Popular Gardens in Downtown Vancouver

"The Dr. Sun yat-sen classical Chinese garden is the heart of Vancouver. This place reflects the cultural heritage and histories of Chinatown. The garden is at the heart of Chinatown."

"Situated in the heart of Vancouver, Queen Elizabeth Park is also the highest point in the city, boasting spectacular views of the downtown skyline. It's one of the best parks in Vancouver for gardens, and the free quarry gardens are in bloom virtually year-round and are truly spectacular. The park is also home to the "dancing fountains" (at its top), the Queen Elizabeth Pitch & Putt, and lots of open, green spaces for playing ball or just laying on the soft grass."

"Having the highest point in the city, it is worth the trip to enjoy the view of both the mountains and the Vancouver skyline. Queen Elizabeth Park, a former quarry, has dancing fountains that delight spectators both day and night, plenty of green spaces, tennis courts, the Queen Elizabeth Pitch and Putt , and an off-leash dog area. Queen Elizabeth Park is also home to The Bloedel Conservatory, which has 500 tropical plants and over one hundred exotic birds."

"Queen Elizabeth Park is Vancouver’s highest point, clocking in at 410ft (125m) above sea level. Thanks to its central location, the park has some of the best views of the city’s impressive skyline, with a stunning backdrop of the North Vancouver mountains. The park is a popular picnic spot, with plenty of green space to relax with family or friends."

"Built in 1975 on a former golf course, VanDusen Botanical Garden is spread over 55 acres in Vancouver’s exclusive Shaughnessy neighborhood, about a ten-minute drive from the city’s downtown core. The sheer variety of plant life on display is incredible, and as you meander the garden’s paths you’ll encounter over 7,500 plants and trees from seven separate geographic regions. But it’s more than just another “plant museum,” so to speak: from the meditation garden and Elizabethan maze to the bubbling streams that cascade from the park’s waterfall, this is one of the more stunning and serene spots in Vancouver."

"The vast and verdant VanDusen Botanical Garden is just ten minutes’ drive to the south of the center. It has lots of pretty paths and ponds and stunning scenery wherever you look. First opened to the public in 1975, the gorgeous garden now has countless different sections, including a maze, meditation garden, Rhododendron Walk, Korean Pavilion and sino-Himalayan area."

"Perched atop the city’s highest point are the lovely lush gardens and aviary of the Bloedel Conservatory. Located within Queen Elizabeth Park, its huge historic dome is a treat to explore with beautiful exotic plants, trees, and birds. Looking out over the city and its surroundings, the colossal conservatory was founded in 1969 and now contains three separate climatic zones and habitats."

"Roam around the Bloedal Conservatory, a temperature-controlled domed paradise that's home to more than 120 free-flying exotic birds, 500 exotic plants and thousands of flowers Shop at Nordstrom, North America's best-loved department store"

"It’s a giant greenhouse filled with tropical birds and plants. Come on, this one is just as beautiful inside as it is outside. Perfect for the rare triptych Instagram post- exterior/bird/plant."

"These Gardens are unique as they are a peaceful oasis within a busy shopping mall, but also draw avid gardeners to learn about plants suitable for their North Shore gardens. There is something of interest for everyone at any time of the year. Learn more about the gardens."

"Canadians have been ordering Tim Hortons iconic Original Blend coffee, Double-Double ™ coffees, Donuts and Timbits® since 1964. Over the years, Tim Hortons has captured the hearts and taste buds of Canadians. Tim Hortons serves fresh"

"When on a vacation, you don’t need to think about your diet. All you need to do is eat well and have fun. Stop by Tim Hortons if you are craving for burgers, sandwiches and wraps, salads and sides or soups and hot bowls."

"Tucked away on a quiet side street, Farmer’s Apprentice is a laid-back, farm-to-table eatery known for its ever-changing menu. Renowned Chef Dave Gunawan (named Vancouver Magazine's Chef of the Year 2014) crafts his dishes based on what the local farmers offer. The room itself is warm and inviting, adorned with floral bouquets, just like a real home."

"Proof that a seriously good dinner restaurant can also be an excellent brunch spot. Expect feel-good music, a cozy room and real fresh-squeezed orange juice set out on the counter beside the breakfast pies. Menu changes weekly."

"I guarantee you’ve not been into a coffee shop like this before!. Cafe Portrait is covered and I mean literally covered in, you guessed it, portraits!. All of them hand-painted by one of the owners."

"Located just south of Vancouver, Iona Beach Regional Park is the home of one of the most romantic walks in Vancouver. Iona Jetty is a 4-kilometre long jetty that juts out into the Straight of Georgia, right into the Pacific Ocean. The walk is flat and you can often see wildlife and interesting sea creatures."

"Managed by the Wild Bird Trust of BC, the delightful Maplewood Flats Conservation Area is surprisingly accessible from Vancouver yet it feels like a million miles from the city. Its tangle of trees, winding paths and protected wetland beach lure swallows, ospreys and bald eagles. There are free guided nature walks the second Saturday of every month at 10am."

"Maplewood Flats is a surprisingly quiet nature reserve on Dollartan Highway in North Vancouver. It has lots of lush geenery with packed gravel trails. Maplewood Flats is for you if… you’re looking for a more private location with lots of greenery, different from the more typical forested areas of the North Shore."

"Managed by the Wild Bird Trust of BC, this delightful nature escape is surprisingly accessible from Vancouver yet it feels like a million miles from the city. Its tangle of trees, winding paths and protected..."

"You’ll also be impressed with the rustic and charming setting at Sula Indian Restaurant (1128 Commercial Drive and 4172 Main Street) featuring antique furniture, pops of vibrant colour, and a Indian mural art. The menu at Sula is extensive but you’ll want to order fragrant seafood curries  as well as Mumbai street snacks. Sula also has a cocktail program with traditional Indian spices like tamarind, star anise, and amla."

"This traditional Indian restaurant has plenty of great takeout options for you to choose from. We go all-vegetarian when we visit Sula, preferring to sample the veggie dishes like Dal Makhani, Channa Masala, and Gobi Aloo. There are also plenty of vegan and gluten-free options should you have any dietary restrictions."

"Truly traditional Indian restaurant in Vancouver, serving exotic Indian food from different regions of south and North India prepared using aromatic spices ground in house combined with fresh herbs, served in a playful Indian inspired indoor garden"