City: Vancouver
Top Things to do in Vancouver
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Things to do in Vancouver, Canada: The Best Gardens
Vancouver was founded as “Gastown” by an Englishman with a penchant for beer and storytelling. Today Gastown is a historic section of the Canadian metropolis, and the lively pubs still reflect the area’s former status as a sort of community drinking center. The city’s forests, grand parks, and impressive suspension bridge beckon travelers to explore them, as do the city’s shops and museums. Relive the glory of the 2010 Winter Games with visits to Olympic venues and the marvelous Olympic Cauldron.
Restaurants in Vancouver
1. Queen Elizabeth Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,325 reviews
Situated on Little Mountain - the highest point in Vancouver proper - this former rock quarry has been converted into a beautiful city park with flower gardens, public art, grassy knolls, and panoramic views over the city.
Reviewed By DrTM8 - Vancouver, Canada
The Queen Elizabeth Park is a 52-hectare park, located 152 metres above sea level. It’s the highest point in Vancouver and makes for spectacular views of the park, city, and mountains on the North Shore. It is also home to the stunning Bloedel Conservatory. There is also a gorgeously landscaped quarry garden, the arboretum with its collection of exotic and native trees, sculptures including one by internationally renowned artist Henry Moore, and diverse recreational offerings such as tennis, lawn bowling and pitch & putt. The park is also the perfect setting for fine dining at Seasons in the Park, a picnic or stargazing!
2. VanDusen Botanical Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,020 reviews
VanDusen Garden is open under new operation procedures to best ensure public safety. Tickets are only available online at www.vandusengarden.ca so we can best monitor garden capacity and provide a touch-free experience for our visitors. Our gift shop remains closed, and guided tours are not available. VanDusen Botanical Garden is a 55-acre oasis in the heart of Vancouver with over 7,500 plant species and varieties from around the world! Spot and photograph local wildlife, find your way through an Elizabethan hedge maze, unwind in a serene setting, dine on the patios of Truffles Cafe or Shaughnessy Restaurant, or browse the garden-themed gift shop. VanDusen has something for everyone to enjoy! The Garden's multi-award winning LEED Platinum Visitor Centre was named Most Sustainable Building of the Year in 2014. Shaped like an orchid when viewed from above, its organic lines echo the way nature and conservation have been considered at every turn.
Reviewed By sydette - Benson, United States
This is a wonderful place to visit any time of the year but Christmas, they put up over a million lights all over the gardens, it's magical, Christmas music plays throughout, every now and then by a pond, to music the lights go on and off, you can visit Santa, they have warming stations in the gardens, you can purchase hot spiced cider, hot chocolate, soups, etc...Admission includes a free carousel ride, lovely gift shop. So beautiful, it's like being a kid in a candy store. Well worth the visit. You can save a couple of dollars buying your tickets online and it avoids waiting in line.
3. Bloedel Conservatory
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 818 reviews
NOTICE: Tickets are only available online for designated time slots so we can best manage a safe capacity. Visit www.bloedelconservatory.ca to book your time slot! Experience Bloedel Conservatory, a fun, family-friendly indoor attraction located at the peak of Vancouver in Queen Elizabeth Park. Discover 120 exotic birds and over 500 kinds of tropical plants inside the dome and then explore the fountains, gardens and sculptures around Queen Elizabeth Park.
Reviewed By Betterthanboating - Vancouver, Canada
Great place on a rainy day...full season lots of lovely paths, florals & views. Our 5 year old grandson was smitten and still talking about & reviewing the bird pictures he took home. Take time, sit wander slowly & enjoy! Also good value cost for seniors & children ♥️
4. Nitobe Memorial Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 347 reviews
**Now open by appointment** Nitobe Memorial Garden is a Japanese tea and stroll garden ranked consistently in the top 5 Japanese Gardens in North America. A place of reflection, where each step reveals a new harmony. Please book your appointment to visit: botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/admission
Reviewed By Mellie2013 - Port Moody, Canada
From the highly manicured trees and shrubs to the koi, Nitobe Garden is a tranquil spot located within the bustling UBC campus. From every perspective it's a photographers dream. The manicured trees, rolling moss and hills, Japanese lanterns and water features fill the space in harmony and filtered light. Delightful on a rainy day and empty. Enjoy the trails and peak into the Tea House. Take a moment to respect the memorial garden to Dr Nitobe, a visionary and bridge across the Pacific. Simply delightful!
5. Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,549 reviews
The Garden is temporarily closed and will reopen in 2021. Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden is a site of cultural heritage, learning, and reflection in Vancouver's historic Chinatown. Modeled after Ming Dynasty private scholar’s gardens, it is the first of its kind built outside of China. This neighbourhood gem has been named one of the world's "Top City Gardens" by National Geographic.
Reviewed By stellamarina00
This is a small, peaceful place you can explore at your own pace. I think the small size is actually a pro. The guide was really great, and unless you are very knowledgeable on traditional Chinese culture, symbolism etc., I strongly recommend taking the guided tour. When I visited the tea ceremony was unfortunately not available. I would come back in the future both for that and to see the garden in a different season (still enjoyable in winter though).
6. UBC Botanical Garden
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 418 reviews
Tickets are available for sale on our website. ~ Immerse yourself in the world of wild-collected plants! Garden highlights include internationally recognized collections of magnolias and maples. Stroll through our impressive Asian garden with over 400 kinds of rhododendrons, travel the continents in our alpine garden, explore our BC rainforest garden, head back in time in our traditional physic garden overflowing with herbs, discover food growing techniques in the food garden and much more.
Reviewed By RichardTraveler1042
Those trees could just chill you with their stories but you have to slow down and really look! They can say so much to those who listen. Old grown Douglas Firs and Redwoods and then there are those majestic Cedar that are so tall and straight. Some still bare the paddle marks from those cutters that have gone before. Such a magical place to reflect and wonder! Yet this place is still in the city!
