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Tips From Travellers

The Colour Garden

  If you are the type of person who likes to tour the streets at Halloween...

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Matt SamyciaWood ,

Amazing day at VanDusen Botancial Garden

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Peggy & Larry,

Stanley Park special issue from British Columbia Magazine

  Stanley Park is a spectacular 40 hectare park in downtown Vancouver. It is Canada's largest...

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Susan, Vancouver

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Vancouver Gardens & City Parks

Wall Centre
JF Bergeron 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 walkingbiking or transit. 

The year-round mild climate, plenty of rain and summer sunshine all contribute to the growth of fragrant flowers, towering trees and rolling hills.

Many of Vancouver’s gardens are recognized across Canada: the VanDusen and UBC botanical gardens were both named one of “The Ten Best Public Gardens in Canada” in 2008 by Canadian Geographic Travel magazine.

Stanley Park was ranked the 16th best park in the world by the Project for Public Spaces, a New York based non-profit urban planning organization.

> Learn about Vancouver, Coast and Mountains Gardens and City Parks

Learn more about Stanley Park in Vancouver:


Stanley Park
The iconic Stanley Park offers much to do and see. As North America’s third largest city park, visitors can walk underneath the forest’s towering canopy and watch marine life at the 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.

Other park amenities include tennis courts, restaurants, pitch-and-putt, miniature train, outdoor theatre, totem poles, gardens and sprawling lawns. Within walking distance from downtown.

Parks with a View
As the highest point in 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
The Nitobe Japanese Memorial Garden is known as one of the top Japanese gardens outside Japan. Maples, cherry trees, azaleas and irises line the walkways. A reflecting pond with colourful koi fish, waterfalls and stone lanterns add to the serene landscape. Sip a cup of tea, served traditionally, at the ceremonial tea house (reservations required). Located at the University of British Columbia, about 20 minutes by car from downtown.
 
The 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.

Another classical Chinese Garden is found at the architecturally stunning 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.

Botanical Gardens
Prefer a more exotic garden experience? The 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.

The 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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1. Dr. Sun Yat Sen Chinese Garden - Vancouver

Property Logo 578 Carrall St
Vancouver, British Columbia
V6B 5K2

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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2. UBC Botanical Garden - Vancouver

Property Logo 6804 SW Marine Drive
Vancouver, British Columbia
V6T 1Z4

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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3. VanDusen Botanical Garden - Vancouver

5251 Oak St
Vancouver, British Columbia
V6M 4H1

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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