VanDusen Botanical Garden

"Mazes and labyrinths have fascinated people from before the dawn of history. The legendary labyrinth beneath the Palace of Knossos on the island of Crete, in which the hero Theseus killed the Minotaur, is perhaps the best known of the early mazes. Other mazes were made by the people of northern Europe, perhaps to confuse evil spirits or symbolically thread the difficult path of life. The hedge maze reached its zenith as a form in Renaissance England, more as a device for entertainment than serious purpose. The most famous was built by Cardinal Wolsley at Hampton Court. Today VanDusen Garden in Vancouver, Canada carries on the tradition with one of only six Elizabethan hedge mazes in North America. The maze is made of 3,000 pyramidal cedars – Thuja occidentalis ‘Fastigiata’ to be specific – all planted in the autumn of 1981 and slowly grown into the form of the maze one finds today. Named for local lumber magnate and philanthropist Whitford Julian VanDusen, the gardens are run jointly by the Vancouver Park Board and a non-profit volunteer association. They are open to the public every day of the year except Christmas. In addition to the maze, the gardens cover 55 acres and display plants from around the world. There is an observation terrace from which the less adventuresome visitor can view the maze and the struggles of its confused occupants." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

"An Elizabethan hedge maze made of 3,000 pyramidal cedars, an Instagram-ready walkway under glowing yellow laburnum blooms, more than 7,500 plant species from every continent, and a picturesque lake are just a few of the features that have kept travelers and nature-loving locals flocking to the 55-acre VanDusen Botanical Garden for more than half a century. Just don’t expect highly arranged and coiffed gardens of annuals; this place is purely perennials, and although they are beautifully arranged, they still have a wild side." - Jennifer Van Evra

"Let’s start big picture. What's this garden all about? An Elizabethan hedge maze made of 3,000 pyramidal cedars, an Instagram-ready walkway under glowing yellow laburnum blooms, more than 7,500 plant species from every continent, and a picturesque lake are just a few of the features that have kept travelers and nature-loving locals flocking to the 55-acre VanDusen Botanical Garden for more than half a century. Just don’t expect highly arranged and coiffed gardens of annuals; this place is purely perennials, and although they are beautifully arranged, they still have a wild side. So what should we be sure to check out? The must-sees depend on what’s in bloom. In May, it’s the showy magnolias and delicate Japanese cherry trees as well as the spring-flowering bulbs; in June, it’s the summery meadow garden, the Japanese dogwoods, and the aromatic roses. Don’t miss the hedge maze, the beehives, and the carnivorous plants—always a hit with the kids—and grab at bite at Truffles in the visitor’s center, one of Canada’s greenest buildings. (For something a bit more upscale, try Shaughnessy Restaurant next door and ask for a table with a view.) With garden gadgets, ornaments, seeds and more, the gift shop is heavy on local offerings and a favorite among green thumbs, and the library is paradise for garden book addicts. And if you’re in town over Christmas, their Festival of Lights is truly dazzling. How easy is it to get around? The garden is easy to navigate and there’s ample signage; just make sure to pick up a map before you head in, and ask the front desk staff where to find the best blooms. The site is 55 acres, so sport good walking shoes, but there are plenty of benches and places where you can stop and smell the roses, too. The garden is almost entirely wheelchair- and walker-accessible, although some areas are more rugged than others; staff can advise on which routes are most suitable. Some of the best spots are just steps from the entrance, though, so if mobility is an issue, you needn’t go far. Anything else we should know before planning a visit? During the busier months, guided tours—available both on foot and on large golf carts—are led by master gardeners who really know their flora. Sign up when you first arrive—they fill up quickly. If you’re more of the wandering kind, ask a staff member what’s best to see and they’ll point you toward the showiest paths, or try a seasonal self-guided tour." - Jennifer Van Evra

"Built in 1975 on a former golf course, VanDusen Botanical Garden is spread over 55 acres in Vancouver’s exclusive Shaughnessy neighborhood, about a ten-minute drive from the city’s downtown core. The sheer variety of plant life on display is incredible, and as you meander the garden’s paths you’ll encounter over 7,500 plants and trees from seven separate geographic regions. But it’s more than just another “plant museum,” so to speak: from the meditation garden and Elizabethan maze to the bubbling streams that cascade from the park’s waterfall, this is one of the more stunning and serene spots in Vancouver. Guided tours are available (month and weather permitting), and if you'd rather simply enjoy a meal in a peaceful setting, there's a casual dining café with an outside patio, as well as Shaughnessy Restaurant, which offers upscale dining in a second-to-none setting. (If you visit in December, don’t miss the month-long Festival of Lights, a park-wide holiday lights display that’s a favorite with locals and visitors alike.)" - Guy Saddy