 Stanley Park
Situated a quick five minute drive from the Wedgewood Hotel & Spa is world-famous Stanley Park, Vancouver's largest and most popular inner city park. It covers 400 hectares of woodlands and offers nature trails, gardens, picnic sites, playing fields and special attractions. The most popular pastime in the park is walking the 8 km shoreline with spectacular views of the North Shore mountains across the Burrard Inlet, to the distant haze of islands in the Georgia Inlet. The park also has a miniature train ride, snack bars, tennis courts, a children's petting zoo, pitch 'n' putt golf course and is home to the Vancouver Aquarium.
North of end of Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC
www.city.vancouver.bc.ca/parks/parks/stanley
 The Bloedel Floral Conservatory
A twenty minute drive from the Wedgewood lies the crowning glory of Queen Elizabeth Park - the radiant triodetic dome of the Bloedel Floral Conservatory. Inside, a lush tropical experience awaits. Representative collections of about 500 species and varieties of plants from deep jungle to desert environments surround you, while colourful "Koi" fish swim at your feet, and more than 100 tropical birds fly freely overhead. For a moment of serenity within the rush of modern life, the Bloedel Floral Conservatory provides the perfect retreat - no matter what the weather.
Top of Queen Elizabeth Park
33rd Avenue and Cambie Street, Vancouver, BC
Phone: (604) 257-8570
www.city.vancouver.bc.ca/parks/parks/bloedel
 Butchart Gardens
Located north of Victoria, on Vancouver Island, lies the Butchart Gardens - 50 acres of floral finery offering spectacular views as you stroll along meandering paths and expansive lawns. In 1904, the concept of The Butchart Gardens began with an effort to beautify a worked-out quarry site on the 130-acre estate of Mr. and Mrs. R. P. Butchart, pioneers in the manufacture of Portland Cement in Canada. Their endeavour became a family commitment to horticulture and hospitality spanning more than 90 years and delighting visitors from all over the world. From the exquisite Sunken Garden to the charming Rose Garden, this 50-acre showplace still maintains the gracious traditions of the past, in one of the loveliest corners in the world.
800 Benvenuto Avenue, Brentwood Bay, BC
Recorded Message: (250) 652-5256
Business Office: (250) 652-4422
www.butchartgardens.com
 Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Botanical Garden
Experience the serenity of the first full-sized classical Chinese garden ever built outside China. Harmony and balance are reflected in symbolic plant life, precious Taihu rocks, covered walkways and jade green water. Hand-crafted by Chinese artisans, it is a "refreshment of the heart." Located in Chinatown in downtown Vancouver, the garden is approximately a 10 minute drive from the Wedgewood Hotel.
578 Carrall Street, Vancouver, BC
Phone: (604) 662-3207
www.vancouverchinesegarden.com
 Van Dusen Gardens
A delight all year round! No visitor should miss this spectacular 55-acre garden. It's outstanding plant collection is artistically displayed amidst tranquil lakes and beautiful views. Flowering trees, perennials, evergreen shrubs, and wonderful fall colour are all minutes from the Wedgewood Hotel & Spa.
5251 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC
Phone: (604) 878-9274
http://vancouver.ca/parks/parks/vandusen/website/index.htm
 UBC Botanical Gardens
Canada's most fascinating garden, located a short 30 minute drive from the Wedgewood Hotel & Spa on the cliffs overlooking the Strait of Georgia. Seventy rambling acres are planted with over 10,000 different trees, shrubs and flowers, including Canada's largest collection of rhododendrons.
6804 S.W. Marine Drive, Vancouver, BC
Phone: (604) 822-9666
www.ubcbotanicalgarden.org
 Minter Gardens
One and a half hours outside Vancouver sits Minter's 11 themed gardens on 27 acres at the base of Mount Cheam. You'll discover perfectly placed benches, ponds and fountains, a stream, gently winding pathways, foot bridges and a nature trail. Minter Gardens features more than just hundreds of thousands of flowers! Trees, shrubs, rolling hillsides, vistas and the largest collection of Penjing Rock Bonsai outside the People's Republic of China.
52892 Bunker Road, Rosedale, BC
Phone: (604) 794-7191 April through October
Phone: (604) 792-3799 November through March
Toll-free: (888) 646-8377
www.mintergardens.com
 Beaches
For fun in the sun, Vancouver's beaches are an ideal getaway:
~ Jericho Beach offers ample parking and concession stands.
~ Kitsilano Beach is ideal, whether you choose to play in the surf or lounge in the outdoor pool.
~ English Bay Beach, just outside downtown Vancouver, is Vancouver's favorite beach.
~ West Vancouver also has its share of beaches with Ambleside, Dundarave, Sandy Cove, Lighthouse Park, Eagle Harbour and Whytecliffe Park carefully tucked away on the west shore of the Burrard Inlet.
~ Stanley Park also encloses several beaches, the largest being Second & Third Beaches. |
