You'll definitely feel compelled to pause and smell the roses in fragrant British Columbia. A good many of our nearly 350,000 flowers are found in the nearly 200 well-manicured parks and gardens of Vancouver.
Mild temperatures, a healthy amount of rain and lots of spring and summer sunshine contribute to the spectacular growth of the city's flowers, trees and shrubbery. A stroll through any of Vancouver's numerous green sanctuaries will refresh your appreciation for nature.
Stanley Park is the crown jewel of Vancouver's parks. Crowds of international tourists and locals alike can be found enjoying a brisk jog or leisurely stroll all year round.
As one of North America's largest urban parks, Stanley Park offers tourists and locals much in the way of seeing and doing. Stroll the gardens. Visit marine life at the Vancouver Aquarium. Play a game of tennis. Let the kids let loose at the water park or ride the much-loved miniature train. Marvel at the totem pole collection at Brockton Point - it's considered the province's most-visited site.
Or just spend an incredible day walking, cycling or rollerblading the paved 10-km (6.2-mi) Seawall marveling at the magnificent mountain, ocean, forest and city views.
Other park amenities include picnic areas, a pitch-and-putt, children's petting zoo and Malkin Bowl, an outdoor theatre.
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Stanley Park website
If panoramic views partnered with colourful floral displays appeal to you, head to Queen Elizabeth Park. This manicured 52-ha (130-ac) urban oasis is the city's highest point south of downtown.
In addition to formal gardens of glorious colour, Queen Elizabeth Park is home to the country's first civic arboretum. Here you can examine a collection of nearly all trees native to Canada in addition to some international specimens. As well, the Bloedel Floral Conservatory celebrates the natural world through its tropical birds, plants, rainforest and fish.
There is also ample opportunity for an introspective moment in the tranquil rock gardens, ponds and waterfalls of the Quarry Garden.
Park amenities include a pitch-and-putt, myriad walking paths and tennis courts. Pack a lunch to enjoy on the picnic grounds.
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Queen Elizabeth Park website
Those who make the short 20-minute drive to the University of British Columbia's Botanical Garden are in for a colourful treat. The months of April and May in particular are in spectacular bloom, courtesy of a vast collection of magnolias, rhododendrons and spring ephemerals. Autumn brings the tasty sight of crops of harvestable fruits and vegetables.
Ranked one of the top five Japanese gardens outside of Japan, Nitobe Memorial Garden at the University of British Columbia is considered the preeminent traditional Japanese Tea and Stroll garden on the continent.
Highlights of the garden include a reflecting pond, streams, stone lanterns and of course, the tea house.
Once a golf course, VanDusen Botanical Garden is now a green sanctuary in the heart of the city. The garden contains over 7,500 different kinds of plants from six continents and hosts over 65 varieties of birds.
During VanDusen's Festival of Lights in December, nearly a million lights dazzle in the evenings throughout the garden.