VanDusen Botanical Garden

Overview

VanDusen Botanical Garden is a 22-hectare garden showcasing over 7,500 plant species from around the world. Set in a former golf course in Shaughnessy, it features themed collections, sculptures, and one of the few remaining Elizabethan hedge mazes.

Highlights

• Elizabethan Maze: A 1,100-metre hedge maze of 3,000 pyramidal cedars—one of only six remaining in the world.
• Rhododendron Walk: An explosion of colour in April–May with over 500 rhododendron species and varieties.
• Visitor Centre: The LEED Platinum-certified building designed by Perkins+Will features a living roof.

History

Opened in 1975 on the former Shaughnessy Golf Course, funded by a $1 million donation from lumber baron W.J. VanDusen. The award-winning Visitor Centre opened in 2011.

Visitor Tips

• Festival of Lights: In December, the garden transforms with over one million lights and holiday performances.
• Spring Peak: Visit mid-April to mid-May for rhododendron and cherry blossom peak.
• Duration: 1–2 hours.