Back by popular demand, Inside Vancouver has relaunched the “Featured Attraction of the Week” series. Each Monday we’ll be featuring a different Vancouver attraction and will be giving away free tickets to our readers. To be eligible, all you have to do is post a comment.
Looking for a tranquil oasis to get away from life’s hustle and bustle? Nitobe Memorial Garden is a traditional Japanese Tea and Stroll garden located at the University of British Columbia. Considered to be the one of the most authentic Japanese gardens in North America, the garden includes a rare authentic Tea Garden with a ceremonial Tea House.
Each tree, stone and shrub has been deliberately placed and is carefully maintained to reflect an idealized conception and symbolic representation of nature. There is harmony among natural forms – waterfalls, rivers, forests, islands and seas – and a balance of masculine and feminine forces traditionally attributed to natural elements. Realizing that many native trees and shrubs could be trained and pruned in typical Japanese fashion, the garden’s creators incorporated them as unique features. Some maple and cherry trees and most of the azaleas and iris were brought from Japan. A place of reflection, where each step reveals a new harmony, the garden is designed to suggest a span of time – a day, a week or a lifetime – with a beginning, choice of paths, and ending.
Although it is appreciated by all who visit, it is highly recommended Nitobe visitors pick up a self-guided map. Visit in spring for the cherry blossoms, summer for the irises or autumn for the maples. The subtleties of Nitobe Memorial Garden can be enjoyed throughout the year: a reflecting pond with Koi, streams and waterfalls, stone lanterns and the teahouse — all contribute to a unique and meaningful experience.
About Nitobe Memorial Garden:
Address: 1895 Lower Mall Vancouver, BC
Hours: Daily 9:30am-5pm (April 1 – October 31)
Website: www.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca
Phone: 604.822.6038 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 604.822.6038 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
| We have a Yearly Family Membership for UBC Botanical Garden and Nitobe Memorial Garden to give away. All you have to do is post a comment below and we’ll randomly select a winner at noon on Friday, September 28th and notify the winner by email. |
Updated Friday, September 28th: Congratulations Time! You are the lucky recipient of an Annual Family Membership for the UBC Botanical Garden, including the Nitobe Memorial Garden. Please check your inbox for further details on how to go about claiming your prize. Thank you to everyone who posted a comment. Stay tuned for our next featured attraction!
8:23 am
I just movved to Vancouver, i’m crazy to know places like these one.
8:24 am
Would love to go to the Garden.
8:27 am
Exciting!
8:34 am
Autumn is a very good time to be visiting Nitobe Garden
8:35 am
Love the thoughtfulness in the design of these gardens – not just placement of plants and features, but also the meditative aspects.
8:36 am
Looks beautiful!
8:46 am
Would love to win!
8:51 am
Love to win and head to a place of peace and tranquility. To get away from the hustle and bustle of life in the city.
8:58 am
Sounds great
9:03 am
Yes please, I’m moving to Vancouver on Wednesday
9:23 am
I love to see the garden with my children and wife.
We just arrived in Vancouver and love the chance to see it.
9:25 am
I’d love to visit
9:46 am
I would love to visit the garden.
10:08 am
Japanese Gardens are beautiful!
10:09 am
Haven’t been in 10 years, but I remember the garden being beautiful.
10:29 am
It’s a really beautiful garden – definitely a place to visit at least once!
11:19 am
I’m sure the Nitobe Garden looks stunning in the fall season. Would love to check it out!
11:40 am
Would love to go!
11:48 am
I would love to go to gain more insight into Japanese design since I am writing a novel that involves travel in Japan about a hundred years ago.
11:55 am
I want to go thank you
12:45 pm
Nitobe is so beautiful. The UBC Botanical Gardens are lovely too, even in the depths of winter which was the only time I’ve had the chance to see them.
1:49 pm
My boyfriend wanted to go here !
2:56 pm
I’d love to go
5:45 pm
Beautiful nature
7:29 pm
I really like this garden and I would enjoy taking my family there.
9:00 pm
Never been, I want to go!
11:00 pm
Didnt know this place existed. Looks neat.
11:07 pm
I would love to take my mom there! She loves gardens.
7:09 am
Love those photos! It is indeed a lovely garden. Thanks!
Noelle @ eGardenSheds
8:50 am
What a lovely space amidst the hustle and bustle of Vancouver
11:09 am
I never knew we had this in Vancouver, wow!
What a nice surprise.
Thanks for telling me about it, InsideVancouver.
We hope to get the free family membership, thanks.
12:08 pm
Thanks for letting me know about this gem! I’m new to Vancouver and have never been to the Garden. Could certainly use a bit of peace and quiet at the moment, will be sure to pay the Nitobe Garden a visit.
6:05 pm
I haven’t been there since I’m in vancouver. I would love to discover it :)
6:25 pm
Oh I was just talking about going here! My friend is very much into meditation and I suggested Nitobe gardens as being a beautiful place to do this.
8:22 pm
great time of year for garden meandering in vancouver:)
8:31 am
it looks beautiful. i would love to visit with my daughter and husband and m really excited…..
3:57 pm
I am very interested to see what is in there.
3:59 pm
I never know this place and I like to dicover it.
11:33 am
Beautiful place! & I love that you’re bringing back this feature.
11:44 am
We absolutely love this garden during all the seasons!
12:49 pm
Beautiful garden!
12:59 pm
I’m from Vancouver, and while I have heard of this garden, I totally didn’t realize it’s considered one of the most authentic Japanese gardens in North America. That’s awesome. I’ll have to check it out.
1:11 pm
Would love this! Thanks for the chance!
1:40 pm
I’ve always wanted to go!
12:20 am
I’ve never been to Nitobe Gardens, I’d love to make a trip there if I get to win the tickets! :)