Once we finished exploring Vancouver’s great aquarium, the day was still grey and wet. The good thing is that it wasn’t raining at all when we exited. I told my husband there was still one place I wanted to go before leaving the next morning. I wanted to pay a visit to the VanDusen Botanical garden. But there were two obstacles. First, it was kind of far and required a long bus ride. Second, we weren’t sure the weather was going to cooperate (you know, botanical gardens are open spaces). My husband just gave me a look. I quickly understood. He really told me: “Let’s do it”.
Ok, so we made it to the other side of town (where the garden is located). I am glad I decided to go. Some people may find gardens boring. Are you kidding me? Visit a place to see plans. Meehhhhh. Well, I have to say I enjoy these places very much (maybe I am boring, who knows). I always discover something plus I love to be surrounded by color.
VanDusen is a public garden located in the Shaughnessy neighborhood. It is managed by the Vancouver Park Board and volunteers help to run the place. It is a fairly large garden (55 acres) which provides many special attractions (other than a huge collection of botanicals). In there you can admire totem poles, a Korean Pavilion and statues that add to the serene atmosphere. Additionally, the garden offers guided tours, lectures and workshop. Therefore, visit the official website if you want to participate in any of these offerings.
What really captured me about this place was the fall foliage. We visited about a year ago. Consequently, the trees were showing all their autumn splendor. I was fascinated while walking about the many trees in such vivid colors. I felt like in a fairytale (plus, they even have a maze). Take a look at the following pictures so you can admire the charm of this place.
Fountain at Van Dusen Garden
Bridge surrounded by colorful trees
Beautiful Landscape
Waterfall
Orange flower with furry coat
Brown Plant
Bright orange tree and statue
Me surrounded by colorful trees
Fall Scene
Yellow Flower
Red Rose
Colors Galore! Love this one.
Me with white fluffies
Oriental Pavillion
The cherry on the top was the temporal exhibition the garden was presenting when we visited. They had pieces of the Mexican sculptor Sebastian scattered around the green areas. I enjoyed his bright colored sculptures. They added a special touch (a vibrancy) to the place. I did an Internet search to find more about this sculptor. I was amazed to discover he is regarded as Mexico’s foremost living sculptor. His sculptures stand not only in Mexico but in countries like the USA, Japan and Ireland. He also designs jewelry and paints. It is formidable to learn about an artist’s work while traveling.
Purple Sculpture by Sebastian
Yellow Sculpture by Sebastian
Blue Sculpture by Sebastian
Red Sculpture by Sebastian
White Sculpture. Not sure if this one is from Sebastian but it looks cool.
Me with one of Sebastian's Sculptures
Well my friends, this is the end of my Vancouver adventures. I have posted 15 articles about the magnificent city of Vancouver. Don’t hesitate to take a look at my other posts (search or browse on the right column). Next week we are headed to the big, bold and beautiful country of Brazil!! Stay tuned for the new set of adventures!!!
Didn’t even know this garden existed or we would have checked it out when we were there. I bet it’s really gorgeous in the spring and summer. Can’t wait to hear about your Brazil adventures so I can live vicariously since I have never been there!
Jan Ross recently posted..Drenched and Exhilarated on The Maid of the Mist
I am also exited about Brazil. It was such a good trip.
that Orange flower with furry coat looks really, really weird for me. hehe! great set of photos you have here
Gladys | ByahengBarok.com recently posted..Seeing Samal Island in New Light
I love that photo but have to admit it has a weird look. I am not sure if the furry coat is part of the plant or if it is another plant coexisting with the flower.
Ruth recently posted..Vancouver’s Viceroy, Day 5 (Scene 2)
Great photos at VanDusen. Looks like they have a lot of variety there — trees, waterfalls, unusual flowers, sculptures — I like that.
Cathy Sweeney recently posted..The Heat Was Hot: My desert road trip
I found it full of different things to see. I believe it is one of the most beautiful gardens I have visited.
Ruth recently posted..Vancouver’s Viceroy, Day 5 (Scene 2)
What a beautiful garden! I do enjoy gardens when traveling. They are usually a very peaceful way to get away from it all for a little bit.
Debbie Beardsley @ European Travelista recently posted..Innsbruck You Captivated Me!
Yeah, I agree with you. It is a way to rest from all the walking and sighseeing while traveling.
Ruth recently posted..Vancouver’s Viceroy, Day 5 (Scene 2)
Beautiful photos! I usually think of the East Coast when I think of fall foliage, but this is a good reminder that areas in the PNW can be just as beautiful in autumn as well.
Christy @ Technosyncratic recently posted..Monthly Travel Costs: October 2011 (Berlin)
I suppose the East Coast has a lot of good places to observe fall foliage. I have never visited the East Coast during fall. However, I have to say I have observed a lot of beautiful foliage in the West Coast. So, I guess that is my way to avoid the plane ride.
Ruth recently posted..Vancouver’s Viceroy, Day 5 (Scene 2)
Lovely!
adventureswithben recently posted..Introducing, the adventures with ben Travel Newsletter!
Thanks, Ben
Ruth recently posted..Vancouver’s Viceroy, Day 5 (Scene 2)
darn – i missed it! I wish i had more time in YVR!
this park looks gorgeous
jenjenk recently posted..Cappadocia, Turkey: Kelebek Cave Hotel
I know how you feel. It looks like we need more time everywhere we visit.
Ruth recently posted..Vancouver’s Viceroy, Day 5 (Scene 2)
Wow, love the abstract sculptures! Beautiful landscape pictures!
Norbert recently posted..Dabuyaba: Sacred Garifuna Architecture