Travel the World at These Vancouver Attractions

We’re not travelling abroad for a while… but that doesn’t mean we can’t experience the world from our own backyard. From tropical paradise to zen Asian gardens, there are so many places in Vancouver to visit that will make you forget you aren’t going on vacation this year. Let’s travel the globe in Vancouver!

Until further notice, in line with the public health order, non-essential travel into, within, and out of BC is not recommended. BC residents, let’s do our part by continuing to stay small and support local with your immediate household, in accordance with the latest guidelines.

UBC Botanical Garden

On his visit to the Nitobe Memorial Garden at the UBC Botanical Garden, Emperor Akihito of Japan said “I am in Japan.” And if he felt like he was in Japan while walking through the garden, you will too! You can also explore the alpine climates of the world in the Lohbrunner Alpine Garden, the beauty of Asia in the David C. Lam Asian Garden, and travel around our continent in the North American Gardens.

Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden

Named the World’s Top City Garden by National Geographic, the oasis that is the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden was the first of its kind in Canada. The beauty of this garden’s traditional architecture, koi pond, and plants provide a peaceful getaway from city noise.

Bloedel Conservatory

Offering a welcome respite from a rainy day, the glass dome of the Bloedel Conservatory at Queen Elizabeth Park gives visitors a taste of the tropics. With over 120 exotic birds, hundreds of butterflies and over 500 kinds of tropical plants to see, this is a delightful place to let your worries melt away. (Literally — it’s warm in there!)

Italian Garden / Il Giardino Italiano at the PNE

Located on the PNE grounds in the Hastings-Sunrise area, Il Giardino Italiano was and is a project of amore for the Italian community. It is a small but cleverly detailed garden with vivid planting design, clever rain runoff, beautiful fountains, and the stunning Opera Walk. Entry to this garden is free to the public.

Restaurants

Feeling nostalgic for your last trip to Paris? Sad you didn’t get to backpack in South East Asia over the spring? Jonesing for authentic Neapolitan pizza? Or maybe a Caribbean getaway? Our city has a plethora of international cuisine options to restaurant transport you and your taste buds to… wherever you want! Check out some European destination restaurants, excellent spots for poke and sushi, and our full restaurant listings here.

Things to keep in mind on your city explorations

• Check attraction websites for hours, ticketing and other policies, etc.

• Masks are mandatory at most attractions.

• Staff are working hard in a “new normal” — please be kind and patient.

• Respect the policies of establishments you visit.

• Wash or sanitize your hands often and well.

• We’re all in this together!