Weddings Under the Dome

The Conservatory is one of the most popular attractions in Vancouver and is open daily, rain or shine. A modest fee is charged. It is dedicated to the wonders of the natural world with an emphasis on plants and birds. As a matter of fact, over 100 birds of various species call the Bloedel Conservatory home and free-fly within its spacious dome. It was constructed through a very generous donation from Prentice Bloedel in 1969. That same donation enabled the Park Board to cover the main reservoir atop Queen Elizabeth Park.

Hours of Operation

Winter (September 1 through April 30)
10am to 5pm

Summer (May 1 through August 31)
9am to 8pm Mon to Fri
10am - 9pm Sat/Sun

Enjoy Tropical Surroundings Atop Queen Elizabeth Park

Floral Conservatory, the spectacular triodetic dome capping Queen Elizabeth Park, is filled with dazzling displays of exotic plants, tropical flowers, colorful 'Koi' fish, and eye-catching birds. Come in and say "hello" to Charlie, our charismatic Cockatoo, while you enjoy the captivating beauty of palms, bromeliads, and the many other exotic plants from around the world that make their home here!

Step into a climate controlled environment that creates a paradise under the dome.

Outside, enjoy the beautiful Quarry Gardens and a panoramic 180 degree view of Vancouver's skyline and mountain backdrop.

Weddings Under the Dome

Come together under the geodesic dome of this tropical paradise where free-flying birds give colourful accent and sound to a beautiful atmosphere where the weather is predictably perfect all year long. Reservations are required for wedding ceremonies and photos, and a rental fee is charged per booked session. Two time slots are available for wedding parties: Morning (before public opening) and Evening (after public closing time).

Hastings Park

Il Giardino’s distinctive Italian-style plantings include pear, lavender, mulberry, and grape. The fountains and channels of the unique water feature, complete with gargoyles, add delicious sounds to the garden. From the large children’s play area to the opera walk, Il Giardino Italiano is a feast for the eyes. The area also includes a skatepark, a popular youth gathering place with views of the gardens and mountains beyond.

Sanctuary
The sanctuary overflows with greenery and bird calls. Its main feature, the pond, is the result of the daylighting of a stream contained by a culvert for over 50 years, combined with rainwater collected from the neighbourhood to the south. A series of bridges, winding pathways, riparian plantings and tucked-away seating areas makes this a delightful refuge for visitors, as well as an important example of ecology in urban areas.

Empire Fields
Empire Bowl houses several playing fields for soccer and softball, as well as an oval running track. Steep slopes surround the bowl, covered with grasses that rustle in the breeze. Regal concrete details, including a grand staircase, make this a powerful and impressive space.

From Golf Course to Garden

Until the mid 1960s this site, owned by the Canadian Pacific Railway, was one of Vancouver's first full-length golf links known as the Old Shaughnessy Golf Course. Destined to become a housing development by the 1970s, a dedicated group of citizens joined forces with the Vancouver Park Board to set aside 55 acres of the site for a botanical garden. This parcel of land also included the still undeveloped land (11 acres) located on the east side of Oak Street just south of Eric Hamber School. Through a unique partnership at the time, funding for the land, then valued at $3 million, was made possible by three contributors: Provincial Government ($1 million); City of Vancouver ($1 million) and W.J. VanDusen ($1 million). Mr. VanDusen's generosity was recognized by naming the garden for him.

This spectacular garden in the heart of Vancouver has matured into a botanical garden of international stature since opening to the public in 1975. The mild Vancouver climate allows the cultivation of an outstanding plant collection which is a delight any time of the year. There are over 7,500 different kinds of plants assembled from six continents.

The garden design features displays of plants in picturesque landscape settings. Specific garden areas are planted to illustrate botanical relationships, such as the Rhododendron Walk, or geographical origins, as in Sino Himalayan Garden. These areas are set amidst rolling lawns, tranquil lakes and dramatic rockwork with vistas of the mountains and Vancouver cityscape.

The VanDusen Botanical Garden is operated by the Vancouver Park Board and the VanDusen Botanical Garden Association.

Welcome to Vancouver's Horticultural Jewel!

Queen Elizabeth Park is the second most visited park in Vancouver and holds within its perimeters some of the most beautiful public gardens anywhere. Its recreational offerings are diverse ranging from sporty to horticultural and include golf, tennis, lawn bowling, disc golf, an extensive outdoor arboretum and the indoor Bloedel Floral Conservatory.

The seasonally changing and beautifully planted Quarry Gardens astound residents and tourists alike as viewed from the park's upper reaches or from the bottom looking up. Expertly positioned, select ornamental trees and shrubs make this Vancouver's horticultural jewel located practically city-centre.

Stanley Park is recognized around the globe as one of the great parks of the world!

first park and one of the city's main tourist attractions, Stanley Park is an evergreen oasis of 400 hectares (1,000 acres) close to the downtown core. Its natural west coast atmosphere offering a back drop of majestic cedar, hemlock and fir trees embraces visitors and transports them to an environment rich in tranquility. The park abounds in wildlife and its features appeal to the naturalist, the plant lover or one who would do nothing more than relax in beautiful surroundings. There is always something happening in the park - check our Events Calendar for listings.

Vancouver Parks and Gardens

Adding to the spectacular natural environment of beaches, mountains and sea, clean air and water, are Vancouver's more than 200 diverse parks, including destination parks, small neighbourhood parks, remnant woodlands and ravines, seawall walks and beaches, display gardens, botanical collections, golf courses and 130,000 street trees.

Our parks provide special spaces for a wide variety of organized activities and sports, places for friends and families to gather, and quiet places to relax amidst natural surroundings.

Vancouver Visitors

Surrounded by water on three sides and nestled alongside the Coast Mountain Range, Vancouver is the largest city in the province of British Columbia with over half a million residents and one of the mildest climates in Canada. Home to spectacular natural scenery and a bustling metropolitan core, Vancouver will be home to the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in 2010. Whether just relaxing in a park or bike riding around the seawall, there is always something to do in Vancouver.