UBC Botanical Garden Vancouver
Explore diverse flora from around the world, including a unique treetop walk, at this expansive botanical garden.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
UBC Botanical Garden Vancouver
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore diverse flora from around the world, including a unique treetop walk, at this expansive botanical garden.
"A beautiful and diverse garden, a true gem offering a peaceful escape and unique experiences."
🚶♀️ Explore Beyond the TreeWalk
Don't miss the diverse themed gardens; they offer a richer experience than just the TreeWalk.
💰 Value Combo Tickets
Look for combo admission deals with Nitobe Garden for a fuller experience.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Greenheart TreeWalk
Canopy level
Walk amongst the treetops on suspended bridges for a unique forest perspective.

BC Rainforest Garden
Western Canada section
Immerse yourself in the lush, native flora of British Columbia's coastal rainforest.

Food & Physic Gardens
Central garden areas
Discover the fascinating world of edible plants and medicinal herbs.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for a Peaceful Stroll
Student Perks & Ticket Tips
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Explore Beyond the TreeWalk
Don't miss the diverse themed gardens; they offer a richer experience than just the TreeWalk.
💰 Value Combo Tickets
Look for combo admission deals with Nitobe Garden for a fuller experience.
Fun activity? Consider the UBC Canopy Greenwalk
UBC Botanical Gardens
🧺 Picnic-Friendly Spots
Picnics are generally allowed on grassy areas; staff are usually accommodating.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
Paths are mulched and generally easy to navigate, but comfortable shoes are a must.
Things to do at UBC
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Explore Beyond the TreeWalk
Don't miss the diverse themed gardens; they offer a richer experience than just the TreeWalk.
💰 Value Combo Tickets
Look for combo admission deals with Nitobe Garden for a fuller experience.
🧺 Picnic-Friendly Spots
Picnics are generally allowed on grassy areas; staff are usually accommodating.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
Paths are mulched and generally easy to navigate, but comfortable shoes are a must.
📸 Capture the Greenery
Bring your camera for stunning shots of diverse plant life and unique garden designs.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise UBC Botanical Garden for its beauty, diversity, and well-maintained themed sections, particularly the BC Rainforest and the unique Greenheart TreeWalk. It's considered a hidden gem offering a peaceful escape and a valuable educational experience for all ages, though some note the TreeWalk has a separate fee.
"UBC Botanical Garden is beautiful and diverse, with multiple themed sections. We especially enjoyed the BC Rainforest area, the food garden, the physic garden, and the desert/cacti garden. I highly recommend exploring everything, which will take around 2 hours. This is a great place to visit even if you're not a current or prospective UBC student."
Harry Hao
"Our visit to the UBC Botanical Gardens was wonderful. They are well cared for, active gardens (so some areas were recently planted / being tended) with a variety of climate plants available. We spent about 90min exploring both sides of the garden and the treetop walk was a fun experience as well. The gift shop was lovely. Highly recommend a visit."
Elena
"UBC's Botanical Garden was massive and fun to explore. Some of it was forest that had survived logging attempts. Other parts were well-manicured gardens. It's quite the gem, well worth the visit."
Harry Bradley
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach UBC Botanical Garden by public transit, typically taking a bus like the 49 or 43 from downtown Vancouver to the UBC Exchange, then a short walk. Driving is also an option with parking available on campus, though it can be paid.
Yes, UBC Botanical Garden is well-served by public transit. Several bus routes stop at the UBC Exchange, which is a short walk from the garden entrance.
Paid parking is available at various lots on the UBC campus. The closest lots to the Botanical Garden are usually Lot 6 or Lot 7. Check UBC Parking for current rates and availability.
Yes, UBC campus has numerous bike lanes and racks. Cycling to the garden is a great option for eco-conscious visitors.
The garden is well-signposted on campus. Look for signs directing you to the UBC Botanical Garden once you arrive at the university.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission fees vary. While UBC students often get free entry to the main gardens with their UBCcard, the Greenheart TreeWalk has a separate fee. Check the official UBC Botanical Garden website for current pricing and any potential combo ticket offers with Nitobe Garden.
Yes, UBC students typically receive free admission to the main areas of the UBC Botanical Garden by showing their UBCcard. However, the Greenheart TreeWalk usually requires a separate ticket.
It's recommended to check the official UBC Botanical Garden website for the most up-to-date information on purchasing tickets online in advance, especially for the Greenheart TreeWalk.
Discounts may be available for groups, seniors, or through special promotions. Keep an eye on the garden's website or consider looking for deals on platforms like Groupon, which have been offered in the past.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to consult the official UBC Botanical Garden website for the most accurate and current operating hours before your visit.
🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience
Most visitors spend 1.5 to 3 hours exploring the gardens, depending on their pace and interest. The Greenheart TreeWalk itself takes about an hour.
The Greenheart TreeWalk is an elevated walkway system that allows you to experience the forest from the canopy level, offering unique views and a sense of adventure.
Yes, guided tours are highly recommended by some visitors as they offer deeper insights into the garden's diverse plant collections and history.
Picnics are generally permitted in designated grassy areas. Staff have been observed not to mind as long as you are respectful of the plants.
The pathways are mostly mulched and generally passable for strollers and wheelchairs, though some areas might be a bit uneven. It's a pleasant experience for most mobility needs.
📸 📸 Photography
The Greenheart TreeWalk offers unique aerial perspectives. The BC Rainforest Garden, the diverse themed sections like the Physic Garden, and the blooming rhododendrons in spring are also highly photogenic.
Yes, personal photography is generally allowed throughout the UBC Botanical Garden. However, always be mindful of other visitors and avoid disturbing the plants or wildlife.
Typically, drone usage is restricted in botanical gardens and on university campuses for safety and privacy reasons. It's best to check the garden's specific policies regarding drones.
Early morning or late afternoon often provides the best natural light for photography, creating softer shadows and a more atmospheric feel.
Photography is usually permitted during special events, but it's wise to check event-specific guidelines. Be aware that event setups might affect usual photo opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider packing a picnic to enjoy on the grassy areas, making it a full day of exploration and fun. While the main garden paths are generally stroller-friendly, the TreeWalk might be more challenging for very young children or those with mobility issues. Check the garden's website for any specific age or height recommendations for the TreeWalk.
💰 Budget Travelers
Packing your own picnic is also a great way to save on food costs. While the Greenheart TreeWalk has an additional fee, it's often seen as a more budget-friendly alternative to other treetop attractions in the region. Focus on exploring the extensive free sections of the garden to maximize your experience on a budget.
couples
Find a quiet spot for a picnic amidst the greenery, or simply enjoy the peaceful ambiance. Weekday visits can offer a more intimate experience, allowing you to truly connect with nature and each other.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Greenheart TreeWalk Experience
While the TreeWalk is a major draw, it's important to note that it has a separate admission fee from the main gardens. Many visitors find the cost worthwhile for the novel experience. It's also a great spot for photography, offering panoramic views of the forest canopy. Be prepared for a bit of height, but the safety measures are robust, and the reward is an unforgettable journey through the trees.
Exploring the Diverse Themed Gardens
Don't miss the Food and Physic Gardens, where you can learn about the history and uses of various plants. The Food Garden highlights edible species, while the Physic Garden focuses on medicinal plants, offering a fascinating glimpse into traditional remedies and culinary traditions. These sections are not only educational but also visually appealing, with well-maintained beds and informative signage. Exploring these themed areas can easily take a couple of hours, providing a rich and varied experience that goes far beyond a simple stroll.
UBC Botanical Garden for Students and Visitors
For non-students and visitors, the UBC Botanical Garden is a highly recommended destination. While there's an admission fee for the main gardens and a separate charge for the TreeWalk, many find it to be a worthwhile investment. It's often cited as a more affordable alternative to other Vancouver attractions like the Capilano Suspension Bridge. The garden provides a peaceful and educational experience, showcasing a remarkable diversity of plant life that rivals more famous botanical gardens.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit