VanDusen Botanical Garden

A Garden Paradise

Thank goodness some people with foresight and vision saw the opportunity that presented itself when the Shaughnessy Golf course closed in the 60s. Saving a good chunk of the land from developers, the Vancouver Foundation, the Province and the City of Vancouver worked to establish this gem on part of the land once occupied by the golf course. The results are now here for all to see with charming little paths winding among the impressive variety of plants, shrubs, bushes and trees that are all carefully labeled throughout the grounds. There's even a fun and challenging hedge maze! The restaurant is a lovely place to go for a meal and the gardens seem an ideal spot to hold a wedding with great places for photo ops throughout the gardens. And Van Dusen continues to improve with a new visitor centre being built for 2011. The other thing that must be mentioned as a must see is the light show they put on every Christmas. Huge swaths of the gardens are lit up with thousands if not millions of lights. This is all complemented by a musically choreographed light show that happens regularly on the main pond. WIth snack booths offering hot chocolate and other goodies it is a great way to indulge in Christmas Spirit. Visit Van Dusen Gardens and enjoy a little tranquility in the middle of the city!