Vancouver for the Environmental Enthusiast

Vancouver for the Environmental Enthusiast

Vancouver may be one of Canada’s largest urban centers. However, this does not mean it is a concrete jungle with congested streets and excessive smog. In fact, Vancouver has a lot of great ways to get in touch with nature. With all its parks and gardens, Vancouver could be the dream locale for an eco-friendly vacation.

Vancouver’s mild climate has allowed for the cultivation of a wide array of both indigenous and imported plant life. No matter what season, the city always has a great display of natural beauty. To get closer to nature, the region offers countless campsites great for both tents and RVs. Several companies also offer eco-tours of the area to suit a variety of interests.

Vancouver’s Stanley Park is one of the city’s greatest public spaces. It stretches over 1,000 acres and encompasses woodlands, beaches, and elevated views. The park is home to numerous native birds, insects, and small wildlife. It also encompasses a small zoo and larger aquarium. So, visitors to the park can ultimately interact with goats, horses, llamas, and beluga whales. Those seeking a more active experience can head to one of Stanley Park’s hiking trails or navigate the park by bicycle or horse.

Another of the most beautiful places in Vancouver is the 55-acre VanDusen Botanical Garden. Opened in 1975, the gardens reflect a decade of work to save a piece of untouched land within Vancouver. The actual landscaping took five years to complete and includes more than 250,000 plants. The park now features a Forest Center, Floral Hall, Garden Pavilion, and more. The ultimate aim of the VanDusen Botanical Garden is to instill in visitors the importance of preserving plants and an understanding of Earth’s biodiversity.

For those seeking something a bit more exotic, Vancouver also has an Asiatic garden. The Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden is located within walking distance from downtown Vancouver. Modeled in the style of 15th century China, the garden serves as an educational bridge between Western and Eastern culture. Its construction employed more than fifty Chinese craftsmen and showcases the four main features of Chinese gardens: rock, water, plant, and architecture. Many of the elements were actually imported from China, giving the garden a truly authentic feel.

For stunning views of Vancouver’s natural ecosystem, visitors can head out to the Capilano Suspension Bridge. Located 230 feet in the air, the bridge spans a 450 length. It was originally built in the late-1800s, but has since been expanded and reinforced. Views highlight the magnificence of the area’s Douglas fir trees, among many other plants and wildlife. The area around the bridge has also been designated a public park spanning some 27 acres and including numerous nature-themed activities. Some of the most popular attractions are guided hikes and a visit to the cultural center.

The various gardens and ecological centers in Vancouver frequently host educational programs for children and adults alike. Thus, the city is doing its part to promote environmental understanding. What’s more, all of these attractions can be easily reached by public transportation. Ultimately, this makes Vancouver one of the few cities where nature is truly a part of the urban visitor’s experience.