Find Your Centre in Vancouver

Cyclists on the Stanley Park Seawall in Vancouver

Cyclists and walkers on the Stanley Park Seawall. Photo: Destination BC/Heath Moffatt

It’s easy to experience British Columbia’s natural beauty without leaving Vancouver. Relax and rejuvenate with a visit to one of the city’s gardens and parks. They provide the perfect escape from the urban hustle and bustle. #thisisvancouver

Stanley Park

Located next to downtown Vancouver, Stanley Park is the crown jewel of local parks. The forested interior is crisscrossed with walking paths and dotted with huge old-growth trees. A paved seawall path circles the exterior, perfect for biking, walking, or running next to the ocean. Family-friendly amenities include a pool, splash park, playgrounds, and a miniature railway.

Children hiking in the forest near Vancouver, BC

Childen walking in Stanley Park. Photo: Tourism Vancouver / Hubert Kang

Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden

Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden provides a serene oasis in the heart of downtown Vancouver. Designed in the Ming Dynasty style, it was the first garden of its kind to be built outside of China. Explore the garden on your own or take part in a tour that explains the garden as well as Ming Dynasty arts and culture.

Photo: Tourism Vancouver / Destination Canada (CTC)

Queen Elizabeth Park

Perched on the top of Little Mountain, Queen Elizabeth Park has great views of Vancouver. Stroll through the Quarry Garden to enjoy beautiful flowers as well as a tranquil stream and cascading waterfall. Plant lovers will also want to wander through the rose garden and arboretum. If you want to get some exercise, check out the pitch and putt course, tennis courts, and disc golf course.

Quarry Gardens at Queen Elizabeth Park. Photo: Tourism Vancouver / Nelson Mouellic

Bloedel Conservatory

Step into the Bloedel Conservatory at Queen Elizabeth Park and you’ll forget you are in Vancouver. The glass dome keeps more than 100 exotic birds and 500 exotic plants in a temperature-controlled environment that is much more tropical than Vancouver’s temperate climate.

Photo: Bloedel Conservatory/Facebook

VanDusen Botanical Garden

Open since 1975, VanDusen Botanical Garden features 55 acres of plants and flowers from around the world. No matter the season, there’s always something blooming. Wander the paths on your own or take a themed self-guided tour. Don’t miss the hedge maze in the southwest corner.

Photo: Tourism Vancouver/Sombilon Studios

Pacific Spirit Regional Park

Tucked away on the west side of Vancouver near the University of British Columbia, Pacific Spirit Regional Park is a forested haven. The park protects babbling streams, wetlands, quiet beaches, and groves of trees. You can explore over 55 kilometres of walking and biking trails.