Popular Gardens in British Columbia

"A little further east is Chinatown, the third largest in North America, and home to the tranquil, four-seasons Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden. Yaletown is also on the downtown peninsula and is a former warehouse district that has since been transformed into a chic residential area. Shopping is a big attraction, but so is the people watching – order a coffee and sit on the sea wall to watch the locals. The West End is a beachside neighbourhood at the foot of Stanley Park, and home to the city’s LGBT community – definitely worth a wander, or head down to English Bay Beach to take a paddle boarding lesson."

"It’s a spot rich in history as it’s the first Chinese garden built outside of China. It’s also National Geographic’s “Top City Garden in the World”. This an extremely celestial outdoor space, providing quiet respite from the bustling city and offering dozens of opportunities to photograph 150-year old miniature trees, a jade green pond, and famous koi fish."

"Surrounded by unassuming low white walls in Vancouver’s Chinatown, the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Chinese Garden can be easy to miss. But trust us — you won’t want to. Described as an “urban oasis of tranquility and reflection,” it was named the best city garden in the world by National Geographic in 2011, and that’s an accolade that’s hard to argue."

"It’s not exactly overlooked, but we tend to forget the full scope of what’s offered at QE Park. The locals love it for the tennis and basketball courts, the dog park, the lawn bowling, the disk golf course and the Pitch and Putt, while tourists come to snap views of the city skyline, even if the vegetation is starting to crowd the shot. Stroll the quarry gardens and cross your fingers that the underappreciated Bloedel Conservatory will soon reopen so you can enhance your summer photo album with pics of exotic macaws and finches amid New Zealand tea trees and flamingo lilies."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"The third sight-seeing location was Lighthouse Park along the coast and displayed Vancouver city in the distance. At last, our final, spur of the moment location was a view of BC Place (Vancouver’s Whitecap’s Stadium). We walked around Vancouver and ended up overlooking a gorgeous nighttime view of the cityscape. Most of Day 2 was spent with our friends, taking photos and playing tourist throughout Vancouver."

"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."

"After breakfast, make your way to one of the pickup points for Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. There’s a free shuttle starting at 8:45 AM that picks up and returns visitors from seven different points in the city."

"Learn about the ‘Capilano Tramps' from the 1900s, the original tourists to the park Dare to do the Cliffwalk, a labyrinth of cantilevered bridges, stairs and platforms 33 metres above the forest floor"

"A post shared by Wallflower Diner (@wallflowervancouver) on Apr 16, 2020 at 3:27pm PDT. This vegetarian and vegan-friendly eatery is continuing to offer take-out and delivery, including an extensive breakfast menu, so you can still enjoy their Bennies, hashes, toasts, and more from your own home. Add on a Caesar kit, too!"

"A locals' favourite, The Wallflower has something for everyone, including vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options. For brunch, try their polenta omelette (my favourite 'egg' dish in town!)."

"Before heading to our new AirBnB, we ate breakfast at Wallflower. Apart from homemade dishes, this was the best place we ate."

"The lowdown: Fifties-style booths lined with mini jukeboxes and vintage memorabilia greet all who enter The Templeton, the most nostalgic dining experience on Vancouver’s Granville strip. It may have started as a diner in 1934, but today’s menu has kept up with the times, serving organic burgers, veggie bacon and—gasp—avocado toast. Must-order: Go traditional with a Big Ass Breakfast of eggs, bacon, french toast and buttermilk pancakes, or freshen it up with the Hakai Omelette filled with wild smoked salmon, cream cheese and red onions."

"The Templeton won an outstanding achievement award from the BC heritage society back in 1997 and has been a diner since 1934 under various names. Probably the highest quality diner on this list, The Templeton is the place to go when your parents or grandparents want to have a great breakfast in a setting they would have experienced as kids. Hours: Sunday/Tuesday to Thursday, 8:30AM-10PM, Friday/Saturday, 8:30AM-11PM and Sunday, 8:30AM-11PMWhere: 1087 Granville Street"

"This Granville strip staple doubles as a time machine that will transport you back to the heyday of classic diner cooking. With all day breakfast, free-run eggs and enough vegetarian options to keep every person in your party happy, The Templeton continues to be go-to spot for all-day b-fast in Vancouver."

"New Lebanese bakery opened recently on Main Street; it’s owned by Yasmine Mediterranean Foods a block way. In addition to the freshly baked breads and baked goods they are also carrying a small selection of Lebanese grocery items."

"A post shared by Glory Juice Co. (@gloryjuiceco) on Nov 22, 2018 at 9:46am PST. Glory Juice Co, offers organic bowls, soups, smoothies, and treats, among an awesome selection of juices and cleanses out of several locations in Vancouver and beyond. Address: 437 Davie Street, VancouverPhone: 604-428-0324"