Minter Gardens
Vancouver, Coast and Mountains features a number of lush parks and tranquil gardens. You'll find one of the region's most spectacular ones east of Vancouver , near the city of Chilliwack . Minter Gardens is renowned worldwide for eleven themed gardens and its setting at the foot of towering Cheam Peak.
Back in Vancouver, a stroll through any of the city's spectacular parks will refresh your appreciation for nature. These include the crown jewel, Stanley Park , as well as the beautiful Queen Elizabeth Park , the reflective Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Garden and the green sanctuary that is VanDusen Botanical Garden .
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52892 Bunker Rd
Eleven themed gardens -including a maze, topiary sculptures, fragrance garden, two aviaries and a Chinese garden- await your arrival. This 13-ha (32-ac) oasis offers visitors a uniquely different display each season.
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Stanley Park
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.
> Stanley Park website .
Queen Elizabeth Park
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.
> Queen Elizabeth Park website .
Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden
The Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden is a tranquil Ming Dynasty-style garden - the first authentic classical Chinese garden to have been built outside of China.
It is highly acclaimed for the formality of its mazes of walls within walls and courtyard meeting courtyard, which reflect the ancient traditions of China.
VanDusen Botanical Garden
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.
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