Discover the Sunshine Coast Botanical Garden

The Sunshine Coast Botanical Garden is one of the region's best-kept secrets—a sprawling 40-acre oasis home to native plant collections, accessible walking paths, and more than 2,000 species. Tucked away in West Sechelt, this botanical garden is more than just a diverse collection of flora—it's a living, breathing ecosystem where native species thrive, wildlife flourishes, and people gather. Among the carefully cultivated displays are veggie gardens that grow produce for the local food bank, wetland ponds that play host to educators and young minds, and innovative projects that test how trees respond to our changing climate.

Whether you're a plant enthusiast, dedicated birdwatcher, or someone simply looking to enjoy a peaceful day outdoors, the garden is a must-visit attraction. Read on for our guide to the Sunshine Coast Botanical Garden and how to make the most of your plant-filled day.

What Makes the Botanical Garden Special: Conservation and Sustainability in Action

The Sunshine Coast Botanical Garden isn’t just a place to admire beautiful displays of plants—it’s a hub for environmental stewardship. The garden is run by a non-profit organization that works to protect and enhance local biodiversity through a variety of initiatives.

On-site school programs teach young kids about pond life, pollinators, and land stewardship, while inside its poly greenhouse the garden propagates native plants for future sales and ecological restoration—helping to cultivate a community of gardeners committed to sustainability. The Cascadia Garden, overlooking the Censi Creek ravine, tests how plants from California, Oregon, and Washington adapt to shifting climate conditions here on the Sunshine Coast. The garden also supports local food security by growing thousands of pounds of fresh produce for the food bank each year.

When to Visit the Sunshine Coast Botanical Garden

The Sunshine Coast’s mild coastal climate—warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters—create ideal growing conditions year-round. No matter when you visit, something is always in bloom, from delicate spring blossoms to vibrant fall foliage. Here's what you can expect each season:

Spring: A Symphony of Blooms and Birds

Spring is the season of new life. As you wander the garden grounds, take in the budding understory found on the forest floor along the Alleyne and Barbara Cook Rhododendron Walk. These pathways are carpeted with early season blooms like Snowdrops, Cyclamen, Hellebores—plants that thrive in the wet conditions left behind by winter. Birdsong is at peak volume in spring, with many different species of birds found throughout the garden, while amphibians are hard at work laying egg sacs at the Salamander and Dragonfly ponds. Don’t miss the Lupin Meadow which reaches peak bloom around May.

The annual plant sale is one of the garden's most popular events. This volunteer-run fundraiser offers green-thumbed visitors a chance to bring home unique plants cared for by the garden’s Potting Up volunteers—all at reasonable prices.

Summer: Shade, Solitude, and Pollinators

On hot summer days, the Sunshine Coast Botanical Garden offers a cool reprieve. Seek shade along the tree-lined pathways of the Rainforest Grove or find a quiet moment on the Welch Family Viewing Platform, which overlooks a lush ravine filled with towering leafy maples.

Summer is also prime time for pollinators. The garden's Bee Yard hums with activity, while hummingbirds dart between flowers and nests in the surrounding pine trees. Pack a picnic and relax in comfy Adirondack chairs at the Picnic 'n' Play area where you can observe the action. After lunch, visit the Emily Lasuta Learning Centre to see a mural by local artist Jan Poynter.

Looking for inspiration for your own summer garden? Check out the drought- and heat-tolerant gardens surrounding the pavilion, which thrive in rocky, dry conditions. Fun fact: this back terrace garden is only watered a few times a year—nature does the rest!

Fall: Fungi and Foliage

Autumn brings spectacular fall colours to the garden. Stroll through the Garry Oak meadows where brilliant reds, yellows, and golds create a stunning seasonal display. Watch for squirrels and countless birds foraging for their winter cache, and keep an eye out for a variety of fungi that emerge after the first fall rains. If you’re visiting on Labour Day weekend, don’t miss the annual Harvest Festival, a celebration of the season’s bounty and the Sunshine Coast’s growing community.

Winter: A Quiet Naturescape

Winter brings a quiet beauty to the gardens. On frost-covered days, stroll the garden's paths and soak in the serene naturescape. Plants like Witch Hazel and Mahonia aquifolium—both an important food source for early pollinators—can be spotted, while the still-green beauty of the Rainforest Grove and Censi Creek Ravine offer a peaceful place for reflection. Bring a lantern and join the garden’s annual Winter Solstice event, a magical way to experience the shortest day of the year.

Looking to deepen your gardening knowledge? Throughout the year, the garden hosts seasonal workshops on topics like pollinator-friendly planting and sustainable horticulture. There are also arts programs, fundraising events, children's activities, and even special ‘Dog Days’ where you can bring your pup for a stroll. Follow the garden on social media or sign up for a membership to get first notice and access to tickets.
 

Hidden Gems: How to Make the Most of Your Botanical Gardens Visit

With 40 acres to explore, the Sunshine Coast Botanical Garden is full of hidden gems. Venture to the back of the garden to find the untouched Censi Creek Ravine, a vital wildlife corridor where bobcats, elk, bears, and deer leave clues of their nighttime visits. Find a bench to sit quietly at and you might just spot an owl, an ermine, or even a garter snake slithering by. Just make sure to check your seat—frogs sometimes get there first. After dark, the garden’s minimal light pollution makes it a prime stargazing spot, especially when playing host to the Sunshine Coast Astronomers for their Travelling Star Parties. Finally, extend your West Sechelt visit with nearby attractions including Brickers Cider and the Kinnikinnick trail network.

How to Visit the Sunshine Coast Botanical Garden

Planning a visit to the garden? Here's what you need to know:

• Location: The Sunshine Coast Botanical Garden is located in Sechelt at 5941 Mason Road, just down the road from Brickers Cider. Turn onto Mason Road from the Sunshine Coast Highway and drive five minutes up the road.
   
• Hours & Admission: The gardens are open year-round, with extended spring and summer hours from Friday to Tuesday, 11am - 4pm starting on May 1. General admission is $5 per person, with free entry for children and garden members.
   
• Accessibility: The Pavilion is wheelchair accessible and has an accessible washroom, while the accessible pathway takes visitors to the garden's main plant collections. Keep in mind that inclement weather can impact path conditions–we recommend checking out the website for updates before visiting.
   
• Getting There: While there is no BC Transit stop nearby, the garden is home to bike racks and two Level-2 EV charging stations. If you're planning to cycle, make sure to drop by the office inside the pavilion and let them know (this way, you won't unintentionally get locked in overnight!). The garden offers ample parking.