Spring is in full bloom, and so are the budding flowers around beautiful Vancouver. Our city’s coastal climate encourages abundant growth of all kinds of flowers, so it’s time to get outside and smell the roses. We’ve put together the perfect spring road trip list for you to discover some gorgeous gardens and lush green landscapes. So make the most of the warmer weather and don’t forget to roll down your windows!

 

Located just a half hour north of Richmond, the VanDusen Botanical Garden makes for a magical day trip. The beautiful 22-acre garden bursts to life with flowering bulbs and magnolias in the spring. It is also home to plenty of birds taking advantage of all the lush grounds have to offer. Join a guided tour and celebrate the arrival of spring surrounded by joyful chirps from above. And don’t forget your camera!

Stanley Park is a favourite for both couples and families. This park is home to a beautiful collection of flowers and May is the perfect time to see them. The Ted and Mary Greig Rhododendron Garden and the Shakespeare Garden await to be explored by visitors. Plus, the famous Stanley Park Rose Garden boasts over 3,500 rose bushes and beautiful flowering bulb displays that pop with colour at this time of year. A visit here really is a walk in the park!

 

The Queen Elizabeth Park Quarry Gardens takes its name from the quarry that used to be located in its place before it became a park in the 1960s. This garden is full of spectacular green displays of trees and shrubs as well as a variety of bulbs and annuals. There serenity in enhanced by a peaceful stream and calming waterfall. Climb to the park’s highest point and visit the Bloedel Conservatory to step inside a lush paradise with over 100 free-flying birds and over 500 exotic plants and flowers.

 

Tucked away on The University of British Columbia campus, the UBC Botanical Gardens is one of Vancouver’s best kept secrets. Although it is open all year round, the garden’s display is especially impressive in the spring with vibrant magnolias, rhododendrons, and many more colourful blooms. Enjoy a scenic drive along the coast then stop in to explore the grounds or learn about the diversity of plants with a guided walking tour.

 

Also located within the UBC Botanical Garden, the Nitobe Memorial Garden is a traditional Japanese Tea and Stroll garden. Here you’ll experience an authentic taste of Japan and a harmonious balance among natural forms. The spring is prime time to take in the cherry blossoms and enjoy the peaceful waterfalls. You can even take part in a tea ceremony by visiting on the last Saturday of the month.

 

If you’re looking for a weekend trip, prepare your playlist for a 4 hour trip to Kelowna. Trust us, the trip is worth it! There’s plenty to do here and tons of beauty to take in. If you’re into golf, head to the green and enjoy playing a game on the lush fairway at any of Kelowna’s golf courses. Or tour one of the many scenic wineries in the area. Looking to liven up your Instagram feed? Kelowna is home to some beautiful gardens. Check out the Kasugai Japanese Garden, a peaceful park featuring stone lanterns, pine trees, waterfalls and koi ponds. That’s not all. Just down the road in Kelowna is the Okanagan Lavender & Herb Farm where you can visit the gardens and smell the fresh lavender (keep this idea in your back pocket for peak lavender season at the end of the summer).