UBC’s Nitobe Gardens is a marvel of Japanese style landscaping situated in British Columbia’s largest university campus, amidst a rainforest, and adjacent to the sea.
“Each tree, stone and shrub has been deliberately placed and is carefully maintained to reflect an idealized conception and symbolic representation of nature. There is harmony among natural forms-waterfalls, rivers, forests, islands and seas-and a balance of masculine and feminine forces traditionally attributed to natural elements. Realizing that many native trees and shrubs could be trained and pruned in typical Japanese fashion, the garden’s creators incorporated them as unique features. Some maple and cherry trees and most of the azaleas and iris were brought from Japan. A place of reflection, where each step reveals a new harmony, the garden is designed to suggest a span of time- a day, a week or a lifetime-with a beginning choice of paths, and ending.” from www.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/nitobe
“I am in Japan,” was the reaction of the Crown Prince (now Emperor) of Japan as he walked through the garden. from www.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/nitobe
What to do after Nitobe Gardens-Pacific Spirit Park
Just steps away from Nitobe Gardens, another urban oasis on the UBC campus. Pacific Spirit Park is 50 kilometres of forested walking, cycling and horseback riding trails. Wreck Beach at the bottom of the trail is Vancouver’s famous clothing optional beach. You can access it on foot, by car or by bicycle.
Where to Stay near Nitobe Gardens-Point Grey Guest House
A quaint traditional guest house within walking distance of the UBC campus, Jericho Beach and downtown.
4103 West 10th Avenue
Vancouver, BC V6R 2H2
Canada
1-604-222-4104
info@pointgreyguesthouse.com
Meet the Side Trip, Ethical and Agri-Tourism Tourist
Teri Church seeks out interesting travel experiences around the world. Her favorite subjects to report on are ethical and earth friendly, but she’s the first to admit, she’ll give anything a try.
