Explore VanDusen Botanical Garden

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, please 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. Please 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 five children 0 – 4 years of age. For groups of six or more, one adult, senior, or youth must be present for every five children in the 0 – 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 on-site licensed establishments. Smoking of any kind, including vaping. 
• Tripods in garden beds or pathways. They may only be used in grassy areas.  

COVID-19 protocol

• Wear a mask inside the Visitor Centre building. 
• Make sure to maintain physical distance of at least 2 metres from others while in the garden.
• Stay home when sick.
• Wash your hands.
• Respect one-way paths in the garden.
• At this time, group photography is not permitted during public garden hours. Group photography includes photo shoots for weddings, engagements, family groups, and graduations. For more information on our current photography and film options, visit our commercial filming and photography page. 
• Elopements are not permitted at this time. All weddings must be booked through our rental department. Visit our outdoor rentals page for details.