VanDusen 50 Year Celebration

Biodiversity Zone

Discover how everything is connected in the Biodiversity Zone. Learn about climate change, local ecosystems, and Indigenous perspectives on biodiversity through engaging interactive stations and games. Have questions or need gardening tips? Ask a Vancouver master gardener.

Art Zone

Unleash your creativity in the Art Zone. Take part in eco-friendly crafts and art activities, watch a live plein air painting demonstration, and explore a photo gallery showcasing VanDusen through the lens of our talented volunteers. Relax and recharge in the Library Chill-Out Station with a good book in hand.

Learning Garden Zone

Curious about how plants become colour or how honey gets its flavour? Check out the Garden’s newest addition — the Learning Garden. In the Learning Garden Zone, explore the magic of plant-based dyes and sample local honey while learning about the bees and blooms behind it all.

Horticultural partners 

Connect with the passionate plant and garden societies that call VanDusen home. From floral and fungi displays to expert advice and hands-on activities, these long-time partners will be sharing their knowledge and best tips. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this is a great opportunity to learn from some experts.

Visitor Centre

• Alpine Garden Club of BC
• Garden Club of Vancouver
• Point Grey Chrysanthemum Association
• VanDusen Seed Collectors
• Vancouver Master Gardeners
• Vancouver Mycological Society
• Vancouver Orchid Society

Floral Hall

Don’t miss the Vancouver Dahlia Society’s annual Dahlia Show, taking place in the Floral Hall and Cedar Room. Marvel at a stunning array of dahlias on display, entered by both amateur and expert growers. Entry is by donation (Garden admission sold separately).

Community partners

Engage with our community partners by the Fragrance Garden. 

Spin the prize wheel and enjoy cherry blossom–inspired face painting with the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival, fold an origami crane with the Japan Fair Association of Vancouver, and create your own floral crown with Fleurs de Villes.

Information icon Complimentary floral crown workshops with Fleurs de Villes are limited to 12 participants per session.

Guided tours

Garden guides have been leading tours at VanDusen since opening day on August 30, 1975. Take a special edition walking or cart tour with our dedicated guides to learn more about the Garden’s history. Tours run every 30 minutes from 10am to 5pm.

Yosef Wosk Library and Resource Centre 

Our library in the Visitor Centre is the largest public access botanical and horticultural library in western Canada. Stop by to browse our collection, take in Glora King's nature photography exhibit, and learn about library's history.

Information icon Schedule is subject to change.

Formal seating is not provided. Bring a picnic blanket or low chairs for the performances.

A variety of vendors will be on site with food and beverages for purchase by the Lathhouse and Fragrance Garden.

• Berrymobile External website, opens in new tab
• Chickpea External website, opens in new tab
• Chouchou Crepes External website, opens in new tab
• Green Coast Coffee External website, opens in new tab
• Lucha Libre External website, opens in new tab
• Popcorn at the Park
• Uno Gelato External website, opens in new tab

VanDusen Garden is located at 5251 Oak Street at West 37th Avenue. Find directions

Open the VanDusen 50 Year Celebration Event Map PDF file (4 MB) and follow the highlights in order to experience the show with our suggested route.

Washrooms

Portable toilets will be available for use within the garden. Full-service washrooms are located in the Visitor Centre.

Parking

Parking can get quite busy, so we recommend taking public transit, walking, or biking. We’re located on the #17 Oak bus route and a 15-minute walk from the Oakridge Canada Line station.

Parking is free in our lot off West 37th Avenue but spaces are limited. Free street parking is also available in the surrounding area (where street signs permit).

Weather

Dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes as the event is outdoors in the garden. Rain or shine the show will go on. In cases of extraordinary weather conditions, check our social media channels for updates. All attendees would be contacted directly should the event be cancelled.

For updates, follow us on Facebook External link icon, Instagram External link icon, and X (formerly Twitter) External link icon.

Accessibility

All paths are paved and fully accessible for wheelchairs.

Information icon Live entertainment will take place on the lower bowl of the Great Lawn, which does have sloping. Seating areas for those with accessibility needs are available. 

All portable toilets will be fully accessible for those in a wheelchair.

Wheelchairs are not available for borrow at this time. 

Pets

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

Other considerations

• No smoking or vaping of any kind is permitted in the garden.
• Bicycles, scooters, and skateboards are not permitted in the garden.
• Strollers and wheelchairs are welcome.
• Regular garden rules apply. Review Code of Conduct for details.