VanDusen Botanical Garden is marking a huge milestone before the summer’s end, celebrating 50 years of vibrant, diverse blooms in Vancouver. With 7,500 plant species originating from around the globe, the 55-acre garden has an extensive history, though the land it now occupies long predates it.
History of the garden and the land
Since time immemorial, the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations stewarded and cared for the land, even as it was developed in the early 20th century.
According to VanDusen, developers created Vancouver’s first 18-hole golf course on the site, calling it Shaughnessy Heights Golf Club, which later relocated to Southwest Marine Drive.
Officials debated the land’s future until they decided to purchase 55.5 acres for parkland. The Vancouver Botanical Gardens Association was then formed in 1966 to advocate for the land’s use as a botanical garden as opposed to a standard city park.
Botanical experts from across the world supported this mission, leading to the City purchasing the land and delegating management responsibility to the Board of Parks and Recreation.
While W.J. VanDusen anonymously donated a third of the development costs, he agreed to let his name become the official title of the new botanical garden.
On Aug. 30, 1975, VanDusen Botanical Garden opened to the public for the first time.
“For 50 years, the VanDusen Botanical Garden has been a space inspiring connection, curiosity and an appreciation for the world of plants,” shares Acting Garden Director Emily Schultz. “We’re thrilled to celebrate this milestone with the community as we look ahead to a blooming future. Whether you’ve been visiting for decades or are discovering the Garden for the first time, we invite everyone to take part in the celebration.”
50th anniversary celebration
As for the big five-o celebration, mark your calendars for Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025.
From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the garden will host a massive celebration to mark the occasion with live entertainment, food vendors, and activities and crafts for the whole family to enjoy. This includes floral crown-making with Fleurs de Villes, origami with the Japan Fair Association of Vancouver, and face painting with the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival.
Garden visitors can peruse 70 different plant collections while enjoying programming throughout the garden.
In the Visitor Centre, local horticultural societies such as the Vancouver Orchid Society and Vancouver Mycological Society will offer plant demonstrations and gardening tips.
Oh, and there will be three themed zones with several games and hands-on learning opportunities for all ages! This includes a Biodiversity Zone, an Art Zone, and the Learning Garden Zone, featuring local honey sampling and plant-based dyes.
Garden admission and info
Garden admission includes access to the 50-year celebration, and is priced at $15.05 for adults, $10.55 for seniors (65+) and youth (ages 13 to 18), and $7.55 for children (ages 5 to 12).
When: Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025
Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: 5251 Oak St.
Cost: $15.05 per adult, $10.55 for seniors and youth, and $7.55 for children
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