There is nothing like having a walk surrounded by nature on a dreary day. If you think Vancouver's gardens are worth visiting only in spring or summer, you will be surprised - our city's climate allows to create places that are a real pleasure to see any time of year. See the gardens that have something to offer all-year-round in this photo essay! 

Bloedel Floral Conservatory

Address: 4600 Cambie St, Vancouver
Opening hours: 
May to August: Monday to Friday: 9:00am to 8:00pm, Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
September to April: Monday to Sunday: 10:00am to 5:00pm
Website: www.vandusengarden.org/explore/bloedel-conservatory

The Bloedel Floral Conservatory opened in 1969 and lies within Queen Elizabeth Park, which is said to offer the most spectacular views of Vancouver. The futuristic building contains three different climate zones: a tropical rainforest, a subtropical rainforest, and a desert. It also hosts 200 free-flying exotic birds, 500 exotic plants and flowers while some of the most popular features are citrus and coffee trees, colourful 'Koi' fish and eye-catching birds and parrots. 

As of 2010, the Bloedel Conservatory is part of the VanDusen Botanical Gardens and continues to draw lines of visitors. This tropic escape in Vancouver is a perfect place to visit year-round so why not to enjoy a self-guided visit while wandering through and looking at tropical plants and birds? The helpful staff and volunteers are happy to answer all your questions.

Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden

Address: 578 Carrall St, Vancouver
Opening hours:
SPRING May 1 – June 14 10:00am – 6:00pm
SUMMER June 15 – August 31 9:30am – 7:00pm
FALL September 1 – 30 10:00am – 6:00pm
WINTER October 1- April 30 10:00am – 4:30pm
Website: www.vancouverchinesegarden.com

The Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Garden is the first, full- scale classical Chinese garden outside China. It was built in 1985–1986 and constructed using 14th-century methods - no glue, screws or power tools were used. The garden recreates Ming Dynasty traditions and balances yin and yang and four main elements: plants, rock, water, and architecture - and you can learn exactly why certain things have been placed where they have been.

The rich collection of this garden which was named a World Top City Garden by National Geographic includes winding paths, rocks, plants, a large pond that houses turtles and fish. Enjoy a guided tour which is included in your gate admission, sip a cup of Chinese tea or simply stop for a moment and relax in this urban oasis in the heart of Chinatown. 

UBC Botanical Garden

Address: 6804 Marine Dr SW, Vancouver, BC
Opening hours: Daily 9:30 am-4:30 pm
Website: www.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca

The UBC Botanical Garden was established in 1916 and is the oldest botanical garden at a university in Canada. The garden covers an area of 44 hectares and features a world-class collection of 8000 different kinds of plants, making it the right place to wander around and learn about flora from every corner of the world. The jewel of the garden is the David C. Lam Asian garden with its inventory of more than 400 varieties of rhododendrons and azaleas. 

The UBC Botanical Garden has something for everyone: choose one of the walking trails, stop at the tea house or gift shop and don't forget to check the garden's event calendar before your visit.

Meet The Photographer: Kevin Eng

Kevin Eng

Kevin's passion for photography has encouraged others to see the splendor and beauty of nature right at their doorstep, as he captures the sights of the day, and colors and mystery of world while it sleeps. Many of the subjects of his work are based locally in his hometown in Vancouver, B.C., where he first discovered his fascination with night photography. Kevin is currently working as a music teacher, music director for his church, and landscape photographer.

DTKEDT