The Bloedel Conservatory: Vancouver’s Tropical Oasis

The Bloedel Conservatory is Vancouver’s very own lush tropical paradise on a hill.

Located in Queen Elizabeth Park, the conservatory’s lush flora and fauna have been attracting millions of sun-starved Vancouverites to its unique triodetic dome for over 50 years.

There’s simply no better escape from the city’s gloomy weather. So grab yourself a ticket and lets get moving!

The Bloedel Conservatory

The Bloedel Conservatory is an aviary and conservatory located in Vancouver’s beautiful Queen Elizabeth Park. This beloved attraction houses more than 120 free-flying birds and 500 species of tropical plants in its unique temperature-controlled eco-system.

The conservatory is housed within a unique 16,386 square foot triodesic dome that contains three different climactic zones:

1. Tropical
2. Sub-tropical
3. Desert

Each zone aims to replicate the ideal environment for hundreds of species of non-native plants and animals from all over the world to flourish.

You’ll find a whole flock of chatty parrots, cockatoos and macaws flying through the tropical trees and plants. So don’t be surprised if they come up and say hello!

Bloedel Conservatory Plants

A visit to the Bloedel Conservatory is guaranteed to leave you with an increased appreciation for the incredible biodiversity present near the earth’s equator. The facility contains over 500 different varieties of plants and flowers spread throughout its three climactic zones.

Unfortunately, many of these very ecosystems are amongst the most endangered on earth. With this in mind, the conservatory aims to invoke a sense of eco-responsibility in visitors.

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Surely, once you see the extraordinary beauty present, you’ll leave with an increased understanding of the importance of habitat protection and conservation.

Here’s a quick look at what you can expect to see on your visit.

Tropical Rainforest Habitat

Tropical rainforests are home to the most diverse habitats anywhere on Earth. In fact, a single hectare of Amazonian Rainforest can contain more species of plants and trees than the entire country of Canada.

And with the extraordinary diversity of species comes a veritable kaleidoscope of colours. Vivid yellows, pinks and purples can be found in the variant species of lilies, jasmines and gingers from rainforests all over the globe.

The eyes of gourmands will surely head to the incredible assortment of exotic fruits and spices, such as papayas, pineapples, coconuts and three different types of bananas.

Highlights

Nicknamed Uncle Fester, the infamous Indonesian corpse flower attracted over 17,000 visitors in one week in 2018. This aptly named flower blooms only once every 7-10 years. While doing so it emits a foul odour reminiscent of rotting meat in order to attract pollinators.

Coffee lovers should get quite the kick out of the beautiful arabica coffee plant from which 60% of the world’s coffee is derived. Watch the berries ripen from green to yellow and eventually to a deep red. These “cherries” are then picked and roasted before they end up in your morning espresso.

If you’d like to take a 125-million-year glimpse into the past, then be sure to check out the Mexican Horncone Cycad. This unassuming plant that is closely related to the palm tree dates back to the Mesozoic Era. It can be found just past the bamboo bridge.

Sub-Tropical Habitat

The sub-tropical climatic zone contains brighter light and a lower degree of humidity. This makes it ideal for a massive variety of brightly coloured orchids that seemingly cover every shade of the rainbow.

The vivid begonias, bromeliads and azaleas are sure to catch the eye of visitors and the tropical birds alike.

The area’s backdrop is predominantly formed by banyan trees, Mediterranean palms and over five types of fig trees.

Highlights

The main attraction for most people is the endless variety of orchids. However, I enjoyed getting a look at the different types of fig trees on display.

Growing up in an Italian-Canadian family, these delicious pearls of sweetness were always an important part of summer in Vancouver. Unfortunately, in our temperate climate,e we can only grow the admittedly inferior green ones.

One of the more peculiar trees on display is the conservatory’s big dragon tree. Native to the Canary Islands, these sub-tropical trees can take an amazing 10 years to grow just one meter! But with a lifespan of over 600 years, they’re not in any hurry.

Desert Habitat

Home to very high temperatures, high humidity and little precipitation, deserts are far from an ideal environment for plants and animal life.

However, the hardy species that are present are a true testament to the beauty, durability and resiliency of mother nature. Desert lilies and marigolds prove that the environment isn’t as barren and lifeless as the name suggests.

Highlights

Cacti and succulents are the name of the game in the desert climatic zone. Tequila drinkers should enjoy having a glance at their favourite shot’s raw origins with the agave tequilana.

You can also enjoy another five species of cacti and the ever popular aloe vera plant.

Related: Best Time to Visit Vancouver

Bloedel Conservatory Animals

While the beauty of the tropical plants is indisputable, the clear highlight for most visitors will be the conservatory’s 120 free-flying exotic birds. You’ll encounter African parrots, brightly coloured macaws and chatty cockatoos making themselves at home in this lush tropical paradise.

Be sure to grab one of the printed guides at the entrance for a comprehensive list of the different species present in the conservatory. Then you and your family can keep your eyes peeled to try and identify as many of them as you can.

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The larger birds will be quite easy to locate. However, the smaller species such as the canaries, turacos and finches might take a little more effort. So here’s a quick hint.

Animals have to make a living, too. So try and locate the feeding area towards the back of the conservatory. Where there is food, there will be birds!

Highlights

The birds are so lovable and entertaining that it’s difficult to pick just one. And indeed everyone is likely to leave with a favourite of their own.

The oldest bird at the conservatory is Casey, the 57-year-old yellow-crowned parrot. Nearby, you’ll likely encounter Monty, her princess parrot boyfriend. These two definitely make up the Bloedel Conservatory’s main power couple.

If you’re looking for pure entertainment, then you’ll want to seek out Kramer, the moluccan cockatoo. Much like his Seinfeld counterpart, Kramer is renowned for his wit, loquaciousness and intelligence. In fact, he knows over 40 different phrases, can string together short sentences and even understands the concept of cause and effect.

Bloedel Conservatory Tickets

• Adults (19-64): $8.72
• Seniors (65+): $6.09
• Youth (13-18): $6.09
• Children (5-12): $4.36
• Children (0-5): Free

If you click through to our partners at Tiqets using the button, you can read Bloedel Conservatory reviews and get the best price online.

Bloedel Conservatory & VanDusen Gardens Combo

Looking to combine your visit with a trip to Vancouver’s premier botanical garden? VanDusen Gardens is located a 5-minute drive away in the Oakridge neighbourhood.

You can view over 7,500 plant species across the stunning 55 acres of seasonal gardens. It is well worth the journey, and you’ll save on entry by booking this exciting combo package that provides admission to both attractions.

Click below to learn more:

Bloedel Conservatory Amenities

• The Conservatory Gift Shop: Contains a variety of souvenirs, clothing, toys, and jewelry that serve to commemorate your visit to the conservatory and the City of Vancouver.
• Bloedel Conservatory Food: You can find a small collection of coffee, tea, bottled refreshments, ice cream, and vending machine snacks available on-site.
• Seasons in the Park: A fine dining restaurant located adjacent to the Bloedel Conservatory in QE Park. Seasons in the Park offers fantastic views of Vancouver’s skyline, a fabulous patio, anda great three-course prix fixe menu.

Bloedel Conservatory Hours

The Bloedel Conservatory is open daily year round with the exception of Christmas in Vancouver. It’s not the largest attraction, so you likely only need to allot 30-45 minutes for your visit.

However, visitors with a keen interest in botany or bird watching are known to spend much longer. So be sure to budget your time accordingly.

Hours of Operation

• Low Season (Nov-Mar)—10:00am-5:00pm
• Shoulder Season (Apr, Sep, Oct)—10:00am-6:00pm
• High Season (May-Aug)–10:00am-8:00pm

How to Get to Bloedel Conservatory

The Bloedel Conservatory is located in Queen Elizabeth Park right in the geographical centre of the city.

This makes it easily accessible from your downtown hotel or via automobile or public transit. directions from the downtown core can be found below:

• Driving: QE Park is a simple 10 minute drive across the Cambie Street Bridge from Downtown Vancouver. For detailed directions from your place of lodging visit Google Maps. There is limited free parking along the road that forms the park’s periphery and on 33rd Avenue. If you don’t get lucky there are several pay parking lots near the conservatory. The rates are as follows:
• By transit: Head south towards YVR on the Canada Line until you reach Oakridge-41st Station. This will be the 6th stop from Waterfront. QE Park will be located a 10-minute walk north along Cambie Street. You can also grab the #15-Cambie bus from Bay #3 outside Broadway-Cit yHall Station and proceed South until 33rd Avenue. QE park will be located on your left-hand side.
• Taxi/rideshare: The 10 minute drive to QE Park should set you back around $15 from downtown.

Before you attempt to navigate the Vancouver public transportation system be sure to check out our Vancouver public transport mega guide.

Bloedel Conservatory Visitor Tips

• 1) Reserve Your Tickets Online: The Bloedel Conservatory isn’t the largest attraction, but can still quite busy during high season. As a result, you may encounter decent sized queues upon your arrival. The safest way to avoid this is to purchase your tickets in advance online.
• 2) Dress in Layers: No matter how gloomy the Vancouver may be outdoors don’t forget that you’ll be taking a brief visit to what is basically a tropical rainforest. It can get absolutely sweltering if you end up stuck in a heavy sweater or sweatshirt.
• 3) Grab Your Printed Guide Upon Entry: The printed guide available at the entrance will outline the numerous species of birds that are present in the conservatory.
• 4) Seek Out the Roaming Docents: While there are no guided tours on offer, the conservatory has a number of roaming docents present between the hours of 1:00-4:00 on weekdays and 10:00-4:00 on weekends and holidays. These individuals will be happy to answer any questions concerning the plants and animals present on-site.
• 5) Explore Neighbouring QE Park:The conservatory is located in what’s likely Vancouver’s second best park (the title goes to Stanley Park). QE park is famous for its beautiful gardens and wonderful viewpoints of downtown and the North Shore Mountains.
• 6) Visit in Tandem with VanDusen Garden: If you’d like to see even more incredible flowers an trees then I recommend pairing your visit with a trip to nearby VanDusen Garden. The two can be combined in one ticket to sae on entry to each attraction.

Bloedel Conservatory FAQ

Where is the Bloedel Conservatory?

The Bloedel Conservatory is located in Queen Elizabeth Park at the geographical centre and highest point in Vancouver about 15 minutes from downtown.

How to get to the Bloedel Conservatory?

The Bloedel Conservatory can be reached from Downtown Vancouver via the Skytrain’s Canada Line. Take the train to Oakridge-41st Station and then walk ten minutes South along Cambie Street.

Alternatively to avoid the walk you can get of at Broadway-City Hall Station and grab the #15 Cambie bus from the East side of Cambie street. Stay on the bus until you reach 33rd avenue and the conservatory will be on the Eastside of the street.

What is the Bloedel Conservatory?

The Bloedel Conservatory is a tropical conservatory and aviary that is home to over 500 species of plants and 120 free-flying birds in its three temperature controlled eco-systems.

Visiting the Bloedel Conservatory?

Well that’s about all I can muster on the Bloedel Conservatory. I hope this article formed a true parrot-dime shift in your Vancouver itinerary.

And as always, if you feel I missed anything or you have any additional questions don’t be afraid to hit us up on the Vancouver Planner Facebook page or in the comments below.

We’re always here for all your Vancouver based travel needs.