Discovering the Best Botanical Gardens in Vancouver

Did you know the first botanical garden was established in 1545 for scientific, educational, and medicinal purposes? These early gardens were used to cultivate medicinal plants for research within university campuses.

Fast forward nearly 500 years, and botanical gardens around the globe continue to thrive, but now they’re also designed to be visually stunning. Vancouver boasts an array of these beautiful green spaces.

If being surrounded by lush plants, trees, and flowers sounds appealing, let’s dive into the best gardens and botanical centers the city has to offer!

1. Bloedel Floral Conservatory

Address: 4600 Cambie St, Vancouver, BC V5Y 2M4, Canada
Phone Number: +1 604 257 8584
Website: Bloedel Floral Conservatory
Tickets:

• Adults: $7.40
• Seniors and Teens (13-18): $5.20
• Kids (5-12): $3.70
• Kids (4 and under): Free
  Hours: Daily from 10 am to 4 pm

Housed under an iconic glass and steel dome, the Bloedel Floral Conservatory has been delighting visitors since 1969. It features over 500 plants and flowers, as well as 100 birds and koi fish, across three climatic zones: Tropical, Subtropical, and Desert.

Walk through tropical rainforests, orchid gardens, and exotic flower displays. For those less keen on humidity, the Desert Area offers a range of cacti and succulents.

Pro Tip: If you’re not fond of humidity or birds, spend more time in the Desert Area, which showcases a variety of cacti and succulents.

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2. Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden

Address: 578 Carrall St, Vancouver, BC V6B 5K2, Canada
Phone Number: +1 604 662 3207
Website: Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden
Instagram: Dr. Sun Yat-Sen
Tickets:

• Students: $12
• Seniors: $13
• Adults: $16
• Family (2 parents + 2 kids): $32
  Hours:
• Wednesday to Sunday: 9:30 am – 4 pm
• Monday and Tuesday: Closed

This half-museum, half-garden space offers a glimpse into 15th century China with over 160 species of plants from China and some local varieties. Enjoy the scent of pine, cypress, and bamboo, along with ancient penjing trees, lily ponds, rock gardens, and Asian pavilions.

Pro Tip: Experience the garden’s cultural significance by attending the annual Chinese New Year and Mid-Autumn Moon Festival celebrations.

3. Nitobe Memorial Garden

Address: 1895 Lower Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
Phone Number: +1 604 822 6038
Website: Nitobe Memorial Garden
Instagram and Facebook: Nitobe Garden
Tickets:

• Adults: $9
• Seniors and Teens (13-17): $7
• Kids (6-12): $5
• Kids (under 5): Free
  Hours:
• Tuesday to Sunday: 10 am – 2 pm
• Monday: Closed

Ranked among the top Japanese gardens in North America, Nitobe Memorial Garden showcases over 400 species of plants and trees. Explore alpine and rainforest plants, cherry blossoms, and maple trees, as well as a ceremonial teahouse, koi ponds, and stone lanterns.

Pro Tip: Visit during different seasons to see cherry blossoms in spring, irises in summer, and vibrant maples in autumn.

4. Park and Tilford Gardens

Address: 333 Brooksbank Ave, North Vancouver, BC V7J 3S8, Canada
Phone Number: +1 604 513 8880
Website: Park and Tilford Gardens
Instagram and Facebook: Park and Tilford
Hours: Daily from 9:30 am to 5:15 pm

Established in 1969, this 3-acre garden features eight distinct themed areas, including the vibrant Display Garden, the herb-focused Herb Garden, the Japanese Oriental Garden, and more.

Pro Tip: For wildlife enthusiasts, the Native Garden is perfect for bird watching with its specially designed feeding spots and nesting trees.

5. Queen Elizabeth Park

Address: 4600 Cambie St, Vancouver, BC V5Z 2Z1, Canada
Phone Number: +1 604 873 7000
Website: Queen Elizabeth Park
Tickets: Free
Hours: Daily from 6 am to 10 pm

This park offers stunning city views and a variety of gardens. The Quarry Garden features shrubs, trees, perennials, and annuals, while the North Quarry Garden includes plants from East Asia. The park also boasts Canada’s oldest civic arboretum and a rose garden with over 50 rose varieties.

Pro Tip: Arrive early to explore all the gardens and botanical areas. You might even break your visit into several trips!

6. Stanley Park Rose Garden

Address: Stanley Park, 610 Pipeline Rd, Vancouver, BC V6G 3E2, Canada
Phone Number: +1 604 873 7000
Website: Stanley Park Rose Garden
Hours: Daily from 6 am to 10 pm

Located within Stanley Park, this rose garden, established in the 1920s, features over 3,500 rose bushes and arbors for climbing roses. Also, visit the Shakespeare Garden, which includes trees depicted in his works.

Pro Tip: Visit in spring to see the Ted and Mary Greig Rhododendron Garden next door, showcasing a diverse collection of rhododendrons and azaleas.

7. UBC Botanical Garden

Address: 6804 SW Marine Dr, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
Phone Number: +1 604 822 4208
Website: UBC Botanical Garden
Tickets: Free
Hours:

• Tuesday to Sunday: 10 am – 2 pm
• Monday: Closed

UBC Botanical Garden, founded in 1916, features over 15 gardens, including an arbor, Asian, and alpine garden. Explore various plant collections, including edible plants and climbing species, or take the Greenheart TreeWalk for a unique treetop experience.

Pro Tip: Attend seasonal events like the apple festival in fall or Biodiversity Month in May for an enhanced visit.

8. VanDusen Botanical Garden

Address: 5251 Oak St, Vancouver, BC V6M 4H1, Canada
Phone Number: +1 604 257 8463
Website: VanDusen Botanical Garden
Hours:

• Morning: Daily from 10 am to 3 pm
• Afternoon/Evening: Daily from 4 pm to 10 pm

Spanning 22 acres, VanDusen Garden offers diverse plant collections and themed areas, from the Himalayas to the Mediterranean. Highlights include the fragrance garden, cypress pond, and a hedge maze.

Pro Tip: Visit in winter for the Festival of Lights, which transforms the garden into a twinkling wonderland.