Popular Gardens in Granville Island

"Completed in 1986 and set in the city’s historic Chinatown neighborhood, this urban park is a genuine replica of a classical Ming Dynasty Chinese scholar’s garden—a first outside of China, and a welcome respite from the surrounding area’s occasionally challenging vibe. Built by a team of 53 Chinese master craftsmen, everything in the garden with the exception of local plants was shipped from China, from the roof tiles of the graceful pagodas to the limestone rocks quarried from Lake Tai. For the full experience, you’ll want to do a guided tour that traces the arc of the city’s Chinese community, a critical part of Vancouver’s past and present."

"Here’s a Chinatown treasure, perhaps the most culturally rich of all parks overseen by the Vancouver Parks Board. (Admission to the adjoining Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Garden costs about $15, depending on the season.) With willows, bamboo, craggy rocks, pagodas and a pond dotted with lily pads and filled with koi, this photo-ready site is will make you feel a world away. Both the free and paid portions of Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Gardens are currently closed but will reopen July 3"

"The Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Park and Classical Chinese Garden in Vancouver is a tranquil garden right in the heart of Chinatown."

"The Queen Elizabeth Park is a small park known for its extravagant flora that can be viewed year-round. Its 130 acres holds mountains along the north shore and a glimpse at the city’s skyline. The park also hold the Bloedel Conservatory, which houses plants from all over the world, and an arboretum, where visitors can watch breath-taking cherry blossoms bloom in the spring."

"Built in on a former quarry 500 feet above sea level, the 130-acre Queen Elizabeth Park is the highest vantage point in Vancouver, with extraordinary views that extend to the North Shore Mountains and beyond. But there’s more to Queen E, as locals call it, than just the vistas. With manicured lawns and impeccably groomed flowering plant beds, the gardens are the main draw."

"Queen Elizabeth Park and Gardens: A gorgeous place for a leisurely stroll, particularly during springtime. Cherry blossom hunting: Come to Vancouver in the springtime to catch beautiful blooms all over the city. There’s even a handy map."

"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."

"VanDusen Botanical Garden is close to Queen Elizabeth Park in suburban Vancouver. Although it doesn’t offer views of the park, VanDusen is a large garden filled with various plants and flowers that transforms into a light-filled wonderland during the holidays. These recommendations were updated on June 10, 2020 to keep your travel plans fresh."

"Cresting the hill in Queen Elizabeth Park, this balmy, triodetic-domed conservatory is an ideal rainy-day warm-up spot, as well as Vancouver's best-value attraction. For little more than the price of a latte, you'll find tropical trees and plants bristling with hundreds of free-flying, bright-plumaged birds. Look for the resident parrots but also keep your eyes peeled for rainbow-hued Gouldian finches, shimmering African superb starlings and maybe even a sparkling Lady Amherst pheasant, snaking through the undergrowth. The attendants might even let you feed the smaller birds from a bowl."

"Wandering away from the city core and South into Vancouver, you’ll find Queen Elizabeth Park, a 130 acre park located on the city’s highest point. From the top of the park, you get a distant panoramic view of Vancouver against the mountains. Beyond the park’s highest peak are a variety of flower gardens and a gorgeous walk for any weather."

"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."

"Victoria Sushi is such a hidden gem and ultimately my favourite place to grab affordable, yet delicious aburi sushi. I would definitely say that their sushi is comparable to many high end Japanese restaurants — Featured: Salmon and scallop oshi aburi ($10-$12). A post shared by Sylvia | Foodie | YYZ:YVR Eats (@food.thyme) on Feb 18, 2018 at 7:43pm PST"

"We remain open as usual tomorrow, family day😋Have a wonderful family day everyone🧚‍♀️ 🍙 🍙 🍙 #guu #guuisguuud #guuizakaya #authenticjapanese #japanesefood #japaneserestaurant #japanesetapas #yvrfood #yvreats #yvrfoodies #604eats #604food #604foodies #vancouverfood #vancouvereats #vancouverfoodie. A post shared by Guu Davie Izakaya (@guu_davie) on Feb 17, 2019 at 5:08pm PST. In case you don’t know already, an izakaya is a type of informal Japanese pub."

"Rather than list each of their 5 Vancouver locations individually, we thought it would be smarter to just put them all together because they’re all worth checking out. Don’t pass on their oden selection, which is a variety of snacks cooked in a special broth. Special shoutout to the Guu on Davie for specializing in nabemono hot pots."

"One of our personal favorites, this small, hole in the wall, Vancouver sushi restaurant is sure to impress. The quality is good and the prices are very affordable, it’s the best bang for your buck without sacrificing quality in the city. The restaurant is small and can’t accommodate too many people, so best to go in a small group."

"Step inside this small sushi joint, which is close to the Commercial-Broadway Skytrain station. Portions are generous and you'll find variations on California rolls from real crab versions to deep-fried ones. Cheap and cheerful, Naruto also offers a healthier brown rice version of sushi rolls."

"When beloved red sauce joint Nick’s Spaghetti House closed after 62 years, the Savio Volpe team came through with a worthy, nostalgic replacement in Pepino’s. The spruced-up space on Commercial Drive maintains Nick’s wood paneling and sconce-lit dining area, and the menu remains timeless, with spaghetti and meatballs, fettuccini Alfredo, veal scallopini and the like. Pepino’s convivial vibe and friendly staff keeps the tradition of Nick’s alive."

"A post shared by Pepino’s (@pepinosspaghettihouse) on Nov 17, 2018 at 12:00pm PST. Savio Volpe’s sister restaurant, Pepino’s on Commercial Drive, is very kid-friendly and have the cutest bibs that make every kiddo look like tiny fancy foodie. With the motto that every meal should be a family affair, there’s an expectation wee ones are expected to behave like they’re at nonna’s house while joining mom and dad for Pepino’s signature pasta dishes."

"To get a taste of the best Italian-style pasta in Vancouver head to Savio Volpe or Pepino’s. At Savio Volpe they make their own pasta in-house, and it’s always fresh and tasty. You’ll stumble upon some wild combinations on the menu such as tortellini with squash, ricotta, brown butter, hazelnuts and sage, or cavatelli with cauliflower, dried tomatoes and garlic."

"Delicious dishes don't have to bust your budget, and Basil Pasta Bar proves that with pasta dishes that are fresh but not pricey. Pick your own pasta, select a sauce, and then pile on the protein and veggies. House specials include smoked salmon fettuccine and maple bacon conchiglie."

"The Basil Pasta Bar is an affordable, authentic Italian cuisine restaurant. It offers a build-your-own-pasta option for $9.95. You start by picking your pasta, sauce, protein or veggies, then you can add an extra (what they call a “garnish”) for $1 to $1.45."

"Photo of spaghetti carbonara from Basil Pasta Bar by qasic on flickr creative commons https://flic.kr/p/kB1PUi. As you could have guessed, they specialize in pasta dishes. Classics like spaghetti carbonara are under $10."

"I ordered the veal and my wife had a pizza, both dishes were outstanding and tasted delicious, very... (604) 424-8777Order online"

"This gallery, in the heart of downtown Vancouver is dedicated to contemporary Indigenous Northwest Coast Art and honours Haida artist, Bill Reid and his contribution to the art world. Bill Reid was a master goldsmith, carver, sculptor and acclaimed writer. The Bill Reid Gallery is a small, intimate museum with exhibits presented with video interviews and insights."

"Photo courtesy of Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art (Facebook). Bill Reid is a national treasure and is known as a very talented Haida master goldsmith, sculptor, writer, carver and spokesman. Though his life ended in 1998, his legacy lives on in the small gallery in downtown Vancouver."

"Go to the Museum of Anthropology to find out about the Northwest Coast First Nations people Try some candied salmon - locally caught, hot-smoked salmon glazed with maple syrup"

"In the West End, visitors and residents alike will find the restored heritage house that is the Roedde House Museum. Constructed in 1893 for the city’s first bookbinder, Gustav Roedde, and his family, the late Victorian home has 11 rooms that reflect their everyday life, with period pieces (including some from the Roedde family) and artefacts, some of which guests may carefully handle. The museum also hosts various events throughout the year."

"Uniquely restored heritage house in the heart of the West End of Vancouver. Built in 1893, Roedde House is the former home of Gustav Roedde, the city’s first bookbinder. Tour the Museum’s eleven rooms, faithfully restored with artifacts and period pieces to reflect the day-to-day life of a middle class, immigrant family at the turn of the 19th century."

"Take a trip back in time at 1415 Barclay Street's Roedde House Museum at the 19th century home of Vancouver's first bookbinder, Gustav Roedde. the Roedde House Preservation Society has carefully restored the house to create an accurate portrayal of late Victorian family life in the West End. Shopping in Vancouver"