VanDusen Festival of Lights

Refunds and exchanges

• Tickets are non-refundable.
• Tickets can be exchanged up to 12 hours before the start of your entry time. If you have a Showpass account, you can request an exchange External website, opens in new tab .
• If you do not have a Showpass account, you can make one and connect your original ticket purchase. Learn how to connect your tickets to your Showpass account External website, opens in new tab
• Alternatively, contact Showpass directly to initiate an exchange.

Gifting

• Customers are welcome to purchase tickets and transfer them External website, opens in new tab to a friend or family member. Tickets must be purchased for a specific date and time.

Other ticketing considerations and discounts

Leisure access program (LAP) rate

• To visit Festival of Lights under the Leisure Access Program (LAP) rate, phone the VanDusen admission desk at 604-257-8463 with your valid LAP card details. Staff can assist you with the booking process from 10am to 2pm.

Coupons, discounts, admission vouchers, and passes

• Coupons, discount offers, and admission vouchers or passes are not valid for special events, including VanDusen Festival of Lights. This includes the Tourism Challenge Privilege Pass, Park Board complimentary and gift passes (green and blue), and third-party ticket vouchers.

Garden Members

• Garden Members receive a discounted rate of Festival of Lights tickets. The membership rate is only valid for those holding a valid membership and cannot be used to book tickets for friends and family.
• Members must present their valid membership at the point of entry.

Attendants of those needing assistance

• Required attendants of those needing assistance at the event are offered free access. You do not need to purchase a ticket for them. You may purchase your own ticket online, and let our staff members know your attendant is accompanying you when you present your ticket for scanning.

Ticket disclaimer

Tickets are non-refundable and cannot be re-sold. Tickets obtained from sources other than our website may be lost, stolen, or counterfeit, and if so, are void.

If in our sole discretion, we determine that a person is re-selling any ticket(s), we reserve the right to revoke and cancel the order and the related ticket(s) and will not permit any future purchases by that person or any affiliated person. We reserve the right, without compensation or refund of any amount paid, to revoke tickets, refuse admission, or dismiss, any person whose conduct management deems disorderly or fails to comply with policies or rules/regulations of the venue.

VanDusen Botanical Garden welcomes neurodiverse individuals, their families, and caretakers to enjoy Festival of Lights in a more comfortable and less crowded environment on December 1.

The event capacity will be reduced by 50% during the sensory friendly night. Audio levels will be decreased, and flashing lights will be turned off for the night.

Important note Find this event on our Showpass ticketing page by filtering "Special events" on the event calendar, or select December 1 on the calendar.

• Tickets are sold online. Book a designated entry time online in advance.
• The event entrance is through the VanDusen Visitor Centre.
• Visitors must arrive on-site and scan in within their designated half-hour entry time.
• No outside food or beverage is permitted.
• This event is outdoors and runs rain or shine.
• Re-entry is not permitted.
• Have your tickets printed out or ready on your mobile device for scanning upon arrival.
• Tickets are non-refundable but can be exchanged up to 12 hours before the start of your entry time. Follow these steps External website, opens in new tab  to process an exchange.
• Proposals are welcome, but props, elopements, and professional photography are not permitted during Festival of Lights. Purchase photography packages for regular operating hours only (10am to 1:30pm).

Washrooms

Portable toilets will be available for use within the festival grounds.

Full service washrooms are located in the Visitor Centre.

Parking

Parking can get quite busy, so we recommend taking public transit, walking, or biking. We’re located on the #17 Oak bus route and a 15-minute walk from the Oakridge Canada Line station.

Parking is free in our lot off West 37th avenue but spaces are limited. Free street parking is also available in the surrounding area (where street signs permit). Please respect our neighbourhood and driveways of our neighbours. 

Important note There is no bus parking available in the VanDusen Garden parking lot. Remember to drop-off and pick-up guests at the C-Drive located off Oak Street.

Weather

Dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes as the event is outdoors in the garden. Rain or shine (or snow) the show will go on.

If there is heavy snow, wind, or other extraordinary weather conditions, VanDusen Festival of Lights may close. A recorded message at 604-257-8463 will provide confirmation.

For updates, follow us on Facebook External website, opens in new tab, Instagram External website, opens in new tab, and Twitter External website, opens in new tab.

Pets

Working guide and service dogs are welcome. Leave pets at home.

Other considerations

No smoking or vaping of any kind is permitted in the garden.

Bicycles, scooters, and skateboards are not permitted in the garden.

Strollers and wheelchairs are welcome.

Regular garden rules apply. Review the code of conduct for details.

Check back closer to the event date for a full list of food vendors.

Facility and garden access

The Visitor Centre, Administration Building, Floral Hall, Shaughnessy Restaurant, and most paved garden paths are fully accessible to wheelchairs, scooters, and walkers.

Touring the garden

Many of the pathways, both paved and unpaved, can be uneven. Care should be taken for those using walking aids. Some steps do not have handrails or handrails on both sides. There are no wheelchairs available for borrow. 

Service animals

Working guide and service dogs are welcome. Leave pets at home.

Accessible toilets

Accessible washrooms are located in the Visitor Centre. All portable toilets will be fully accessible for those in a wheelchair. 

Parking

The VanDusen Botanical Garden parking lot is located on West 37th Ave, just off of Oak St. A few accessible parking spots are available and parking is free. There is an accessible drop-off loop just off of Oak St at the front entrance of the garden.

Admission and attendants

Individuals requiring assistance are provided with complimentary access for their attendants. Attendants do not need to pre-purchase tickets. Those in need of an attendant should book a ticket and, upon arrival, inform VanDusen staff about the attendant's presence. The attendant will then be granted free access.

Sensory

This event includes music, flashing lights, and crowds that could affect neurodiverse guests. A sensory-friendly night is hosted on December 1 to to offer a more comfortable environment. Learn more about the event

Financial accessibility

Guests who require assistance are provided with free access for their attendants to facilitate their visit. 

Festival of Lights tickets are sold online, but staff can accommodate requests for those who may need to pay with a debit card or cash, or struggle to purchase tickets online. If you cannot book tickets online with a credit card, visit the VanDusen admission desk and staff will assist with booking your tickets.

A Leisure Access Program (LAP) rate is available for the Festival of Lights. Phone the VanDusen admission desk at 604-257-8463 with your valid LAP card details. Staff can assist you with the booking process from 10am to 2pm.

VanDusen Garden is located at 5251 Oak Street at West 37th Avenue. Find directions

General garden rules 

• We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes and weather appropriate clothing. Shirts and shoes are required.
• Walk and explore the garden along designated pathways and lawn areas only. 
• To protect our botanical collections, please do not pick or remove any plant materials such as flowers, seeds or foliage. All plant material must be left in the garden. 
• Dispose of waste in the garbage and recycling bins provided.
• Baby strollers, wagons and wheelchairs are welcome. Please leave rollerblades, skate boards, and tricycles at home and lock up bicycles outside the Visitor Centre. 
• Working guide and service dogs are welcome. Leave pets at home.
• Do not feed or handle wildlife.
• Supervise children at all times. The minimum age to visit the garden without an adult or guardian is 13 years old (youth).
• One adult, senior, or youth can supervise and accompany up to a maximum of five children 0 – 4 years of age. For example, at least two adults, seniors, or youth must accompany a group of six to ten children in the 0 – 4 age category. This ratio is not applicable for daycares and school groups that have booked through our education department. 
• Bring a picnic and a blanket to enjoy in the garden. Lawn chairs and coolers are permitted on the Great Lawn only. Portable grills are not permitted. 
• Keep personal items with you at all times. The garden is not responsible for lost or stolen belongings. If you find something in the garden that does not belong to you, return it to a staff member or volunteer.

Prohibited at any time

• Use of drones
• Balls, frisbees, hula hoops, hockey sticks and other sports equipment. 
• Swimming in the lakes, ponds and waterfall. 
•  Amplified music.  
• Outside alcohol. Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase at on-site licensed establishments. Smoking of any kind, including vaping. 
• Tripods in garden beds or pathways. They may only be used in grassy areas.