VanDusen Botanical Garden

VanDusen Botanical Garden Review

An Elizabethan maze, a formal rose garden, a meditation garden, and a collection of Canadian heritage plants are among the many themed displays at this 55-acre site. The collections include flora from every continent and many rare and endangered species. The Phyllis Bentall Garden area features hybrid water lilies and carnivorous plants (a hit with kids). From mid-May to early June the Laburnum Walk forms a canopy of gold; in August and September the wildflower meadow is in bloom. The garden is also home to five lakes, a garden shop, a library, and the Truffles Fine Foods Café (serving breakfast, lunch, and afternoon tea). It hosts special events throughout the year, including an outdoor flower and garden show, a large outdoor vintage-car exhibit, and a spectacular Christmas-theme Festival of Lights every December (daily 4:30-9 pm). From downtown, catch the Oak Bus 17 directly to the garden entrance. Queen Elizabeth Park is a 1-km (½-mile) walk away, along West 37th Avenue. Because this was once a golf course, pathways make this garden extremely wheelchair accessible.