Vancouver is home to a beautiful city and urban gardens. If you’d rather escape outside of city limits, get out on the highway, or make new day trip plans, there are plenty more gardens to explore outside of Vancouver.
Credit: Viv Lynch/Flickr/CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 Deed
This includes some of the famous gardens on the Island, all accessible by ferries in a day, as well as more gardens within Metro Vancouver in areas like Burnaby, Langley, Chilliwack or within Vancouver city limits.
Among the gardens within a day trip from Vancouver are extra attractions attached to some of the gardens. These include restaurants, activities for kids, or farm experiences.
Vancouver
VanDusen Botanical Garden
Visitors can engage with local wildlife, navigate an Elizabethan hedge maze, and enjoy the offerings of the Garden Cafe or Shaughnessy Restaurant.
The garden hosts plenty of events and fairs by various horticultural societies.
When: Year round
Where: 5151 Oak Street, Vancouver
Bloedel Conservatory
Step into the Bloedel Conservatory, a domed sanctuary atop Vancouver, and immerse yourself in a tropical paradise any time of the year.
Within its climate-controlled haven, over 500 exotic plants bloom alongside more than 100 vibrant birds and serene koi ponds, creating an environment of unmatched beauty and tranquility. Gifted to the city by Prentice Bloedel, this lush retreat promotes a deeper appreciation for plant life.
Engage your senses with the sights and sounds of macaws, African parrots, and elusive finches, all calling this biodiverse oasis home. Venture through rainforest and subtropical ecosystems, marvel at the diverse flora, and partake in a sensory journey that nourishes the soul. Don’t miss the eclectic finds in the gift shop, a perfect end to a day of exploration and discovery in this testament to nature’s splendor and conservation.
When: Year round
Where: 4600 Cambie Street, Vancouver
Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden
Nestled in the vibrant heart of Vancouver’s historic Chinatown, the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden stands as a serene testament to cross-cultural collaboration and traditional Ming Dynasty garden design.
This exquisite garden-home, the first of its kind built outside of China, serves not only as a major tourist attraction but also as a cultural nexus offering tours, concerts, and educational events.
Adjoining the garden is the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Park, a public space that harmoniously complements the garden’s architectural elegance with its lush plantings, embodying the concept of “borrowing views” to enhance the beauty of both spaces.
When: Year Round
Where: 578 Carrrall St, Vancouver
UBC Botanical Garden
Wander through the UBC Botanical Garden, a realm where the beauty of flora transcends borders.
Home to esteemed collections of magnolias and maples, this garden invites enthusiasts to journey through diverse ecosystems.
Explore the David C. Lam Asian Garden, a serene blend of native forest and Asian plants, or marvel at the E.H. Lohbrunner Alpine Garden’s mountainous flora. The BC Rainforest Garden showcases the lush coastal and interior wet-belts, while the Carolinian Forest Garden reflects an eastern deciduous hardwood forest. Sustainable practices come to life in the Food Garden, and the Harold & Frances Holt Physic Garden offers a nod to the botanical origins of medicine. Discover the Garry Oak Meadow and Woodland Garden, a tribute to a rare ecosystem and cultural heritage.
Take kids for an adventure on the Greenheart TreeWalk, a thrilling aerial exploration and complete your visit at the Garden Shop, a treasure trove for any gardening enthusiast.
When: Year Round
Where: 6804 SW Marine Dr, Vancouver
Stanley Park Gardens
The famous Stanley Park unfolds its floral treasures across various gardens, each brimming with its own history and botanical delights.
From the vibrant blooms of the Ted and Mary Greig Rhododendron Garden, a legacy of renowned hybridizers encapsulated around the park’s Pitch & Putt, to the historic Rose Garden, established in 1920 and home to over 3,500 rose bushes beneath a west coast arbor.
The gardens celebrate the seasons, with rhododendrons peaking in May and roses through June to October.
The Shakespeare Garden offers a literary pilgrimage, intertwining nature with the Bard’s words, while the Stanley Park Rock Garden, the city’s first public garden, tells a tale of rediscovery and heritage.
When: Year Round
Where: Stanley Park, Vancouver
North Shore & West Vancouver
Park & Tilford Gardens
On top of the garden is the area’s aviary which houses exotic birds, several fountains, a traditional Japanese garden, a rose garden, an herb garden, and more.
Where: 333 Brooksbank Ave., North Vancouver
When: open 9:30am-dusk, year-round
Chiba Gardens
North Vancouver’s Chiba Japanese Garden is a serene spot showcasing traditional Japanese landscape design and architecture. Walk among the manicured areas of pruned trees, arched bridges, and thoughtfully placed rocks or art, a pond, and the stone lanterns.
The area is maintained by the North Shore Heritage Society and right beside a beautiful waterfront area.
Where: 267 Esplanade W., North Vancouver
When: open dawn to dusk, year-round
Chilliwack
Gwynne Vaughan Park
This Chilliwack park and historic area includes 6.8 acres of gardens to explore, along with 30 community garden plots.
Among the gardens are specimen trees to add even more beauty to the landscape. The gardens surround the 1896 Heritage House which was donated to the city by its owner, a local avid gardener, Gwynne Vaughan.
The property is available for weddings and event bookings and will host annual plant sales or garden parties. In the spring, the cherry blossom pinks decorate the park. And in the fall, the orange and red maples decorate the park.
Where: 46181 Hope River Road, Chilliwack
When: open dawn to dusk, year-round
Great Blue Heron Nature Reserve
While this location isn’t quite a garden, it is worth a stop, especially if you’re in the area for other garden visits.
The Nature Reserve includes several loop trails near a lagoon that comes off of the Vedder River. It is also home to one of the largest nesting colonies of Great Blue Herons in the lower mainland, and dozens of other species of wildlife both large and small.
Take one short looping trail or combine them all for a day hike around the north and south lagoons. The Reserve will also host yoga, art, kids, and educational workshops.
Where: 5200 Sumas Prairie Rd. Chilliwack
When: open dawn to dusk, year-round
Greendale Acres
The Greendale Acres family fun farm opens this spring with its annual Easter Egg Hunt, and remain open for spring, summer, and fall, until they end their corn maze in October. They also host an annual Sweet Spring Flower and Animal Festival aimed at celebrating all the best parts of spring like flowers and farm blooms, and baby animals! You’ll also get plenty of photo opportunities in the massive tulip fields and garden.
Where: 41905 Yale Road West, Chilliwack
When: Easter-Halloween each year
Abbottsford
Tanglebank Gardens Brambles Bistro
On top of the European-inspired and manicured gardens, Tanglebank offers a few other reasons to make a day trip here from Vancouver. First, stop for photos among the beautiful flowers and greenery before making your way to the Brambles Bistro. Dine in a gorgeous garden setting or book a Bistro Picnic in the Garden. Lastly, stop by the plant store and gift shop to bring a few memories back with you.
Where: 29985 Downes Rd., Abbotsford
When: Tuesday-Saturday 9AM TO 4PM
Tuscan Farm Gardens
The Tuscan Farm Gardens are only open to the public in June and July as this is when their rows upon rows of lavender are in full bloom. Along with the variety of lavender plants out in the field and creating the labyrinth are many other plants in the Farm Gardens, also decorated with fountains, roses, and a gazebo. The Tuscan Garden Farms offer visitors a large gift shop area, and their Farmhouse Air BnB rental, complete with its own beautiful garden.
Where: 6834 Mount Lehman Rd., Abbotsford
When: Wednesday-Sunday in June and July
International Friendship Garden
The beauty of the International Friendship Garden in Abbotsford comes from its overall look, plus its overall purpose. The purpose of the garden is to celebrate the many cultures which make up the local community.
This starts with the Friendship Gardens’ Cultural Gateway and Welcome Path. The area has peaceful water features to relax besides, and a huge variety of plants to photograph or explore.
Where: 32320 George Ferguson Way, Abbotsford
When: dusk to dawn, year-round
Surrey
The Glades Woodland Garden
Featuring over 3500 rhododendrons, azaleas, and companion plants, some towering over 6 metres, the Glades Woodland Garden is a blaze of color each spring, surrounded by heritage trees across 5 acres of historic gardens set for future expansion to 15 acres.
Originating from Murray Stephen’s vision in 1956, the garden has transformed from a neglected land into a 5-acre historical garden, with plans to expand to 15 acres. Despite its decline post-Murray’s death in 1970, the DeWolfs revitalized it in 1994, gifting it to Surrey in 2002 for ongoing enhancement and preservation.
When: May to June
Where: 457 – 172 Street, Surrey
Bear Creek Gardens
This incredible slice of Surrey is made so thanks to the surrounding mixed forest of mature trees including cottonwoods and cedars. After part of the area was cleared in the 1970s, the city began to replant and construct garden features.
Today, Bear Creek Gardens have several different garden areas and flowerbeds, ornamental and decorative pieces, and water features.
Where: King George Blvd. and 84 Ave., Surrey
When: dusk to dawn, year-round
Darts Hill Garden
Surrey’s Darts Hill Garden are open in spring, summer, and fall mornings and afternoons for public strolls and self-guided tours. Over the three open seasons, the gardens will also host live music in the park, plant sales, and additional activities. The gardens cover 7.5 acres and is named after the couple who started planting back in the 1940s. Use the online guides for your visit to uncover the different tree types, flower types, the native plants, and more.
Where: 1633 170th St., Surrey
When: April-September, 10am-4pm
Langley
Derek Doubleday Arboretum
When you get to the Derek Doubleday Arboretum in Langley, you’ll have several options of smaller gardens and areas to explore. These will include a demonstration garden, a willow whip garden, the Dyer’s Garden (meant to reflect colour in nature), a rose garden, a bird garden, and the Les Clay Rhododendron Garden. There is also a ton of public art to see among the gardens, including the War Memorials and Korean War Memorial.
Where: 21177 Fraser Hwy., Langley
When: dusk to dawn, year-round
The Memory Grove
This special grove of trees in Fort Langley is located alongside the Salmon River and Natural Area. From here, take the trail towards the river to connect to the Fort To Fort Trail which follows a scenic riverside area, complete with mountains in the background. The forested area is a beautiful hiking spot, offers a boat launch, public washrooms, picnic areas, and benches.
Where: 96 Ave &, Billy Brown Rd, Langley Twp
When: dusk to dawn, year-round
Sendall Gardens
These botanical gardens boast over 3.5 acres filled with a stunning collection of various plants, shrubs, trees, and flowers. Pack a picnic and explore the shorter trails around the scenic gardens. And during the warmer months (April-October, the park and gardens’ tropical greenhouse is open to the public.
Where: 20210 50 Ave, Langley
When: dusk to dawn, year-round
Burnaby
Century Gardens
The official flower of Burnaby, the rhododendron, is on full display in the city’s local Century Gardens. The serene area, located beside the Burnaby Art Gallery, also has a full display of dozens of other plants and trees, making the landscape bright and colourful for the warmer months.
Where: 6344 Deer Lake Ave, Burnaby
When: dusk to dawn, year-round
Burnaby Mountain Centennial Rose Garden
This breathtakingly pretty part of Burnaby has winding paved paths which lead you through rose gardens of white, red, pink, and all the rose shades in between. Overall, the garden is home to over 900 rose bushes. From the garden, you can follow trails east or west along the banks of the inlet.
Where: 100 Centennial Way, Burnaby
When: dusk to dawn, year-round
Vancouver Island
These Vancouver Island gardens are close enough to the Island’s two ferry ports to make them close enough for a day trip from the city but will require a ferry ride!
The Butchart Gardens
The Butchart Gardens are over 100 years old and received a National Historic Site Designation for their 100th birthday celebration. The world-famous 50-acre garden is open year-round to help showcase the distinct seasons experienced by the Island. The gardens also boast five different eateries on site, a visitor information centre, gift shop, and its own wharf for those who want to arrive by boat.
Where: 800 Benvenuto Ave., Brentwood Bay
When: year-round, mornings and afternoons
Milner Gardens & Woodlands
The Milner Gardens & Woodlands, or, “an ancient forest and garden oasis by the sea,” sounds inviting enough for a day trip from Vancouver! The gardens, located at Vancouver Island University on a 70-acre estate! Growing over top of the gardens are old-growth cedars and Douglas firs, while berries, orchards, vegetable gardens, and rare plants, all grow underneath the canopies. The area is also home to a tearoom in a historic setting to add a little romance to your visit.
Where: 2179 Island Hwy W, Qualicum Beach
When: February-October
Parksville Museum Garden
There are things to see and do inside and outside of the Parksville Museum. Outside of the building, enjoy a quick and easy walk around the manicured landscape and gardens. The museum is a collection of heritage and historic buildings to create an open-air museum. The gardens and nature trail only work to enhance the exploration and educational experiences. The museum has eight buildings in total to explore during the open season.
Where: 1245 Island Hwy E, Parksville
When: spring-fall
Parksville Community Park Arboretum
A day trip from Vancouver to the Parksville area will afford you’re a couple of opportunities for beautiful garden walks and finding new nature trails. Their largest natural attraction is the Community Park Arboretum which includes a widely diverse range of tree species. Walk among large maples, Japanese lilac trees, the native Douglas firs, Asian white birches, and many others. This is a chance to visit the only accredited arboretum in Canada outside of Ontario!
Where: 193 Island Hwy E, Parksville
When: dusk to dawn, year-round
Horticulture Centre of the Pacific
The gardens at the Horticulture Centre of the Pacific are open to the public for the season. When you visit, plan for about an hour walking through the entire garden area. Plus, visitors are encouraged to bring a picnic to enjoy among the beautiful scenery! During the walk, you’ll get to explore a vegetable and herb garden, gardens inspired by different climates, and a large lily garden.
Where: 505 Quayle Rd., Victoria
When: Monday-Sunday, 9AM-4PM
Beacon Hill Park
This large park on the south side of the city of Victoria offers gardens to explore, large trees for shade and colourful photography, ocean views, and dozens of trails that connect to other park trail systems in Victoria. The area also serves to protect a number of endangered trees and plant species in the area like the Garry oak, or yellow montane violet. The south end of Beacon Hill Park is also notable as ‘mile zero’ for the Trans-Canada Highway!
Where: 100 Cook St., Victoria
When: dusk to dawn, year-round