Queen Elizabeth Park, Tourism BC photo
Vancouver is known for its abundance of green space; the many gardens and parks are a testament to the city’s love of nature and are often easily accessible from downtown via walking , biking or transit. VanDusen and UBC botanical gardens were both named one of “The Ten Best Public Gardens in Canada” in 2008 by Canadian Geographic Travel magazine.Vancouver, Coast and Mountains Gardens and City Parks Learn more about Stanley Park in Vancouver:
Vancouver Aquarium . Bike or blade the seawall – an 8.8-km/5.5-mi paved path that hugs the water’s edge and encircles the entire park. Kids will love the water spray-park, petting zoo, and Christmas time activities. Vancouver , Queen Elizabeth Park (standing 152m/501ft above sea-level) offers a stunning 180 degree panoramic view of the cityscape and mountains. This 52-ha/130-ac well-manicured park has formal gardens, ponds, cascading waterfalls, and large art sculptures. See exotic birds and tropical flora in the rainforest, subtropical and desert biomes at the Blodel Conservatory. About 15 minutes drive from downtown.Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area also features a great view with its unobstructed sightline of the mountains, water and city – perfect for watching the sunset. Walk through the ‘Playground of the Gods’, a cluster of Japanese ceremonial poles towering straight in the air. Located in Burnaby, 25 minutes from downtown Vancouver . Asian Gardens Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Garden in Chinatown is the first authentic classical Chinese garden built outside of China. Covered walkways, intricate wood lattices, and traditional Chinese pagodas make up the garden’s exquisite architecture. Sit by the pond to watch the turtles or admire the verdant foliage. Within walking distance of downtown.International Buddhist Temple in Richmond . Walk among bonsai plants, stroll past a lotus flower pond, or rest in the traditional Chinese gazebo. About 30 minutes drive from downtown Vancouver . VanDusen Botanical Garden boasts of more than 255,000 plants from around the world and more than 65 varieties of birds throughout the year. With 22ha/55ac of trees, mazes, labyrinths, flower beds, tranquil lakes and rolling lawns, the garden is truly a green sanctuary in the heart of the city. About 10 minutes drive from downtown.UBC Botanical Garden combines relaxation with education. Different themed gardens contain an impressive array of flowers and plants from all parts of the world including the Andes, coastal Morroco and Tibet. See a bird’s eye view of the treetops from the Greenheart Canopy Walkway , a 308-m/1,010-ft ‘aerial trail system’ that reaches heights of 17.5m/57ft. Located 20 minutes by car from downtown.
Recreational Parks Enjoy colourful gardens and a lively arts and culture scene at Deer Lake Park in Burnaby. Stroll along the park’s many walking trails or visit the Burnaby Village Museum , which brings the 1920s to life with heritage buildings and period costumed guides. About 25 minutes drive from downtown Vancouver .Nature Parks Explore untouched wilderness at the Richmond Nature Park . 80ha/200ac of raised peat bog is home to diverse flora and fauna. Learn about the bog’s habitat in an interactive setting at the Nature House. Walking trails weave throughout the park. Located 25 minutes by car from downtown Vancouver .
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Built in 1986, the Dr Sun Yat Sen Classical Chinese Garden is the first full-scale Scholar garden built outside of China using traditional techniques. Our covered walkways and exquisite architecture make it a delight in any weather or season, with the same relaxing and serene landscape as found in the old private gardens of China’s ancient elite. This living museum promotes the understanding of cultures through daily tours, festivals, monthly art exhibitions, music concerts and live theatre in the Summer.
Located a short walk away from Downtown Vancouver and historical Gastown, near parking and public transit. Wheelchair / stroller accessible.
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Your visit will start in our Asian Garden, with one of the largest rhododendron collections in Canada (over 400 varieties). Travel the continents in our Alpine Garden & see thousands of alpine & montane plants from around the world. Take pleasure in the formal beauty of our Physic Garden full of traditional European healing herbs. Admire the elaborate espalier in our food garden. Many other noteworthy features include a Native Garden, Carolinian Forest, & Garry Oak Meadow. Be sure to experience nature high above the forest floor with a guided tour on our newest attraction, the Greenheart Canopy Walkway.
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Beautiful in every season, VanDusen Botanical Garden is internationally renowned & found just minutes from downtown Vancouver. This year-round garden allows you to experience plants from all over the world. More than 100 events take place in the Garden every year, including the Festival of Lights, an annual Christmas experience. In 2005, VanDusen Botanical Garden was named one of the top ten attractions in Canada by Where Magazine. In 2002, the Garden was named one of the top ten gardens in Canada by Gardening Life Magazine.
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