Inside Vancouver

Vancouver’s Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Garden Named Best City Garden in the World by National Geographic Book

by Dana Lynch in Outside on November 30, 2011

Vancouver's Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Chinese Garden

2011 has been a banner year for Vancouver’s Chinatown. Not only was the vibrant neighbourhood declared a national historic site in October, The Vancouver Sun reports that the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden has been”named No. 1 on a list of city gardens around the world in a new book from National Geographic.”

The book, Secret Journeys of a Lifetime: 500 of the World’s Best Hidden Travel Gems, rated Vancouver’s Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Garden above the Rodin Sculpture Garden in Paris, the Foster Botanical Garden in Hawaii, and the Botanic Gardens in Singapore (as well as every other city garden in the world).

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Vancouver’s Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Garden Named Best City Garden in the World by National Geographic Book

Zimsculpt Returns to VanDusen Botanical Garden

by Dana Lynch in Outside on August 12, 2011

Witness Bonjisi's "Witness", made from opal stone. One of the Zimbabwean sculptures on display at Zimsculpt at VanDusen Botanical Garden. Photo: Dana Lynch

Zimsculpt—the exhibition and sale of Zimbabwean shona (stone) sculpture—is back at Vancouver’s VanDusen Botanical Garden.

Though it was a huge hit in 2009 and 2010, this is the last year to catch Zimsculpt at VanDusen; it won’t be back in 2012. So if you haven’t yet seen this art exhibit, which poetically situates the powerful Zimbabwean sculptures throughout VanDusen’s gorgeous gardens and pathways, don’t miss this final opportunity!

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Zimsculpt Returns to VanDusen Botanical Garden

Rhododendron Walk at VanDusen Botanical Garden

by Dana Lynch in Outside on May 22, 2011

Rhododendron Walk at VanDusen Botanical Garden

Big bushes bursting with fragrant blossoms in all colours, rhododendrons are the one flower I most associate with late spring / early summer in the Pacific Northwest; my parents’ house is surrounded by them and their blossoms always signaled that summer was near. This year, the rhododendrons are a little late, but now that sunny weather has arrived in Vancouver, they’re finally in bloom!

There are two gardens in Vancouver that are must-sees for rhododendron fans: the free Ted & Mary Greig Rhododendron Garden at Stanley Park and the VanDusen Botanical Garden, where you can stroll through the flowers along the magical Rhododendron Walk.

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Rhododendron Walk at VanDusen Botanical Garden

Vancouver by Trolley – Stop 12 Rose Garden (Red 4)

by Inside Vancouver in Town on May 3, 2011

Stanley Park is often the first place visitors to Vancouver venture to see, and it’s no wonder why. Offering over 1000 acres of green space surrounded by ocean, every turn has breathtaking sights. This afternoon I hopped off the Trolley at the Rose Garden and was greeted by many tourists exploring one of this Spring’s first truly beautiful days.

Just past the Garden itself featuring approximately 3500 plants on display (the best time to see the Garden in full bloom is early June) is the Stanley Park Pavilion. Celebrating their hundredth anniversary this year, the Stanley Park Pavilion is one of Vancouver’s most popular locations for weddings and other special events. It is also home to Stanley’s Bar & Grill, a restaurant featuring a 200 seat verandah.

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Vancouver by Trolley – Stop 12 Rose Garden (Red 4)

Vancouver by Trolley – Stop 11 Westin Bayshore (Red 3)

by Inside Vancouver in Town on April 23, 2011

Coal Harbour is a fantastic area to explore. When I hopped off the Trolley at the Westin Bayshore, the sun was shining over the ocean with views of Stanley Park and the North Shore Mountains, while the surrounding cherry trees were displaying beautiful pink blossoms. There is a current public art display throughout downtown called Vancouver Biennale; the red statues that you see below make up the Meeting display and have been a fantastic photo op here since the fall of 2009. Continue reading:
Vancouver by Trolley – Stop 11 Westin Bayshore (Red 3)

Vancouver’s Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Garden Named Best City Garden in the World by National Geographic Book

Zimsculpt Returns to VanDusen Botanical Garden

Rhododendron Walk at VanDusen Botanical Garden

Vancouver by Trolley – Stop 12 Rose Garden (Red 4)

Vancouver by Trolley – Stop 11 Westin Bayshore (Red 3)

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