VanDusen Gardens, Vancouver

Located near the main entrance of Vancouver's VanDusen Gardens, the Laburnum Walk offers visitors beautiful displays of golden flowers trailing from the tree branches that line the walkway. A popular late spring destination, these beautiful flowers are a few of hundreds of species in the Gardens. CREDIT: Venture Vancouver, SOURCE: www.venturevancouver.com

In late Spring the Laburnum Walk at the VanDusen Gardens is one of the site's most breathtaking exhibition of blooms.

STATS

HOURS

RATES

Type:

Garden

Season:

All Seasons

Weather:

All Weather

Time:

2 hours

Cost:

What to bring:

Camera, Sense of Curiosity, Plant Identification Book

Home to a wide range of plant species, the VanDusen Gardens in Vancouver is a seasonal wonderland with blooms throughout the year. With the first sign of spring, crocuses and cherry blossoms creep into the sun, with summer, the popular rhododendrons hug the shade with their fragrant scents and beautiful colours, and the fall months see the red, orange and yellow leaves falling from the broad leaf trees. Even the winter sees visitors admiring the quiet garden which lights up at night with VanDusen's annual Festival of Lights. No matter the season, VanDusen Gardens always has something to offer.

Vancouver's VanDusen Gardens situated in a sprawling subdivision close to the main city is an attraction worthy of its popularity.

Named for the late lumberman and philanthropist, Whitford Julian VanDusen who donated money towards the site's purchase, the gardens which are planted on land that used to be a golf course were opened to the public in 1975.

Owned and operated by the Vancouver Park Board and an army of dedicated volunteers, the VanDusen Gardens is a quiet oasis in the middle of the bustling city suburb of Shaughnessy even through its location is beside one of the busiest commuter roadways, Granville Street.

The gardens sprawl over 22 hectares of land which includes water features, many tall trees, plants from all over the world, a restaurant, gift shop and seed library.

The cultural and botanical significance of the site is illustrated by the carved totem poles, massive stone sculptures and Korean pavilion which hold the Asian plant collection. VanDusen Gardens also offers tours of the grounds (which are well labelled for plant enthusiasts), lectures and workshops. Throughout the year programs are offered for a variety of interests such as bird walks, children oriented activities like scavenger hunts, seed plantings and the Annual Cherry Blossom Festival. The Gardens also host the yearly VanDusen Garden Show.

People of all ages can enjoy this garden, from the towering evergreens to the spring crocuses and the popular rhododendron gardens, the Gardens have an enchanting allure throughout the seasons.

The winter months (December to early January) are especially popular as the VanDusen Gardens host their annual Festival of Lights, where the gardens are transformed into a colourful and musical winter extravaganza. Millions of lights and a host of decorations including hourly times light shows, miniature trains and themed garden areas create a spirited ambiance.

A place for people from all walks of life and cultures, the gardens offer a serene escape from the surrounding city as well as a place for volunteers and plant enthusiasts to congregate to work together to continue the upkeep of the garden and educate its visitors.