VanDusen Botanical Garden is a 22-hectare public botanical garden tucked into the Shaughnessy neighbourhood on what was previously a nine-hole golf course. It opened in 1975 and has since developed one of the most diverse plant collections on the West Coast — over 7,500 plant species organised into themed gardens from around the world, including a Chinese medicinal garden, a Mediterranean garden, a rhododendron walk, and a Canadian Heritage Garden.
The most famous feature is the Elizabethan hedge maze, built in 1981 — one of only a handful of permanent hedge mazes in North America. It's genuinely tricky; allow 20–30 minutes if you want to complete it properly. Kids love it; adults pretend they don't.
Unlike Queen Elizabeth Park or Stanley Park, VanDusen is ticketed. Admission in 2026 is around $12 for adults, less for children and seniors, with free entry for under-12s. Members can enter at any time. The entry fee keeps the crowds manageable and funds the upkeep.
The garden is genuinely beautiful year-round, which is unusual in Vancouver. Late spring (May–June) for the rhododendrons is peak, but even the winter garden — designed specifically for Vancouver's grey months — is worth a visit. The VanDusen Festival of Lights each December is one of the city's best holiday traditions.
How to get there
The 17 Oak bus runs from downtown directly to the garden entrance at 37th and Oak. Parking is free for visitors but limited on summer weekends.
Local tips
- Late May through June for the rhododendrons at peak bloom
- The hedge maze is harder than it looks — allow 20–30 minutes
- The Festival of Lights in December is magical if you're in town
- Members-only hours in the early morning are genuinely peaceful