Vancouver is rich with forested trails and garden-side galavants, but few destinations offer the unique opportunity to explore the outdoors from above the forest floor. The UBC Botanical Garden’s Greenhouse TreeWalk offers a thrilling, treetop perspective of the natural surroundings that BC has to offer. Here’s what you can expect from this teetering arboraceous adventure.
Only a 20-minute drive from downtown Vancouver, the UBC Botanical Garden is a must-visit destination for gardening enthusiasts, trail walkers, and nature lovers. Tucked in the forested landscape of the university of BC’s sprawling grounds, this surprisingly large property is the perfect spot to spend the day strolling through the trees and learning about plants from every corner of the world.
Not only does this serene spot offer 80 acres of land and over 50,000 plants to discover, but it features Nitobe Memorial Garden – a traditional Japanese Tea and Stroll garden, and Segway Tours of the gardens – a quick and fun way to explore the expansive property.
Topping the list of kid-friendly garden activities is the Greenheart TreeWalk, an aerial trail system that allows visitors to visit the forest from an elevated perspective.
Teeter from treetop platform to treetop platform while exploring the wondrous wilderness that lies below. Adventurers can explore the canopy walkway on their own, or enjoy one of the hourly guided tours to learn more about the sights and sounds of the forest.
“Unlike other tree top canopy walkway systems bolted into the trees, the Greenheart TreeWalk’s design and engineering does not damage the trees or the surrounding delicate ecosystem.”
The tour begins in the centre of the garden, an approximately 10-minute walk from the entrance. From there, guests enter through a small door, and begin their ascent towards the top of the trees.
Be sure to keep your hands free to grip the ropes as the suspended walkway is quite wobbly (but totally safe).
As you step onto each platform, be sure to look around and observe your surroundings – above and below where you stand.
Near the centre of the walking course, you’ll come across a winding staircase that transports you even higher above the forest floor. This is a great spot to snap photos and enjoy a bird’s eye view of the trails that sit below.
At its highest point, the TreeWalk sits 23m above the ground, and the canopy walkway stretches along 310 metres of land.
Tickets range from $10 (children ages 6-12) to $20 (adults) for the Greenheart TreeWalk and access to the Botanical Garden.
Extra tidbits to keep in mind before your visit:
- Please allow for one hour or more to complete the Greenheart TreeWalk
- No open toe shoes (sandals, flip-flops, high heels) are allowed
- Both hands must be free to hold onto the canopy guide ropes
- Small children must be either able to walk on their own or be carried in an approved child backpack or carrier
- Strollers, walkers or wheelchairs are not permitted on the walkway
- No jumping or excessive swaying of the bridges
For more information, visit the UBC Botanical Garden website.
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