Photo: VanDusen Botanical Garden
Fall is the perfect time to appreciate the beautiful way that natural and urban landscapes intertwine in Vancouver. Visit the city’s gardens to appreciate vibrant autumn colours.
VanDusen Botanical Garden
VanDusen Botanical Garden is a calming natural oasis in the middle of the city. Most people think of the garden for its spring and summer blooms, but the garden explodes with colour in fall too. The sugar maple, ginkgo, and bald cypress trees shift from green to red and gold.
Visit on weekends between September 28 and October 20 to enjoy Harvest Days. The veggie garden and hedge maze area will feature seasonal activities and live music. You can also enjoy eco-friendly art displays made of natural, organic and biodegradable materials by local artist Nickie Lewis. If you’re hungry, pick up a snack from one of the food trucks on-site for the event. Harvest Days activities are included with regular garden admission.
Photo: VanDusen Botanical Garden
Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden
Designed in Ming Dynasty style, find the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden in the heart of Vancouver’s Chinatown. The walled garden includes winding paths, rockeries, lily ponds, and pagodas. In the fall, the ginkgo trees put on a show as they turn gold and light up the garden.
Fall colours at Sun Yat Sen Garden. Photo: Gardens BC/Daniel Mosquin
UBC Botanical Garden
Head to the Carolinian Forest section of the UBC Botanical Garden to be transported to an East Coast autumn. Wander through 12 groves of deciduous hardwood trees native to eastern North America. The maples, oaks, sumacs, sweetgums, and sourwoods create a symphony of warm fall colours.
Another fall highlight at the garden is the annual Apple Festival, held this year on October 19 and 20. Organized by volunteers, the festival is a fundraiser to support the garden. This year’s edition includes cooking demonstrations, food vendors, and over 33,000 lbs of apples for sale. You can also visit the famous tasting tent to sample dozens of apple varieties. Buy tickets in advance.
Photo: Daniel Mosquin/UBC Botanical Garden
Nitobe Memorial Garden
Nitobe Memorial Garden at UBC is one of the most authentic Japanese gardens outside of Japan. The garden’s design reflects harmony with nature and highlights the passing seasons. In the fall, the Japanese maples turn dark crimson and gold. Their branches are manicured to frame the garden, which makes for great photos. The contrast of the red and yellow leaves against the green moss of the garden is sublime.
Fall colours at Nitobe Gardens. Photo: UBC Botanical Garden/Isabel Budke
