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VanDusen Botanical Garden
Categories: Active Life Parks Arts & Entertainment Botanical Gardens Parks, Botanical Gardens [Edit]
5251 Oak StVancouver, BC V6M 4H1
Neighbourhoods: Shaughnessy, South Cambie
(604) 257-8677
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
23 reviews for VanDusen Botanical Garden
23 reviews in English
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Review from Stephene C.
Vancouver, BC
12/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
BEAUTIFUL! That's all I can really say.
Came here with the family to enjoy the Christmas spirit and all the bright and colorful lights. I haven't been here before, which is kind of strange since I've lived in Vancouver all my life. I'll have to visit during the Summer to see all the flowers and plants.
I really like the new entrance they built. It's supposed to be an energy efficient building in the shape of a orchid plant. The building itself collects and stores energy for power, I'm guessing through solar panels, and the orchid shape it supposed to be the most efficient way to collect the energy. The whole concept of using nature as a template for how we organize our lives is a great idea!
I can't wait to see this place in the Spring/ Summer.........Winter be gone!
St3Fin -
Review from Evilyn T.
5/9/2011 1 Check-in Here
I was walking in the park one day, in the very merry month of May! I'm not sure what it is about Mother's Day, but this is THE place to take your Mom on that special day. We had a late brunch at the Shaugnessy Restaurant, which is just before you enter the gardens, and was packed with Moms and Grannys. Lucky for us, I had made a reservation so we skipped the line and headed to a table. After brunch, we walked through the gardens and worked off those extra calories.
The gardens are lovely. No matter what time of year you go, there is always something to see, and at Xmas they put up millions of lights so even though there isn't mass foliage blooming, there's still a reason to go. The cost of entry changes depending on the season, we paid about $10/per adult, and it took us about an hour or so to walk through the whole garden, but we didn't do a lot of stopping to smell the roses (probably because the roses don't bloom until June.)
If you want to impress your Mom, I guarantee you will score big points by taking her to VanDusen Gardens, whether it be Mother's Day or not. Believe me, I know I'm in the will for sure now!Listed in: Parklife
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Review from Larry L.
4/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
I used to walk past here everyday going to school. During that time I never bothered to check it out. It was for old people. I was a student who didn't care about flowers.
Well, As I got older and started dating, I found out that this is the place to bring a date, especially if it's @ Christmas time. To see the Christmas lights is quite pretty and the chance for romance and a cup of hot cocoa presents itself.
I've never really had that chance because I was missing either the hot chocolate or the romance or the chance, but it will present itself soon, I'm sure.
My last trip was for the Japanese Sakura days and it unfortunately was just after the Tsunami disaster that happened in Japan.
My brother and I came to see our friend perform in the Japanese Tea ceremony which was quite beautiful to watch. Now if any of you have ever seen the Karate Kid part 2 where Ralph Macchio goes to Okinawa. You will understand what I mean. That was when I fell in love with the tea ceremony and fell in love with Tamlyn Naomi Tomita. (We are the same age you know and she was the most beautiful woman I ever saw on the big screen. I think that is also the reason I fell in love with Okinawa too.)
So for me, watching this tea ceremony was special.
Van Dusen is currently going through some more changes with new additions and I think by this summer, everything will be picture perfect.
Bring your camera and your squeeze and let the scene of romance fill your senses as you walk along the pathways of flowers and exotic foliage. -
Review from Christopher J.
4/20/2011 32 photos
==Van Dusen Botanical Garden==
This is my favorite place to be. This is just an amazing huge garden with many many plants, greenery, views and paths to see and take! You can walk endlessly here and it seems never ending. There are wonderful ponds and mini waterfalls and even a MAZE made by high bushes that you can go through. When you first arrive here, you see a huge sign made with shrubery! There is even a high end restaurant and small shops before you enter. There is a fee to go in and I think it was like $10 per person or so. You will just be so engulfed with excitement as you walk around this garden. Take a camera and enjoy yourself! There are maps you can pick up before you walk in here, it can be confusing at times and bring comfortable shoes. It's a lot of walking :P Some flat areas, some hills.
PROS::
1] Amazing scenery and views
2] The garden is really big and can take hours to soak in everything
3] There is a restaurant just near the gate if you really get hungry
4] Very nice for photos and exercise !
CONS::
1] Parking can be limited
2] Entrance Fee
3] Bring walking shoes! -
Review from Reena M.
10/5/2010 3 Check-ins Here
Beautiful venue for music concerts! Lovely park area and the sound is great. I would love to go to more concerts here. It's quite relaxing. The only thing is that they need more/better food options. I also really enjoy the festival of lights during the winter time.
Admittedly, though, I've never been here just to enjoy the garden itself. -
Review from Renee S.
Vancouver, BC
1/22/2011
Casual and gorgeous. The first thing you notice when you enter the gardens is how the noise of the city seems to fade away. It's relaxing and beautiful, like a country estate in the middle of Vancouver.
Even in the winter VanDusen is worth a trip - the trails are varied and the landscaping is gorgeous. Good for walks with the family or just sauntering around to relax after a busy work week. The Garden is affordable and definitely worth repeat visits. -
Review from Erin K.
Vancouver, BC
11/10/2010
I had my wedding in VanDusens Floral Hall this October. It was awesome!
It cost us about $1,100 to rent the hall from 8am to 1am which allowed plenty of time for set up and take down. We were told the capacity for a sit-down dinner reception would be 120, but We had less than 90 and it was tight.
About one third of the hall is carpeted and does not allow food or drinks of any kind in this area which was a bit of a hassle. We ended up using this area for the ceremony, as well as the gifts and the guest book. Also the kitchen area is very small so we rented 2 10x10 tents and set them up outside for the caterers (there is a whole area off to the side which was perfect for this). The sound system was also a bit dodgy, but tolerable.
We did our photos outside in the Gardens (of coarse!) and were dismayed by the heavy rain, starting only 20 minutes after we started photos. One of the volunteers who works in the Garden, drove (in a golf cart) all the women from the wedding party, from one undercover location to the next for a good solid two hours. She was so helpful at finding as many different rain free locations as possible. That was above and beyond!
At the end of the night I was told the security guard, who comes to shut down after our people cleaned out, was very helpful with the clean up and super friendly.
Overall, my experience here was of the good. -
Review from Eugene G.
5/30/2010
I came here on a double date. The weather could have been better, but they place is huge! Lots of flowers, trees, herbs, and plants everywhere. There is a nice little waterfall and also a huge pond.
It is perfect for taking pictures, painting, especially if you are an artists. The flowers are beautiful and smell great. I know some guys would think this is kind of a chick thing, go out and see the flowers, but its actually kind of relaxing. If your smart you'll take your date here, enjoy the scenery and relaxation of the environment and have a good time with your lady.
We were lucky to see a momma duck and her ducklings. Very cute, they seem use to visitors taking pictures with them so they let you get close. The purple coy fish are beautiful in the pond, they have this ethereal spiritual presence about them. I almost felt like I was going to go into the avatar mood ;). Anyways they love people especially if your bring them food, but make sure it is proper fish food, don't give them human food. Save the fish!! -
Review from Alison S.
11/20/2009 ROTD 2/5/2010
note: this review is only for the Festival of Lights that they put on every year at Christmastime.
Once upon a time, I finally coerced my charming better half to come meet my family at a big family dinner. Afterwards we planned to go the Festival of Lights because it was the holidays and I'd never been despite living in Vancouver my entire life. "It's just lights," scoffed my dad.
"*Tsk* they're DATING" my grandfather replied, "who cares if it's just lights?" I love my grandpa!
And the lights were beeauuutiiiifffullll!! It is such a romantic place to just walk around and look at the decorations that have magically transformed the gardens. The nip in the air and the reflection of the lights in the lagoon, along with the lit-up Shaughnessy restaurant make it look like a Christmas wonderland.
It is very known for being a romantic place to go at Christmas; while we were there we saw a couple gleefully hugging, obviously a successful engagement proposal!
Congratulations total strangers!!!Listed in: Vancouver Spots
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Review from D.J. Y.
8/6/2008 1 photo
While the Botanical Garden Association is who is in charge of this rare find, the gardens themselves are an awesome sight regardless of the time of year. Of course Spring and Summer are two of the better seasons, just getting a breath of fresh air and a nice stroll around the gardens it a true delight.
Rare and heirloom seeds/cuttings are available for purchase, these funds help keep this Canadian treasure funded for future generations to enjoy.
The restaurant located in the gardens is not to be missed, it has a wonderful view the meals are divine. http://www.shaughnessy... -
Review from Stacy G.
6/21/2011
A must see in Vancouver. Absolutely stunning grounds with unique foliage and flowers, a waterfall, ponds, even an English maze. You can see everything from bamboo and maples to rhododendrons and roses. The Himalayan blue poppies were exquisite. Spend a whole afternoon here - the grounds are some of the most peaceful in Vancouver.
Listed in: Vancouver BC
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Review from Mariam T.
7/8/2011
I went here as a child and I have to say it was a very memorable experience. Walking down the pathways looking at all the many different flowers and trees was a very magical experience. Perfect for a family visit or a romantic date.
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Review from Denis K.
8/7/2008
The Botanical Gardens are a breathless sight and incredibly meticulously kept. I came here with my family during the summer, and the gardens were simply magnificent. You can wander the gardens and be amazed at the skill of the gardeners. Each flower, each tree, each plant just fits, as if each one had been quietly considered, contemplated, and deliberately placed.
There is a small pond with a flat wooden bridge, and a hilly cliff that rises and overlooks the entire garden. The grounds are extensive and inspiring. Everything you could possibly want in a garden. I cannot express enough how impressive the Botanical Garden is.
review 8/7/2008
I.M.Y. -
Review from Anne W.
Vancouver, BC
1/15/2010
The best deal in town at a mere $8 per person, VanDusen provides an entire afternoon of natural enjoyment for all ages.
A perfect spot for lovers and families alike, VanDusen is a sprawling collection of gardens with many pathways to explore and hidden gems lying within.
Meditate in the soothing Zen Garden, wander through a bamboo grove, enjoy multiple sculptures, and take time to smell the roses.
The park is large and you'll definitely want to take advantage of the map given to you at the gate. There are so many sidewalks and hidden pathways that it's easy to get turned around without it.
After a nice walk and some picture taking, take some time to relax on the grassy lawn next to the pond and enjoy a snack before heading into the gift shop for books, garden gear, and lovely ornaments for you home. Be sure to take a piece of the garden home with you as many plants are available for sale for planting in your own garden or on a sunny windowsill. -
Review from Roanna Z.
9/20/2009 1 photo
This is a wonderful park !
Global regions are represented by botanical ambassadors, well labeled if not over grown.
I would recommend you grab the Visitor Guide pamphlet which has a map of the layout. You can actually get turned around and lost in there. But if you really WANT to get lost... you must go into the hedge labyrinth. We had so much fun trying to find the middle of the maze. At this time of the year though, there are a bazillion spiders in webs in there. -eek.
Also wonderful was the "floating bridge" on Cyprus pond. You feel that you can rest here all day and just stare at the reflections in the pond and the Lilly Pads.
I know we'll have many return visits to this park. -
Review from Phillip K.
9/10/2008
Obviously excellent.
You might want to go before they start a $20m remodel and overhaul next year -- the older facilities are part of the charm. -
Review from Megan S.
1/1/2009 1 photo
I love escaping into the botanical gardens. It's such a peaceful place. Very well maintained.
I see a lot of photographers, people wanting to think and relax, or people noting the change of seasons through nature. No matter what your reason it's an extremely nice place.
In December they set up some type of lights in the garden. I haven't been to that, but after hearing many rave reviews of it this year. It's on my list of things to do next December!
Oh and also a good selection of seeds is available in the gift shop. Lots of flowers, veggies, and herbs. But not herbs like pineapple express, more like cilantro and parsley. -
Review from Mercedes G.
Vancouver, BC
11/15/2008
My first visits to the spectacular Van Deusen gardens began as a child, when my Mum and Dad and I would road-trip it from Alberta to BC at the beginning of every September, a trip I thanked them for immensely as it got me an extra week of summer before school started! My memories are fond of the gardens and although my last time there in the summer was many moons ago, I still have scenes in my head of a rainbow of colours and shapes and patterns, simply gorgeous.
Although I didn't visit the restaurant in my travels here, I have heard rave reviews from all who have attended, both for the cuisine and the stunning vistas of the garden. The Garden Shop located on the grounds carries some lovely home and garden accessories, jewelery, and even bulbs and rare seeds.
My latest visit to the garden was for the Festival of Lights during the Christmas season and it was absolutely something special! A massive portion of the gardens is draped in fairy lights of different colours and in all sorts of formations. There is even a light show over the pond to music, quite a sight to be seen! I highly recommend the gardens at any time of year! -
Review from Victoria R.
BC
1/6/2009
I love VanDusen in the winter.
I love VanDusen in the fall.
The lush gardens are decorated with millions of lights and offer an array of things to do. Walk in the snow, watch carollers, sip hot chocolate or just breathe in the fresh air and enjoy. In the spring and summer, the gardens are a great place to pick up planting supplies, perennials, orchids and other exotic or hard to find plants. They have this amazing week long extravaganza where all the crazy plant people converge and fight to get the best plants. Love the gardens! -
Review from Jason P.
12/28/2010
This place is all decked out for Christmas with lights everywhere! Loved it! ... Colorful lights, Christmas music, a light show around the lake, hot chocolate, carolers, this is definitely a nice stroll during the holidays.
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Review from Christine R.
New Westminster, BC
10/5/2009
Lovely, lovely, lovely. This is what a public garden should be - a gorgeous place to walk with surprises and intriguing little paths around every bend. It's big, but I didn't mind getting lost as my feet took me through a grove of young sequoias, a formal rose garden, the "cave" of ferns, and around the pretty ponds and lakes dotting the grounds. VanDusen is a true treasure.
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Review from Vancity Girl M.
Vancouver, BC
8/28/2010
Went in the springtime. It was very zen. My friends and I got a free guided tour that they provide to the general admittees - the guide was EXCELLENT and so amazingly knowledgeable, and I think she gave us an extended tour. There is way more here than I could ever see or take in in a day.
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Review from David L.
11/30/2009
This is Vancouver's finest pay garden. It's large enough to be a park yet it's not classified as a park and the neat thing about this garden is that it isn't all completely flat. It's not crowded because it cost money but it's an excellent place to take photos and enjoy nature in a peaceful setting right in the city of Vancouver. There is a neat maze, nice koi pond, beautiful fountains, and a scenic path. Very lovely! Just be careful of coyotes so if you have kids or young ones, make sure you look out for dangers of the known coyotes in the Garden.
