It’s bloom season at VanDusen Botanical Garden and here’s how to make the most of it

The temps are gradually rising, the bees are happily buzzing and flowers are starting to bloom. Spring has officially sprung at the botanical gardens in Vancouver. And for anyone looking to escape the city chaos and enjoy nature in all its vibrant glory, VanDusen Botanical Garden is the place to be.

TBH, the Garden is a pretty magical place year-round. If you don’t trust us, just scroll through their IG. But as the snow melts, VanDusen becomes a riot of vibrant colours and sweet fragrances, courtesy of the fresh spring blooms. Again, scroll through their IG.

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Sure, the pink canopy of cherry blossoms in the Japanese Garden is one of the highlights of VanDusen Botanical Garden. It is, after all, one of the best places to catch cherry blossoms in Vancouver. But there are a lot of other colourful blooms to feast your eyes and soul. Think Magnolias, Rhododendrons, Daffodils, Tulips, Hyacinths, Snowdrops and many, many more.

As gorg as these floral beauties are, they aren’t the only thing this 55-acre golf-course-turned-garden in the heart of the city offers. Their well-maintained walking paths, ponds, fountains, birding spots and guided tours take the nature experience to a whole new level.

Then there are the many events the garden hosts throughout the year that keep us coming back for more.

And the best way to make the most of everything this incredible garden has to offer is to get a Vancouver Botanical Gardens Association (VBGA) membership. They have several membership options you can choose from. And all come with a ton of benefits. Take a look—

• Free general admission to VanDusen Botanical Garden
• 10% off on every purchase at the gift shop
• 10% off on educational programs
• 20% off on a dinner for 2 at Shaughnessy Restaurant once every year
• Discounted admission to all their special events including the iconic Festival of Lights
• Discounts at all participating nurseries and gardens
• Savings and benefits at all other Vancouver’s Must See Attractions

The VBGA Membership also includes year round access to Bloedel Conservatory for those rainy days! Bloedel Conservatory is a domed lush paradise located in Queen Elizabeth Park atop the City of Vancouver’s highest point. More than 100 exotic birds, and 500 exotic plants and flowers thrive within. Scroll their IG for a peak into this magical enclosed land. 

Frankly, the membership is worth it just for the peaceful sensory retreat that is the garden itself. But all the discounts sure make it even more desirable.

Let’s face it, the garden is one of the best things to do in Vancouver year-round, whether you are a seasoned gardener or just enjoy spending time in nature. So, do yourself a solid and snag a VBGA membership right away.

And if that’s not enough and you want to bring the garden to you, VBGA is hosting a plant sale on May 13th at the Plaza outside the Bloedel Conservatory from 10am – 4pm. Head on over to snag some sweet deals on some lush greens. 

VANDUSEN BOTANICAL GARDEN