8 Ways to Get Outdoors at UBC

People walk on an elevated bridge at the Greenheart Treewalk at the UBC Botanical Garden in Vancouver

Greenheart Treewalk, UBC Botanical Garden. Photo: Tourism Vancouver / Destination Canada (CTC) / Asymetric/Jason Van Bruggen

The University of British Columbia (UBC) has a gorgeous campus, surrounded by forest and ocean. You don’t have to be a student to enjoy fun outdoor activities like biking and hiking. You can also explore historical sites, gardens, and more.

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8 Ways to Get Outdoors at UBC

5 Unique Experiences at Vancouver’s Gardens

Family exploring the hege maze at Van Dusen Botanical Garden in Vancouver

Family at the hedge maze at Van Dusen Botanical Garden. Photo: Tourism Vancouver / Sombilon Studios

Vancouver’s gardens are an explosion of colour every spring. But flowers aren’t the only thing to see. You can walk a hedge maze, hang out with tropical birds, experience a tea ceremony, and more.

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5 Unique Experiences at Vancouver’s Gardens

Where to See Big Trees in Vancouver

Looking up into a stand of huge trees on Vancouver's North Shore.

Huge trees on Vancouver’s North Shore. Photo credit: Tourism Vancouver / Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

Vancouver is a pretty green city, both environmentally and literally. We have a LOT of trees. Our mild and wet climate means that Vancouver sits in the middle of the world’s largest temperate rainforest, a zone that stretches from Alaska to Northern California. Logging has removed most of Vancouver’s ancient old growth trees, but there are still lots of towering giants to be found in the area. Here are eight places to see big trees in Vancouver.

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Where to See Big Trees in Vancouver

Experience winter tranquility at Vancouver’s Nitobe Memorial Garden

Photo Credit: Tara Lee

With the arrival of 2017 and the approaching Lunar New Year (January 28), I’ve been wanting some physical and mental space to take stock of the previous year and set the right tone for the months to come.

I adore living in the heart of Vancouver since there are always so many things to do: restaurants to try out, events to attend, arts and culture to take part in. However, occasionally, I want some tranquility in the midst of all of this bustle. Recently, I paid a winter visit to the lovely Nitobe Memorial Garden and came out feeling refreshed and calm.

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Experience winter tranquility at Vancouver’s Nitobe Memorial Garden

Prepare to be terrified at Hidden, a roaming play at UBC Botanical Garden

Sourced from ITSAZOO

Sourced from ITSAZOO

You’re deep in the forest, in utter darkness, except for the dull glow of your flashlight. You thought you were all alone in the wilderness, but suddenly, in the distance, you see three people arguing. They’re young, gesturing wildly as they scream at one another. A menacing  figure lurks in the bushes behind them. You get a sick feeling in your stomach that bloodshed awaits.

No, this isn’t the latest horror, slasher flick. It’s the newest site-specific play by Vancouver’s ITSAZOO Productions, which specializes in highly immersive, dynamic theatre. If you’re looking for a fun and original date idea, you should definitely check out this performance.

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Prepare to be terrified at Hidden, a roaming play at UBC Botanical Garden

Five Delicious Apples to Sample at the UBC Apple Festival in Vancouver

Sourced from the UBC Botanical Garden Facebook page

Sourced from the UBC Botanical Garden Facebook page

A wonderful rite of autumn here in Vancouver is taking advantage of the bounty of the local apple harvest. I love the ultra tart, crisp ones while my boyfriend favours the ones that are sweeter. Whether I’m chomping on one as a mid-afternoon snack, or taking a fork to apple pie still steaming from the oven, apples are the ultimate in fall comfort food.

Vancouver grocery stores are currently full of local apples. For example, a recent visit to one turned up red delicious and gala ones. However, for the ultimate celebration of all things apple and the chance to try apples that aren’t always available in stores, make a plan to take part in the UBC Apple Festival (October 15-16, 2016). There’s tons of apple fun to be had, making it a great date activity for you and another apple fan.

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Five Delicious Apples to Sample at the UBC Apple Festival in Vancouver