UBC Botanical Gardens
Gardens abound in Vancouver, each one with its own specialty. The UBC Botanical Gardens is one of the oldest university gardens in Canada. The garden is split into two sections. One section contains creeks and glades nestled in old growth rainforest (also home to the Greenheart TreeWalk). The other section is filled with curated gardens such as a food garden and a physic garden. There’s also a cactus house, a really pretty amphitheatre, and much much more.
Note: The Nitobe Memorial Garden is located on the UBC grounds as well, but lives a few minutes drive away and has its own separate entrance and admission.
Observe the map closely. The there are two sides to this garden and the only way between them is the Moon Gate.
The Moon Gate is the point of decision. Going through here will lead to an oasis of curated gardens and open green space. Or choose to remain in the old growth rainforest and wander through wilder nature.
We stuck to the forest side because our first goal was to find the entrance to the Greenheart TreeWalk.
A short ramp way takes you over 20 meters up into the trees, away from it all. The walkways move and sway, so those hand ropes along the side aren’t just for show.
Peering through a gap in the walkway to the forest floor below.
There are numerous lookout points scattered through the trees. They are hung from the trees (no bolts or nails) and don’t move, which also makes them a good opportunity to get a bit of stable ground before swaying on.
The lookout points are great for taking in the views, and they also have educational plaques set up to learn more about the forest, the TreeWalk, and forest conservation.
While most platforms circle around trees, the final walkway is freestanding and has a second level which allows you to go even higher.
Okay, so, once we were done with the TreeWalk, we decided to go through the Moon Gate. After following a bit of pathway, we found the Food Garden (with ripe autumn apples) waiting to greet us.
The Contemporary Garden is a beautiful green area ringed with brightly colored flowers in bloom.
Another group of blooms from the Contemporary Garden.
The Physic Garden was a favorite spot. Guarded by a sundial in the middle, this little garden was rimmed with an old fashioned yew hedge and filled with medicinal plants and herbs.
The cactus house enjoying the hot afternoon sunshine.
Beautiful torch lilies overlooking the (very yellow) Main Lawn. Can you spot the hummingbird taking a sip?
The Rosaline Sturdy Amphitheatre is a lovely place to take a rest before tackling the numerous other gardens on this side such as the Carolinian Garden, the Alpine Garden, and the BC Rainforest Garden.