Vancouver is known for its abundance of green space; the city’s many gardens are a testament to its love of nature and are often easily accessible from downtown via walking, biking or transit.
The year-round mild climate, plenty of rain and summer sunshine all contribute to the growth of fragrant flowers, leafy plants, and towering trees.
Many of Vancouver’s gardens are recognized across Canada: the VanDusen and UBC botanical gardens were both listed in “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.
Stanley Park
The iconic Stanley Park offers much to do and see. At 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 – this 8.8-km/5.5-mi paved path hugs the water’s edge and encircles the entire park. Kids will love the water spray-park, petting zoo, and Christmas time activities.
The park is also home to several gardens, including the Ted & Mary Greig Rhododendron Garden, the Stanley Park Rose Garden, a community garden, and the city’s first public garden, a rock garden that was started in 1911. Stanley Park is within walking distance of downtown.
Garden 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 Bloedel Conservatory, 15 minutes from downtown.
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 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, about 45 minutes from downtown Vancouver. Walk among bonsai plants, stroll past a lotus flower pond, or rest in the traditional Chinese gazebo.
Botanical Gardens
Prefer a more exotic garden experience? The VanDusen Botanical Garden (about 10 minutes from downtown) boasts 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.
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.
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