to you, return it to a staff member or volunteer.

Prohibited at any time

• Smoking of any kind, including vaping. 
• Outside food or beverages other than bottled water.
• Use of selfie sticks.
• Feeding, touching, or handling the birds.
• Touching the plants in our tropical plant collection.
• Releasing pet birds or any other animals at the conservatory is strictly prohibited for the health and safety of our resident birds. If you are looking to rehome a bird, speak to our admissions staff for more information.

Facility access

The main pathway inside the conservatory is fully accessible to wheelchairs, scooters, and walkers.

Service animals

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

Accessible toilets

Accessible washrooms are located inside the conservatory. 

Parking

Bloedel Conservatory is located within Queen Elizabeth Park. Pay parking lots managed by EasyPark are available throughout Queen Elizabeth Park. A drop-off loop is available near Seasons in the Park Restaurant.

Find more information on getting to Queen Elizabeth Park

Admission

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

Sensory

At times, machinery may be at work in the conservatory, and birds may make noises 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 admission staff if you would like to borrow a kit during your visit.