Photo: Alessandro Segala/Unsplash
You know spring has sprung in Vancouver when the tulips come out. From parks and gardens to fields full of blooms, here are the best places to see tulips near Vancouver.
Stanley Park
Photo: Evan Qu/Unsplash
While Stanley Park might be known for towering evergreen trees and beautiful ocean views, it’s also a great destination for spring flowers. It’s an easy walk into the park from the entrance near Denman and Georgia Street. Or rent a bike and combine a ride around the Seawall with detours to see the flowers.
Start your trip at the Rose Garden near the park entrance to see over 3,500 rose bushes. The highlight is the arbour covered in climbing roses and clematis. If you’re looking for tulips, daffodils, and other spring flowers, you’ll find them here too in a series of planted beds that lead towards the Stanley Park Causeway. Be sure to wander northeast across Pipeline Road to see the rest of the Rose Garden. You’ll find the best tulips outside the Stanley Park Pavilion.
Quarry Gardens in Queen Elizabeth Park
Photo: Keenan Barber/Unsplash
The Quarry Gardens at Queen Elizabeth Park are spectacular in spring. The gardens sit deep inside the old quarry, cradled inside the rock walls. You can view them from above near the Bloedel Conservatory or follow the paths down into the gardens. The garden beds are meticulously planted with all sorts of flowering bulbs including lots of tulips.
Grab takeout from one of the hip restaurants like East is East or Chickpea on nearby Main Street, then have a picnic in the park. You can also dine with a view of the gardens at Seasons in the Park.
VanDusen Botanical Garden
Photo credit: Tourism Vancouver/Sombilon Studios
A trip to VanDusen Botanical Garden is a must for flower fans. The garden sprawls across 22 hectares (55 acres) in the heart of Vancouver. Each spring the planted beds erupt in a riot of colour. They have over 30 varieties of tulips along with lots of other spring bulbs including daffodils and hyacinths. The flowering magnolia trees are also spectacular. To find the best blooms, grab a self-guided tour pamphlet from the information desk. Or just wander the winding paths to see what you can discover.
Be sure to stop in at The Garden Cafe for their Afternoon Tea package. The cafe has an incredible view of Livingston Lake and the gardens. Or book a table at Shaughnessy Restaurant. Their patio has a great view of the garden and their seasonal menu includes items grown on site!
Abbotsford Tulip Festival
Photo: Lakeland Flowers
Head to the farmlands east of Vancouver for the 2024 Abbotsford Tulip Festival at Lakeland Flowers. Owned by the Dutch-Canadian Warmerdam family who have been growing flowers here for three generations, the farm spreads across 100 acres. The festival starts on April 6 and includes over 70 varieties of tulips. Buy your tickets online up to a week in advance to avoid disappointment.
If you’re looking for a spot to refuel, head to Oldhand Coffee in downtown Abbotsford. This cozy, family-owned cafe has delicious baked goods, sandwiches, and of course coffee. Or try the craft beers at Field House Brewing Co. Relax on their sunny patio with a glass of ale and one of their signature pizzas.
Harrison Tulip Festival
Photo: Harrison Tulip Festival
This is the first year in their new 109-acre location for the Harrison Tulip Festival. It includes 10 million tulips set against a mountain backdrop. There is also a 2.5-acre show garden that features tulips, hyacinths, daffodils, and more. The festival runs from April 8 to May 5. You can buy tickets at the gate, but online tickets are a bit cheaper.
Allow extra time to visit the cute village of Harrison Hot Springs. Stroll along the lakeside for great mountain views. Don’t miss a photo op with the Sasquatch statue! Grab lunch on the patio at the Muddy Waters Cafe or a sweet treat at the Rocky Mtn Chocolate Factory.
Botanica Tulip Festival
Photo: Botanica Flower Festival/Instagram
The Botanica Tulip Festival in Chilliwack includes 1.5 million blooms across 13 acres. You buy tickets online in advance or at the gate. They also offer a unique U-Pick Pail experience: You can pick and take home as many tulips as will fit in the pail.
Combine your trip to the tulip festival with some bird watching. The Great Blue Heron Nature Reserve is just a few minutes away. It’s one of the largest heron nesting colonies in the Vancouver area and is a key stop on the Chilliwack Bird Trail.
If you want to pick up some produce or fresh bread, head to the nearby Local Harvest Market. This farm market focuses on sustainable, local goods. They also bake their own bread with Anita’s Organic Mill flours, sourced from farmers in BC and the Canadian prairies.