Vancouver: VanDusen Botanical Garden Entry Ticket & Maze

Summary

Wander peaceful paths, find the maze, pause for coffee or wildflowers

You’ll step into Vancouver’s VanDusen Botanical Garden with an entry ticket, wandering winding paths among thousands of plant species from all over the world. Try your luck in the hedge maze, spot local wildlife or sculptures, and unwind with coffee at the café. It’s peaceful, easygoing — you might not want to leave right away.

What’s the experience like?

We stepped off the bus right into a patchwork of green — VanDusen Botanical Garden feels like it’s hiding in plain sight in Vancouver. The city noise faded fast, replaced by birds arguing somewhere overhead and this faint smell of damp cedar. I didn’t expect so many different kinds of trees; our map said 7,500 plant species but honestly I lost count after the first few winding paths. There was a couple sketching irises near the pond, and a gardener waved as we passed (she had muddy knees and a big grin). It felt like everyone moved slower here — maybe that’s just what happens inside a garden this big.

The Elizabethan hedge maze looked smaller from outside, but once you’re in it’s easy to get turned around. My friend tried to “navigate” but we ended up laughing at ourselves, stuck at a dead end with two crows watching us like they’d seen this show before. Eventually we found our way out and just sat on a bench for a while — there’s something about sunlight through maple leaves that makes you want to linger. We stopped by the Visitor Centre (the roof looks wild from above — shaped like an orchid apparently), then grabbed coffee at Truffles Café. The scones were warm and crumbly, not too sweet.

I kept noticing little things: how some flowers smelled sharp and lemony if you brushed past them, or how quiet it got near the sculptures tucked between tall grasses. There was an older couple speaking French by one of Bill Reid’s pieces; I only caught “beau jardin” before they wandered off arm-in-arm. Didn’t make it to every corner — 55 acres is more than you think — but maybe that’s part of why I still think about that afternoon now and then.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit VanDusen Botanical Garden

• Enter garden before closing
• Explore plant species and sculptures
• Visit Elizabethan hedge maze
• Photograph local wildlife
• Dine at Truffles Cafe or Shaughnessy
• Browse garden-themed gift shop

Top questions

How big is VanDusen Botanical Garden?

It covers 55 acres in central Vancouver.

Is admission included for special events like Festival of Lights?

No, this ticket is only valid for regular daytime hours, not special events.

Are there places to eat inside VanDusen Botanical Garden?

Yes, you can dine at Truffles Café or Shaughnessy Restaurant inside the garden.

Is VanDusen Botanical Garden wheelchair accessible?

Yes, most areas are wheelchair accessible including transportation options nearby.

Can I bring my stroller or pram?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in strollers or prams throughout the garden.

What time is last entry to VanDusen Botanical Garden?

The last entry is 30 minutes before closing; check vandusengarden.ca for current hours.

Are service animals allowed in VanDusen Botanical Garden?

Yes, service animals are allowed inside the garden grounds.

What’s included

Your day includes admission to VanDusen Botanical Garden during regular daytime hours with access to all garden areas including the hedge maze and sculpture collection; local taxes are covered too so you can simply enjoy wandering without extra fees.