Field Trips

• Click either “Guided Programs” or “Self-guided Programs” below to view your options.
• Next, select which type of program you prefer (you will choose themes later). A new page will open which describes the program and shows a calendar with up-to-date booking availability.
• Scroll through the calendar to find your preferred booking time and date, and click on the blue square to select an open time slot. If you don’t already have an Amilia account, you will be prompted to create one.
• Next, you’ll be asked for information about your group and program theme as well as directed to make payment.

Glimpse of the Garden (K – 7)

Students journey along the water’s edge, between volcanic walls, and among forest groves where they meet iconic native and exotic species. These budding naturalists will connect with their environment, use their senses to develop observational skills, understand the role of humans – including First Peoples – in ecosystems, and participate in storytelling and interactive games.

Register now!

Natural Heritage Walk (8 – 12) 

This 45-minute guided tour is designed to prepare students for a successful day of learning and adventure in the Garden. Led by a VanDusen Educator, the tour consists of immersive activities for students to hone their observational skills as they tune into the stories and relationships between humans and the natural environment. Program instruction is presented in alignment with the BC curriculum with a focus on secondary science and social studies.

Register now!

Seed Secrets (K – 4)

Seeds fly, float, hitchhike –and even travel though the stomachs of birds –all in order to spread to new places and grow. Students explore the Garden in search of seeds with parachutes, hooks or fleshy fruit surrounding them. Students will dissect seeds and make seed babies to take home.

Register now!

Natural Sense of Nature (Pre K – 2)

Foster the young biologists in your students, encouraging them to explore nature through focused observation, playful learning games, and collaborative outdoor activities. As they explore seasonal highlights in the Garden, students identify key parts and functions of plants, play the maple leaf match-up, make earth art, and more!

Register now!

To ensure the safety of participants, staff, and the public, school programs have adopted an adapted format that allows VBGA education staff to engage youth in environmental themes in a distanced manner.

Please see COVID adaptions below:

• Program Leaders will wear masks at all times when with school or community groups.
• All programs will take place entirely outdoors and guided tours will be split into smaller groups to allow for comfortable distancing and program participation.
• All programs, guided and self-guided, will now enter VanDusen Botanical Garden through Gate 2 located at the far side of the free parking lot off West 37th Ave to avoid crowding in the Visitor Centre.

Teachers will be asked to confirm a Health Declaration on behalf of themselves and all participants that confirms:

1. No one has returned from international travel in the past 14 days
2. No one has a fever, sore throat, runny nose, cough, or any other symptoms of COVID-19
3. No one has been in contact with a positive COVID-19 case or asked to self-isolate by public health officials
4. No one in attendance lives in a household with anyone who meets the above restrictions

Proof of Vaccination

Proof of vaccination is required for in-person education programs, including teachers and chaperones. Students attending field trips are exempt. Guests 12 years and above must wear a mask when entering the Visitor Centre, including the classroom and library.

Payment due within 4 weeks of booking. Cancellations prior to 4 weeks of program receive 50% refund. No refund for cancellations within 4 weeks of program date.

Please reach out to the Youth Programs Manager, Hailey Moran at hmoran@vandusen.org with requests for weekend bookings, questions about our 2021 Field Trip Programs, and any questions about our COVID adaptations.

Q. How long can we stay in the Garden? Can we stay after our tour is over?
Classes attending either Guided or Self-guided Field Trip Programs can remain in the garden until closing time.

Q. Can we eat lunch or snacks in the Garden?
Yes! There are picnic tables, benches, and some seating spread throughout the Garden. Feel free to ask your VBGA staff representative for lunch location suggestions upon arrival.  Please ensure that your class packs out their garbage.

Q. Are there washrooms in the Garden?
There are washrooms available in the Visitor Centre, as well as portable toilets and hand sanitizer in the Garden.

Q. Are masks required in the Garden?
Masks are not required while out in the Garden but are mandatory inside the Visitor Centre for those over the age 12. However, we do encourage mask-wearing for all ages at all times while onsite.

Please reach out to the Youth Programs Manager, Hailey Moran at hmoran@vandusen.org with requests for weekend bookings, questions about our 2021 Field Trip Programs, and any questions about our COVID adaptations.

Download the VanDusen Pre-trip Info Packet or Bloedel Pre-trip Information Packet  to prepare for a successful day in the Garden or Conservatory with your class. The packet includes:

• Field Trip Policies & Guidelines
• Code of Conduct
• Directions

Be sure to carefully review the information and share it with your students, chaperones, and colleagues as appropriate.

Have you been to the Yosef Wosk Library at VanDusen?  You’ll find it’s an excellent resource for learning and teaching about plants, people, and the places that support them.  Download our Books by Theme Teacher Catalogue to explore titles to help you prepare lessons before or after your trip to the Garden.