VanDusen Botanical Garden

The site of VanDusen Botanical Garden was originally part of a massive old-growth forest before being cleared to serve as the Shaughnessy Heights Golf Club in 1911. By the 1960s, the golf club moved to a new location, leaving the 55-acre plot vulnerable to large-scale residential development. Recognizing the ecological and social value of the land, a dedicated group of citizens and the Vancouver Foundation campaigned vigorously to save the space for public use and botanical study. In 1970, the land was successfully purchased through a unique joint partnership between the City of Vancouver, the Government of British Columbia, and the Vancouver Foundation. A significant portion of the funding was provided by philanthropist Whitford Julian VanDusen, after whom the garden is named. This collaborative effort ensured that the land would remain a green lung for the city, transitioning from a private recreational space to a public scientific institution. The garden officially opened to the public on August 30, 1975, showcasing a landscape design that prioritized botanical diversity and ecological zones over traditional formal landscaping. Over the decades, it has evolved into a world-renowned destination, featuring over 7,500 plant taxa from across the globe arranged in picturesque settings. Today, the garden is celebrated for its commitment to conservation and education, serving as a sanctuary for both native and exotic species in the heart of Vancouver.