Garden Escapes: B.C.’s Most Beautiful Botanical Gardens and Parks

It’s not just visiting tourists that like to immerse themselves in B.C.’s prettiest parks and gorgeous gardens, locals love it too. The province is abundant with green spaces that keep us connected to Mother Nature. Here, a few to explore.

Butchart Gardens is truly the Grande Dame of botanical gardens in BC, and she celebrates her 120th anniversary this September. This national historic site located in Brentwood Bay, on Vancouver Island sprawls across 55 acres and people come from around the globe to visit. Open year round, the seasons allow for a stunning rotation of floral and botanical display in each of the gardens within the garden. Jennie Butchart was a visionary who started it all, and Butchart Gardens is owned and operated by the family. Spend the day strolling and be sure and visit The Seeds & Gifts boutique, the Gelateria and take advantage of a photo opp every way you look.

Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden is a destination for countless visitors to Vancouver’s Chinatown. A classical Chinese garden in the spirit of the Ming Dynasty, this city-oasis has winding paths and corridors that move gently through lush plants and rock gardens. A meditative sense of calm is offered here in a busy, bustling city indeed. Be sure to check out their calendar of events for guest speakers and interesting learning opportunities. As such an important garden in Vancouver history, this is a space to take in slowly.

Abkhazi Garden was created in 1946 by Prince and Princess Abkhazi in Victoria. Dramatic and sophisticated, the garden is located at their heritage home and hidden from the street. Step past the hedges and discover Garry oak trees, Japanese maples, and massive rhododendrons that weave around artfully placed rockery and florals. After the Abkhazi royal couple passed in 2000, The Land Conservancy purchased the property to save it from becoming a housing development. Be sure to spend some time in their onsite tearoom, for an essential cuppa and rest stop to take it all in.

Two notable gardens in Vancouver that share a location are the UBC Botanical Garden and Nitobe Memorial Garden. Situated on the university’s campus, the botanical garden is abundant with magnolias and maples, plus an Asian garden, an alpine garden, a rainforest garden, and an herb garden. Try the Greenheart TreeWalk eco-adventure, where you’ll have a bird’s-eye view while you stroll along suspended walkways and tree platforms. Nitobe Garden is one of the top five Japanese gardens in North America and has a ceremonial teahouse.

Tuscan Farm Gardens in Abbotsford is family owned and operated, and is much loved for its seasonal lavender fields; however, roses, clematis and other flowers rotate in bloom all spring and summer. The owners make their own brand of organic, olive oil soaps, bath and beauty products as well, with floral properties and fragrances including rose geranium, lemongrass, and, of course, lavender. Visit the gift shop to buy a jar of lavender honey, some special teas, and more. If you just can’t bring yourself to leave, a stay at their historic farmhouse can be arranged, too.