Photo: Destination Vancouver
The Bloedel Conservatory is a tropical paradise sheltered inside a glass dome at the peak of Queen Elizabeth Park. Here’s everything you need to know to visit this Vancouver landmark.
The Bloedel Conservatory’s giant glass dome was constructed in 1969 to convert an old quarry into an indoor garden oasis. The huge dome is 70 feet (21 metres) high and 140 feet (42 metres) in diameter. The transparent roof is made of 1,490 plexiglass bubbles.
Photo: Destination Vancouver / Tanya Goehring
Today it is managed collaboratively by the City of Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation and the Vancouver Botanical Gardens Association. It houses more than 500 species of plants and flowers in temperature-controlled tropical and subtropical rainforest habitats. Look for many species of lilies, fig trees, orchids, aloe, and more.
Photo: Destination Vancouver/Yasmine Hardcastle
You might also be lucky enough to catch Uncle Fester, the resident titan arum or corpse flower plant during its bloom. It is one of the largest and rarest flowers in the world, but it is also one of the smelliest – it gets its name from the scent it produces during its bloom, which many compare to rotting meat.
Corpse flower in bloom. Photo: Gabrielle Hensch/Unsplash
You will also find over 100 colourful birds flying free inside the dome. See if you can spot red and blue Macaws, African parrots, exotic finches and Chinese pheasants. Some of them can even say hello!
A tropical bird at the Bloedel Conservatory. Photo: Andrew Darlington/Unsplash
The warm temperatures inside the dome make it a great escape during chilly weather. It’s also a wonderful spot for photo ops, thanks to the gorgeous greenery. And the burbling water features will tempt you to pause for relaxation and meditation.
How to Visit
Hours: Check the Bloedel Conservatory website for the latest hours. In general, they are open from 10 am to 4 pm seven days a week. They also have extended hours in the spring and summer.
Admission: You can purchase tickets online or in-person at the entrance. Adult tickets are $7.40. Tickets for seniors and youth are $5.20. Child tickets are $3.70. Prices do not include tax.
Getting There: Bloedel Conservatory is located at the top of Queen Elizabeth Park, the highest point in Vancouver. If you drive, there are pay parking lots located throughout the park. The park is also a few minutes walk from the King Edward or Oakridge-41st Avenue Canada Line Skytrain Stations.
Good to Know: The climate-controlled interior of the Bloedel Conservatory can be warm. Dress in layers so you don’t overheat. The main pathways inside the conservatory are accessible for wheelchairs, strollers, and people who use accessibility devices. Cameras are welcome but you need special permission for photoshoots.
