Vancouver’s popular harvest festival arrives at VanDusen Botanical Garden and here’s what to know

Fall really pulled up a seat at Vancouver’s proverbial table this past week. Environment Canada has issued a yellow rainfall warning for the city, and the autumn colours are spreading faster than our brains can compute. That said, sunnier days are on the horizon, and VanDusen Botanical Garden’s beloved Harvest Days are officially back. There’s nothing like an outdoor fall festival to get you in a whimsical mood.

Everything to know about Harvest Days 2026 before you go

What can I do at the harvest festival this year?

Harvest Days is a time-honoured tradition transforming the garden’s beautiful 55 acres into a celebration of all the season has to offer. Warm sips, sweet treats, colourful foliage, bales of hay and cornstalks, and pumpkins galore all await.

So, get ready to enjoy the family-friendly festivities and meet the vibrant sugar maples, gingko trees, and golden larches that mark the start of autumn.

Garden visitors can stroll through the transformed veggie garden, explore a corn maze, take part in lawn games and face painting, and enjoy live bluegrass and folk music. It’s all straight out of Gilmore Girls!

There will also be plenty of nature-based educational activities led by local experts at the Discovery Tent, as well as food trucks if you need to grab a bite in between exploring.

Finally, it’s worth checking out a curated Sculpture Stroll, which features eco-friendly pieces by local artist Nickie Lewis made entirely from natural, organic, and 100% biodegradable materials.

How much does it cost to check out?

Note that Harvest Days is included with regular garden admission, so each ticket is priced at $13.27 to $15.81 per adult, $10.61 to $12.65 for seniors, $9.28 to $11.05 for youth, and $6.63 to $7.90 per child, depending on whether you buy your tickets online or at the gate.

As always, Garden Members enjoy free access to the event.

Are there washrooms on-site?

The garden has portable toilets available for use as well as full-service washrooms inside the Visitor Centre.

Is parking free or paid?

Free parking is available in the garden’s lot off West 37th Avenue, but spaces are limited. There’s more free street parking available in the surrounding area, street signs permitting.

The garden is situated 15 minutes away from the Oakridge Canada Line station and along the #17 Oak bus route.

What if it’s raining?

Harvest Days run from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (the garden is technically open until 5 p.m.), rain or shine, so check the weather ahead of your visit and prepare accordingly.

Is this event accessible?

The main garden paths at VanDusen are fully wheelchair-accessible, as are all portable toilets. The accessible drop-off area is situated in the C-Drive off Oak Street.

Note that pets are not permitted at Harvest Days, with the exception of guide and service dogs.

Happy fall, Vancouver!

When: Weekends from Sept. 26 to Oct. 18, 2026
Time: 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Where: 5251 Oak St. 
Cost: $13.27 to $15.81 per adult

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