Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden

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Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden

When East Meets West: Chinese New Year in Vancouver

Ring in the year of the dragon and experience the best of Chinese culture

By Kristina Urquhart

The grounds at Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden. Photo by KK Law

Think big. That’s our advice for the auspicious year of the dragon, which kicks off Jan. 23 and lasts until Feb. 9, 2013. Dragons are symbols of power, good fortune and lofty ideas—and the world could use some of each after being encouraged to pause and reflect during the peaceful year of the rabbit in 2011.

The Chinese New Year adheres to a lunar and solar calendar and usually falls on the second new moon after the winter solstice; what follows are days of decorating, exchanging gifts and passing lucky red money packets. The festivities culminate in the spectacular two-hour Chinese New Year Parade on Jan. 29, which starts at the ornate Millennium Gate, an imposing entrance to North America’s third-largest Chinatown. Expect to see colourful lion dances and martial arts demonstrations making their way through the red-lamppost-lined neighbourhood. (more…)

Garden Party

Pack a picnic lunch and spend a day exploring Vancouver’s magnificent gardens

By Kristina Urquhart

VanDusen Botanical Garden
Please, walk on the grass. So say the signs at this impressive 22-hectare (55-acre) horticultural haven, where you’ll discover 7,500 types of flowers and plants from all four corners of the world. Embark on a guided or self-guided walking tour down gravel pathways, which meander through groves of Japanese maples, magnolias and giant redwoods. Young gardeners-in-training love to get lost in the hedge maze. Another highlight is the collection of ginkgo trees, which are considered to be “living fossils,” meaning they haven’t evolved much from their Jurassic-era ancestors 200 million years ago. Plants that change with the seasons make VanDusen gorgeous any time of the year. This month, take note of vibrant perennials at their peak, including fragrant lilies and South African bulbs. A vivid array of herbs and veggies are also on display in the Heirloom Vegetable Garden, which is styled after the Victorian era this year. On your way out, be sure to visit the Garden Shop, which offers botanical booty such as plants, seeds, tools, books and decorative tchotchkes.

Queen Elizabeth Park's main Quarry Garden is a spectacular spot for weddings. Photo courtesy Vancouver Park Board

Queen Elizabeth Park
If you’re looking for something more than blossoms to take your breath away, don’t miss the panoramic views from Queen Elizabeth Park, which sits atop Little Mountain and is Vancouver’s highest point, at 152 m (501 ft) above sea level. What started as a basalt quarry in the early 20th century is now a 53-hectare (130-acre) refuge popular for its lawn bowling space, tai chi pavilions, picnic areas, tennis courts and pitch-and-putt. The expansive arboretum houses about 1,500 of the park’s 3,000 trees; guided walks are offered several times a year. Get your camera ready at the edge of the former mine pit—below lies the main Quarry Garden, with its manicured lawns, shrubs, waterfall and colourful blooms. Take a break from the sun to admire the exotic plants and free-flying birds in the park’s much-loved Bloedel Floral Conservatory. This month, watch an open-air, evening production of Robin Hood.

Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden
Step back in time to the 15th century at this popular Chinatown destination, which is a near-authentic replica of the social areas in a Ming Dynasty scholar’s residence. Sequestered behind high walls in downtown Vancouver, the peaceful oasis opened in 1986 after 52 Chinese craftsmen laboured for a year using traditional building methods—that means no power tools, screws or glue. The guided tour is a

The Jade Water Pavilion represents yin with its circular Heaven gate and yang with its square Earth gate

must to learn the full scope of the garden’s symbolism. Everything in the space is a masterful blend of yin and yang: the white walls, abundance of plants and smooth, light rocks represent yin; the dark roof, angular windows and sharp, dark rocks invoke yang. A jade-green pond, intentionally murky to better reflect the stunning sanctum, is home to koi fish and turtles. Adjacent, Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Park is free to the public and provides a pretty view of the garden’s outer walls.

Stanley Park
Vancouver’s biggest horticultural paradise is more than 400 hectares (1,000 acres) and larger than New York’s Central Park. A short walk on Stanley Park’s seawall or trails and you’ll see trees, flowers and plants everywhere. Darling buds grace the Shakespeare Garden—look no further than the massive tulip tree or the cluster of daybreak cherry trees. A monument bearing the Bard’s likeness overlooks this quiet arboretum, which is partly cultivated with plants mentioned in Shakespeare’s body of work. Bard buffs relish the plaques bearing relevant quotations that accompany cedar, red oak and black walnut trees, among others. Beyond lie the perennial and rose flowerbeds, a popular spot in sunny season with more than 3,500 plants. Pose for photos or enjoy the shade under the arbour, draped with old-fashioned rose varieties. At the foot of Alberni Street, local residents maintain the flora in the community garden. Spring is when most of the 4,500 rhododendrons and azaleas in the Ted & Mary Greig Rhododendron Garden are in bloom, but many of the hybrids blossom in late summer, making for a picturesque stroll around the pitch-and-putt course.

In summer at Minter Gardens, enjoy fragrant roses and see many perennials and annuals at their peak. Photo courtesy Minter Gardens

Worth The Drive
Plan day trips to see two of BC’s most spectacular gardens. A 90-minute drive from downtown Vancouver, Minter Gardens is a 13-hectare (32-acre) showstopper popular for weddings. The oasis, awash with colour and dotted with topiaries in summer, is situated at the foot of 2,134-m (7,000-ft) Mount Cheam. Cedar trees, brooks and rock walls are found throughout, and the hedge maze is popular with both tykes and adults. A ferry or short plane ride away, Vancouver Island is home to The Butchart Gardens, also a National Historic Site of Canada. This 22-hectare (55-acre) Eden was created in the early 1900s on an abandoned limestone quarry, which is now the magnificent Sunken Garden. Fifty full-time gardeners tend to the one million-plus plants used every year on the grounds and in the 26 heated greenhouses. Shutterbugs have endless photo ops at their fingertips, from the Japanese gardens to the lookout at Butchart’s Cove. Summertime brings daily performances on the concert stage, light displays every evening and fireworks on Saturday nights.

For more information on these gardens and others in the city, click here.

Top 10 Reasons to Return

If you think Vancouver is beautiful right now, just wait until you see the city in the summer

by Sheri Radford, Jennifer Patterson and Kristina Urquhart

Downtown Vancouver and the North Shore mountains, as seen from the oceanfront between Kitsilano Beach and Vanier Park. Photo copyright Ann Badjura/Dreamstime.com

1 Gorgeous Scenery
Vancouver has no shortage of breathtaking outdoor escapes: the rolling waves of the Pacific Ocean, the almost-year-round snow-capped mountains, and greenery as far as the eye can see. Wriggle your toes in the sand at one of the many public beaches, including Kits Beach—rated one of North America’s top 10 sexiest beaches by Forbes Traveler—or Wreck Beach, where clothing is optional. Head up the mountains for scenic 360-degree views, challenging hikes and glimpses of local wildlife. Grab your camera and visit one of the city’s many green spaces, including VanDusen Botanical Garden and Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden. Bike, walk or run Vancouver’s famous seawall, a 22-km (13.7-mi) shoreline stretch that wraps around Stanley Park, past Science World and Granville Island, finishing up at Kits Beach.—J.P.

2 Major Attractions
Seek refuge in Stanley Park, where you can see summertime displays of roses and rhododendrons, catch outdoor theatre

A team races in the annual Dragon Boat Festival in front of Science World at Telus World of Science. Photo by Tom Ryan courtesy Tourism BC

shows, frolic on beaches and ogle baby beluga whales at Vancouver Aquarium. Views abound at Capilano Suspension Bridge and Grouse Mountain, where observing the antics of Grinder and Coola—two orphaned grizzly bears—is a popular summer activity. False Creek forms the backdrop for Granville Island, a hub for artist studios. Impromptu street performances are common, the Public Market boasts seasonal bounty from local farmers and the public fish sales dock is a local favourite for buying fresh, in-season seafood. Closed through most of March, Science World is spending our Winter Games as the pavilion for the Sochi 2014 Winter Games. This iconic “golf ball” is a fixture in the Vancouver skyline; inside you’ll find hands-on exhibits, science demos and educational films in the OMNIMAX Theatre.—K.U.

3 Festivals & Special Events
July and August brim with outdoor events that take full advantage of the long, sun-soaked days. Bard on the Beach presents Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing, Antony and Cleopatra, Falstaff and Henry V against a stunning ocean-and-mountains backdrop. Theatre Under the Stars mounts Joseph and the

The ferris wheel at the PNE. Photo by Sheri Radford

Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Singin’ in the Rain on alternating nights in Stanley Park’s Malkin Bowl. The Pacific National Exhibition (PNE) celebrates its 100th anniversary with rides, midway games, outdoor concerts, parades, the PNE prize home, mini-donuts and, of course, the Superdogs. The Vancouver Folk Music Festival brings musicians from around the world to Jericho Beach Park for three days of groovy sounds. Pride Week bursts with a rainbow of gay-pride events, culminating in the Pride Parade and Sunset Beach Festival. The HSBC Celebration of Light marks its 20th anniversary with fireworks over English Bay that light up Metro Vancouver.—S.R.

4 Outdoor Adventures
When the temperature rises, outdoor enthusiasts take to the seas for kayaking, scuba diving and whale watching. From late April through October, the waters surrounding Vancouver and Vancouver Island are abundant with orcas (formerly called killer whales). Whale-watching trips offer glimpses of other wildlife, too, including porpoises, sea lions, harbour seals and eagles. Thrill-seekers in both Vancouver and Whistler ride high above the treetops of rainforests while

A pod of orcas. Photo copyright Lazareva Evgeniya/Istockphoto.com

harnessed to a cable called a zipline. Avid cyclist? Participate in myriad bike races, or head to the Whistler Mountain Bike Park for 1,507 m (4,946 ft) of bike trails and a jump park. Hike the mountains and nearby national parks, or take a low-key stroll around the seawall. After a long day in the sun, relax like a Vancouverite with a yoga session on the beach.—K.U.

5 Golfing, Sailing & Skiing
You might have heard a rumour that it’s possible to golf, sail and ski in Metro Vancouver, all on the same day. Unlike most rumours, this one is true. Highly rated courses such as University Golf Club, Westwood Plateau, Furry Creek Golf and Country Club, and Nicklaus North Golf Course boast views so stunning that it may be difficult to keep your eye on the ball. Local companies such as Sewell’s Marina can take you on a sea safari or—if you’re up to the job of captain—rent you a boat to go exploring on your own. As for catching

Nicklaus North Golf Course in Whistler

some powder in the summertime, Whistler Blackcomb’s Horstman Glacier stays open for intermediate and advanced skiers and riders through July.—S.R.

6 Winter Games Sites
Relive exciting moments from the 2010 Winter Games with a tour of Olympic and Paralympic venues, either by yourself or guided by Enjoy Tour and Travel. Canada Hockey Place, otherwise known as GM Place, is home to our NHL team, the Canucks, and sits alongside BC Place. Up on Cypress Mountain, take in the view of the Vancouver Convention Centre. To the east is the Pacific Coliseum, the showcase for figure skating. Experience your own medal-worthy moment with a lap around the Richmond Olympic Oval, open to all levels of fitness after the Games. In Whistler, follow the path of gold-medal bobsledders with a guided tour of the Sliding Centre and Olympic/Paralympic Park.—J.P.

7 Sports Teams
You’ll hear the hoots and hollers of Vancouver Canucks fans until regular-season games wrap up Apr. 10—but if the team advances to the Stanley Cup playoffs, ’Nucks fever can last into June. September marks the start of the 2011 game season for both the Canucks and the Vancouver Giants, the city’s major junior hockey team. Football fans root for the BC Lions

Canucks goalie Roberto Luongo. Photo by Jeff Vinnick courtesy Vancouver Canucks

(Jun. to Nov.), and the Vancouver Canadians play the ol’ ball game at historic Nat Bailey Stadium (Jun. to Sep.). The Vancouver Whitecaps don their cleats this summer (Apr. to Oct.) before beginning their major-league soccer career in 2011.—K.U.

8 Day Trips
Head to Squamish and Whistler for outdoor activities aplenty, including windsurfing, mountain biking and canoeing. Hop aboard BC Ferries for a trip to Victoria, the capital city of British Columbia and home to our historic parliament buildings. A skip-and-a-jump between Vancouver and Vancouver Island are the Gulf Islands, and there’s no shortage of charming getaways on Salt Spring, Galiano and Mayne islands. The Fraser Valley is the perfect spot to grab farm-fresh cheese and u-pick raspberries. The province’s wine region can be found in the Okanagan, known for its dry, sunny climate. South of the border is Seattle, home to rock legends Nirvana and Jimi Hendrix, as well as the iconic Space Needle.—J.P.

9 Restaurants
Vancouver boasts world-class cuisine, but many of our best restaurants are rented out or booked solid during the 2010 Winter Games. Return in the warmer months, then, for an eating-and-drinking tour of the city featuring summer’s cornucopia of fresh