Bloedel Conservatory

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. Visit our rentals page or photography and filming page for more information.
• 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.

Bloedel Conservatory was selected by the province as BC Hydro’s first Clean Energy Champion External website, opens in new tab for energy efficient upgrades that cut greenhouse gas emissions by 90%.

Large heat pump installed for temperature control

In spring 2022, a large heat pump was installed at the conservatory that is more than 50 times the size of a heat pump used in a typical BC home. The heat pump uses clean hydroelectricity instead of natural gas to heat and cool the domes interior.

Designed to provide cooling in the summer and heating in the winter, the heat pump is ideal for the conservatory as its dome is completely made of glass which can be challenging for temperature regulation.

Lighting upgrades for reduced carbon emissions 

In addition, all the lighting in the building has been upgraded to energy-efficient LEDs. In keeping with the our Climate Emergency Action Plan, the upgrades are designed to help city-owned buildings reduce carbon emissions by half from 2007 levels.