Van Dusen is great, there are also some wonderful displays in Queen Elizabeth Park and the Blodel Conservatory is there and it is full of tropical and desert plants and birds.

I do not believe it is legal to bring plants back across the border....

Stanley Park has a wonderful rose garden.

If you are a walker, the traffic bulges/traffic circles are interesting. These are throughout the city and "adopted" by residents. Each has a different planting (plants supplied by the adopters).

Lisa, nurseries and garden centers sound like shopping to me :) You need a Phytosanitary certificate to cross coming back with plants and seeds both.

Oooops hit the wrong key so here goes again LOL. Yes you would need a phyto to bring plants back with you, the darn border thing rearing it's head again :(.

Another garden to visit is the Dr. Sun Yat Sen chinese garden in downtown Vancouver.

Southlands is one of my favorite garden centers when I'm over on the mainland but the cream of the crop for me is Phoenix Perennials which started up mail order this year but unfortunately only within Canada for now. It's well worth a look see tho'. I've put a link below to their website, go to nursery at the top of the page for more information. Hope you have a great time while you're up here.

Annette

Here is a link that might be useful: Phoenix Perennials

I'm curious how hard it is to get a phyto cert, and what kind of plants are on the 'do not export' list----anyone know?
I'm perfectly happy to have my purchases inspected at the border, but it would be sad to have them confiscated. :o(
Maybe I'll forego the buying, and just enjoy.
Thanks for the good info!

Oh hey! Phoenix Perennials website just answered all my questions...they have LOTS of good info on obtaining a phyto, and list several ways to do it.
Thanks Annette, for the link---I'm really looking forward to my trip!

~Lisa

Your welcome Lisa, have a great trip :).

Annette

UBC and Van Dusen are the important outdoor plant destinations. Bloedel Conservatory is special also.

Thanks, bboy----which one has the amazing alpine garden?

Here's a link to the alpine garden at UBC, I haven't been for a number of years but thoroughly enjoyed it when I did.

Annette

Here is a link that might be useful: Alpine Garden