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Vancouver is a green city. Lots of open spaces, public parks and tree-lined streets. Which makes even a big city feel enjoyable to walk around. But where can you find the best parks and gardens in Vancouver? And what can you see and do when you get to them?
When to visit Vancouver
Unlike most of Canada, Vancouver has a mild climate even in the winter. With the exception of maybe one or two snow days a year. Therefore, visiting the parks and gardens in Vancouver, or walking around the city, can be done comfortably most of the year.
Summer is typically warm enough without being too hot. But it can get busy, especially at some of the main tourist hot spots – which are also enjoyed by locals. Fall is my favorite time of year, the weather is a little cooler, and the leaves are starting to turn.
But if you’re looking to visit any of the parks and gardens in Vancouver, Spring might be the season for you. All the flowers are starting to bloom, the cherry blossoms are everywhere and there’s so much color all around the city.
The Best Parks and Gardens in Vancouver
Some of these you will have heard of, some you might not. The popular ones are popular for a reason, but there’s also a couple that locals know about that might not have been on your radar. When looking for some of the best parks and gardens in Vancouver, look no further than this list.
VANDUSEN BOTANICAL GARDEN
Set in 55 acres, VanDusen is a place you can get lost for hours. With lakes, a waterfall, sculptures and even a huge maze, VanDusen has a lot to see and do. Enjoy a look around the visitor center, a fine dining meal at Shaughnessy Restaurant, then top it off with a little bird watching.
Pricing ranges from $10-14 for adults, depending on the season, and the garden is open every day. There are often special events on weekends in the Spring and Summer including the popular Classic Car Show which is one of my favorites.
From tropical to alpine plants, Mediterranean to African gardens, Japanese maples to giant sequoias. It doesn’t matter the season, there’s always something magical to see at VanDusen, one of the best parks and gardens in Vancouver.
HOW TO GET THERE: Driving from downtown Vancouver will take about 15 minutes, and this might be one of the last attractions in Vancouver with free parking. Alternatively take bus 17 “Oak” from downtown Vancouver to get there in about 35 minutes. Get off at Oak Street and 37th Avenue, VanDusen will usually be announced.
TOP TRAVEL TIP: Brighten up winter with a visit during VanDusen’s Festival of Lights. The festival turns the garden into a winter wonderland with over 1 million lights. Grab a hot chocolate and take an evening stroll around the garden between late November and early January.
STANLEY PARK
I can’t talk about the best parks and gardens in Vancouver without mentioning Stanley Park. Is it obvious? Touristy? Incredibly popular? Yes to all three. But it is also one of the top attractions in the city for a reason. Stanley Park is one of my favorite places to visit, and you should make it part of your itinerary too.
Stop to smell the (literal) roses in the Stanley Park Rose Garden. Take a stroll around Beaver Lake where you can get a quiet respite from the busier parts of the park. Enjoy a trip to the Vancouver Aquarium, via the seawall or inner-park trails, and top it off with a visit to a beach or two.
Cycling the seawall, all around Stanley Park, is a must do. But take it from a local, and opt for an early morning ride, to avoid the rest of the cyclists. Use local Mobi bike share to get around the park before the cycle rental places on Denman street are open.
HOW TO GET THERE: Bus #19 “Stanley Park” leaves from downtown Vancouver, along Pender Street. That will take you right into the center of the park. Or any bus along Georgia Street will stop at Denman Street to let you off at the entrance to the park. It’s also nice to walk to, taking about 20-25 mins from downtown. You can also drive – there are plenty of parking lots within the park and parking fees cover you parking in any of them.
BLOEDEL CONSERVATORY
Tropical plants in vibrant colors and the unmistakable sound of parrots and other birds make the Bloedel Conservatory a truly unique place to visit in Vancouver. The glass domed building, nestled atop Queen Elizabeth Park is one of the best parks and gardens in Vancouver.
See exotic fruits growing on the lush green trees in this small but mighty biodome. Walk the winding pathways, gazing up (and down) at brightly hued flowers. You may even get a word or two out of the resident birds if you try talking to them.
It might not be a huge place, but there’s a lot to keep you busy. It’s an especially nice garden to visit on a cold or rainy day when you want to experience nature without the elements.
HOW TO GET THERE: The Canada Line Skytrain will take you to King Edward, and you can walk from there for about 10 minutes. Buses go nearby too but they don’t get you any closer, and they take way longer. It’s a 15-minute drive and there’s a large public parking lot only a few minutes walk away from the conservatory.
QUEEN ELIZABETH PARK
Bloedel Conservatory is just one of the awesome things to see and do in Vancouver’s Queen Elizabeth Park. Since the park is so high up, it is actually one of the best places for views of Vancouver. Hit up a view point or two to take in the city skyline and north shore mountains.
The Quarry Gardens and Rose Garden are two of the best places to find some of the prettiest flowers in the park. After that, why not try a round of golf at the pitch and putt, or catch a baseball game at the Vancouver Canadians home turf. Tickets are usually pretty cheap, and it’s a fun summer afternoon activity.
On the other side of the baseball field is the Riley Park farmers market, open Saturdays in winter and summer. Looking for something a little fancier? Seasons In The Park is a fine dining restaurant near the entrance to Bloedel Conservatory – and they have one of the best views.
HOW TO GET THERE: To get to the central area of the park follow the directions for Bloedel Conservatory above. To get to the baseball field, you can also take bus #3 “Main” up Main Street from the Science World Skytrain stop. Get off at 30th Ave and it’s a few short blocks to the start of the park.
DR SUN YAT-SEN CLASSICAL CHINESE GARDEN
This truly is an oasis in the middle of the city. Skyscrapers peek out above the walls of this inner-city garden, the urban environment almost forgotten once you’re inside.
Dr Sun Yat-Sen Chinese Garden is small, but is so deeply serene you will want to spend hours here. Make your way along the covered walkway, peering through half moon “windows” to other parts of the garden, or the neighboring Sun Yat-Sen Park.
The not-for-profit garden is also a museum, with ever-changing exhibits on Chinese culture, artists and literary figures. Look for fish and turtles in the pond, or admire the traditional architecture around this peaceful garden.
HOW TO GET THERE: Take the Expo-line Skytrain to Stadium-Chinatown then it’s only a few minutes walk from there. You can also pick up bus 19 “Metrotown” anywhere along Pender Street to Carrall Street and it’s also only a couple of minutes walk. It’s also easy to just walk from downtown and will take you about 15-mins.
TOP TRAVEL TIP: While I think the garden is well worth the $16 admission considering how unique it is, there is also the option to visit the free Sun Yat-Sen Park instead. Here you’ll get a sneak view of the adjacent Garden as you explore the nice (but free) alternative, although without the added exhibits.
UBC BOTANICAL GARDENS
Look at the University of British Columbia on a map of Vancouver and you might wonder why you’d want to trek out that far. But as well as the incredible museums you’ll find on campus, you can also take in the magnificent UBC Botanical Gardens.
At 110 acres, UBC Botanical Gardens in Vancouver is double the size of VanDusen, and maybe even more impressive.
The Asian Garden is home to a bountiful collection of plants and trees that make great homes to beautiful birds including nesting Bald Eagles. The BC Rainforest Garden is home to local berry plants and the western red cedar trees.
See the garden with more of a birds eye view from the TreeWalk trail (an additional cost) or simply tire yourself out from trying to see everything at ground level. You might not see it all, but with tickets starting at $11 for adults, it’s a bargain.
HOW TO GET THERE: Parking is $1.50/hr as of 2024, and driving time is around 25 mins from downtown Vancouver. You can also take transit to UBC, which will be around an hour. Transit options – 1) Bus 14 from downtown with no transfers but around 20 mins of walking; 2) Skytrain to King Edward, then bus R4 and a connection to bus 68 with minimal walking but more transfers.
NITOBE MEMORIAL GARDEN
If you’re visiting UBC Botanical Garden, then you should definitely combine it with a visit to the quaint but brilliant Nitobe Memorial Garden. This is also a much easier to access garden if you’re taking public transit to UBC – it is located near the equally brilliant Museum of Anthropology.
At only $7, this might be one of the cheaper parks and gardens in Vancouver to visit. But cutting cost doesn’t have to be about cutting the experience. The garden is authentically Japanese complete with tea house and traditional tea ceremonies on select dates.
If you’re looking for an even more authentic experience, visit in Spring during the ever-popular Cherry Blossom season. Vancouver has lots of cherry blossoms, but the trees at Nitobe are just beautiful.
HOW TO GET THERE: Park at the Fraser River Parkade which is closest to the garden. From downtown Vancouver bus #4 and bus #14 – both marked UBC will take you to the bus exchange which is about 10 minutes walk from Nitobe.
VANIER PARK
Of all the parks and gardens in Vancouver, Vanier Park may be the most cultured. Why? Well, every year it is the host of the Bard on the Beach Shakespeare festival.
Huge tents, with actual seats, open behind the stage so you can watch a Shakespeare play with the backdrop of ocean and mountains. The festival runs from June to September, so if you’re around during that time, make sure to grab your tickets.
Not into Shakespeare? Well all year round you will also find 3 of Vancouver’s museums in Vanier Park. The Museum of Vancouver is my favorite – it gives a good summary of Vancouver’s history, including lots of First Nations exhibits. There’s also the small but mighty Maritime Museum, and the HR Macmillan Space Centre.
Vanier Park has a lovely creekside trail which runs from nearby tourist hot spot Granville Island, to summer favorite Kitsilano Beach.
HOW TO GET THERE: The park is a short 15-minute drive from downtown Vancouver. The main parking lot is quite large, and there are smaller parking areas near the museums. If taking transit, bus #2 “MacDonald” will get you most of the way there. Get off at Cypress & Cornwall Ave and walk 10 mins down to the park. Last option, and maybe the most fun, take one of the little water taxis, False Creek Ferries to the Maritime Museum stop.
HARBOUR GREEN PARK
One of the best parks and gardens in Vancouver to watch planes take off and land. Although, it’s not at the airport. Here you are right at the Vancouver harbour and can watch the float planes land on the water. They leave from here to Victoria, Whistler or other islands and remote areas around the coast.
Harbour Green Park itself is large enough to hang out on a nice day – throw a football, play some frisbee, or just sit and enjoy the mountain and harbour view. There’s even a spray park for kids to run through the water in the summer.
This is the start of the Vancouver seawall trail, and you’ll see a lot of people walking, cycling or roller-blading the path (so watch out for bikes especially). The park is lined with tree-shaded benches, perfect for an afternoon of reading even on a hot day.
HOW TO GET THERE: Parking is at a premium all around this area so my best advice is to walk. If you’re staying downtown it’s a nice walk here (and likely all downhill no matter where you’re coming from). The park is to the west of the convention center and Olympic torch plaza – which also has a few good places to eat.
JOHN HENDRY PARK
Ask a local about John Hendry Park and they may not know what you’re talking about But ask them about Trout Lake and they will. Trout Lake is in John Hendry Park and is one of the top reasons people visit.
Take a walk around the lake, which can be completed in about 20-minutes. Oh, and did I mention there’s a beach at the south end of the lake? Catch some lovely mountain views and reflections in the water while sat on the sand.
Trout Lake is best enjoyed in the summer, and on Saturdays when there is a really good farmers market. One of my favorite reasons to visit. In the fall and winter there is an indoor ice rink in the park, and there are all kinds of other sporting areas around John Hendry.
HOW TO GET THERE: One of the easiest non-downtown parks and gardens in Vancouver to get to. Take the Skytrain to the Nanaimo stop and from there it’s only a 10-minute walk. Less than 30-minutes travel time from downtown. If you do decide to drive there’s a free parking lot and nearby streets have free 2-hour parking if the parking lot is full.
VANCOUVER LIBRARY ROOFTOP GARDEN
This rooftop garden is rather hidden, even if it is right in the middle of the city. Even a lot of locals don’t know about this one. At the top of the already impressive Vancouver Public Library you can enter an urban oasis with a killer view.
Sit on a bench with a book and relax in the quiet above the city. Take a peek over the edge to see the Vancouver skyline – or maybe some mountains on a clear day. And admire the beautiful green spaces around the rooftop patio, complete with herbs, fragrant flowers and statuesque trees that change with the seasons.
HOW TO GET THERE: The Vancouver Public Library main branch is located on West Georgia Street at Homer Street. It’s only a few blocks off the main streets around Granville or Robson, and you will easily be able to walk there. Head on in the main doors and go right up to the 9th Floor. There you’ll see the outdoor green space that’s the perfect spot to relax.
FAIRMONT HONEY BEE GARDEN
This one is a little bit of hidden gem. One of the most secret parks and gardens in Vancouver. In fact, this is only open to hotel guests at the Fairmont Waterfront hotel opposite Canada Place. Though small, it is one of my favorites.
The Fairmont Waterfront Hotel is big into sustainability, and have their own garden on their lower level roof. There are herbs, culinary flowers, and lots of bees who provide honey to use in the restaurant.
Check out the bee hotels, small animal sustainable shelters, and benches for taking a rest in the middle of one of Vancouver’s most serene gardens. Take peek at some of the neighboring buildings from a different vantage point, or simply enjoy wandering the beautiful third floor garden.
If you’re lucky enough to stay at the Fairmont Waterfront, ask the Concierge to help you book a free tour of the garden and its bees. Then head down to Arc restaurant to see what honey-related treats you can find on the menu.
Beautiful Parks and Gardens in Vancouver
This isn’t all the green spaces you can see in Vancouver, but it does cover most of the ones you will think about experiencing on your visit. The popular ones, the most beautiful ones, the ones with the most activities.
You can spend lots of your trip in Vancouver just walking around the inner-city trails in the various parks. And we love anything with a view here, so you’ll see lots of well manicured gardens with gorgeous back drops of the city and local mountains.
Many of Vancouver’s popular attractions can be found in its largest parks, so take time to enjoy all of it on your visit. Once you get to know the transit system, you’ll also find it less daunting to see a park further away from downtown on a map.
I love living in Vancouver, and getting the chance to enjoy all this green space all year round. I can happily walk the trails in the winter or summer. Don’t let the rain stop you from getting out and enjoying it, that’s why everything is so green after all.
If you’ve enjoyed this post leave a comment or share using the social media buttons below. Which of the parks and gardens in Vancouver do you most want to visit?
Fab post Emma! We are so lucky in Vancouver to have so many gorgeous parks and gardens (as well as open spaces like the sea wall and beaches that link them all together. I love that you included the Fairmont Honeybee garden – I had never heard of that, but it looks sooo nice! <3
I had no idea that there were so many lovely parks in Vancouver! I knew about Stanley Park but you’ve highlighted so many other diverse parks to visit. VanDusen very much appeals with its sculptures and maze, and Dr Sun Yat-Sen Chinese Garden looks delightful. It’s also really nice that you mentions parks associated with city buildings, such as the Vancouver library garden and Fairmont honey bee garden. It’s great that a city with so many urban and cultural things to do also has such a lot of green space.
What a wonderful post about Vancouver’s favourite gardens that all visitors to Vancouver will find valuable. I do love that our climate makes all of these worthy of visiting year-round. I laughed when I realized I had no idea Trout Lake was John Hendry Park, although it is another favourite place to wander and attend sporting events! You nailed it — we locals would be confused by its proper name.
My personal favourite is Nitobe Gardens. I have spent much time there and always include UBC when taking guests around the city. UBC is a perfect day trip with the Rose Gardens, Pacific Spirit Park, the Asian and Botanical Gardens, Wreck Beach and the outstanding Museum of Anthropology.
Lyn | http://www.ramblynjazz.com
Vancouver’s parks and gardens seem like such beautiful spots to relax and enjoy nature! I love how you’ve highlighted different places around the city – it really gives a feel for Vancouver’s green spaces. I’ll definitely keep these in mind if I get the chance to visit. Thanks for sharing this!
I really regret not spending more time in Vancouver when I visited when I lived in California. I went twice on business trips and on both occasions just had time for the meetings and an evening meal with local colleagues. They all kept encouraging me to make more time on my next visit and I regret not doing that.
I enjoyed learning about the different parks near Vancouver. VanDusen sounds and looks wonderful. Also the entrance free seems like really great value. I love the fact the restaurant has an Irish name – I bet the pronunciation is butchered though ….
Bloedel Conservatory also appeals to me as I enjoy looking at and learning about Tropical plants.
Dr Sun Yat-Sen Chinese also looks extremely interesting and I love the fact the exhibitions change.
The UBC Botanical Gardens also jumped out at me. I really enjoyed tea ceremonies in real Japanese gardens when I was in Japan and I’d love to partake in one again.
This post was a great read even though it made me regret not exploring Vancouver more. I’ll just have to add it to my list to revisit soon.
Such lovely gardens. I like the idea of Chinese and Japanese gardens in particular.
We love visiting botanic gardens when we travel. The wide range of gardens and parks are perfect to relax when visiting Vancouver!
I can’t rave enough about Stanley Park. I took a historical walking tour and learned so much about the indigenous people who once lived on this tract of land.
Great post. I live in Seattle and we will be in Vancouver next summer. I am definitely saving this post. Thanks for the How to Get there and also lovely hidden tips look honey bee garden and Library roof top I never knew ab out!!
I’m fascinated with rooftop gardens in cities, and it’s great to see there’s one in Vancouver. I can understand why it’s more word of mouth to keep it a calm and quiet space, but amazed at how even locals don’t know about this space. And based on your photo alone, i’d probably check out Vanier Park, and finally, Queen Elizabeth Park’s elevation (for the views) and the varied activities alone makes it worth a visit. I would definitely use this guide for a parks day in Vancouver!
Red Solo Traveler (www.redsolotraveler.com)
I love how you’ve covered both popular spots like Stanley Park and hidden gems like Nitobe Memorial Garden. Your tips on when to visit and how to get to each park make it easy to imagine exploring these places any time of year. I can almost see the cherry blossoms in spring and the stunning lights at VanDusen in winter. Definitely adding these parks to my travel list—thanks for sharing such a detailed and enthusiastic guide!
Every one looks beautiful Emma. Cool to see how some dot this green city. Cities with parks and gardens aplenty offer a way different vibe than urban jungles. More inviting.
Ryan
As a keen reader of your blog, I shouted straight “Stanley Park” and there it is in the second spot! I would love to take a stroll here one day. The library rooftop as well as Bloedel Conservatory would be visited next. They both look very serene and would make for a great photo-stop. I get the impression that Vancouver is a very green city that takes pride in its parklands which look well cared for.
Carolin | Solo Travel Story
I love visiting urban parks, especially when I’m exploring big cities. It’s a chance to get away from the hustle and bustle of the metropolis and find some peace.
I think it’s wonderful that Vancouver has so many parks and preserves its identity. As an urban planner, I’m always delighted when I see a city that has a “green lung.”