Photo by Flickr user gillicious

There’s plenty of wilderness to be seen around Vancouver, but sometimes we just want to stroll along a paved path in a well-groomed garden. With its mild climate, Vancouver stays green all year long, but the summer takes on particularly festive colors when flowers of all kind bloom and bloom again until the fall.

Here are some of our favourite public gardens in Vancouver.

Queen Elizabeth Park’s Quarry Gardens 

These free gardens are part of Queen Elizabeth Park, the highest point in the city of Vancouver. Starting from the centre plaza, you can access the gardens through pretty winding paths to see some of the best horticulture in town. While you’re there, you can enjoy some tennis, the Bloedel Floral Conservatory and a Pitch & Putt golf course. More information.

Stanley Park Gardens

Of course, we couldn’t speak of parks in Vancouver without mentioning Stanley Park. Aside from the kilometres of wilderness trails, there are also quite a few acres of groomed gardens. We especially like the rose garden! More information.

Van Dusen Gardens

The Van Dusen Gardens are a lot more intimate than either Stanley Park or Queen Elizabeth park. You really feel like you’re away from the bustling city there. The gardens have a “fairy tale” feel; there’s even a hedge maze! Learn more about Pacific Northwest plant species, or travel all the way to the Himalayas. More information.

Nitobe Memorial Garden

This garden on the grounds of the University of British Columbia is like being in Japan. This traditional Japanese garden is considered one of the top 5 such gardens outside of Japan. A visit to Nitobe deserves a tour, especially if you want to learn more about the meanings and symbols in traditional Japanese horticulture. There’s even a traditional tea ceremony on the last Saturday of every month. More information.

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