Parks and gardens

• Bloedel Conservatory—The climate-controlled dome of this lush tropical paradise in Queen

Elizabeth Park was opened in 1969, and is home to exotic birds, plants, and flowers. vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/bloedel-conservatory.aspx

• Queen Elizabeth Park—You can find spectacular city and mountain views, beautiful places for a picnic, an arboretum, a rose garden, and the unique Quarry Garden in this 52-hectare park in central Vancouver. There is also a pitch and putt, as well as lawn bowling, tennis, basketball courts, and disc golf areas. vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/queen-elizabeth-park.aspx

• Stanley Park—Vancouver’s first, largest, and most iconic park, with 400 hectares of rainforest, trails, and landmarks. Canada’s largest aquarium is also situated inside the park. vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/stanley-park.aspx

• Dr. Sun Yat–Sen Classical Chinese Garden—The first full–scale traditional Ming Dynasty era garden created outside of China, with winding paths, rocks, plants, and beautiful vistas. Admission and information on their website. vancouverchinesegarden.com/visit

• Sun Yat–Sen Park—An oasis of calm in the heart of Chinatown, this park is the free alternative or complement to the Dr. Sun Yat–Sen Classical Chinese Garden. The lush plants, unique rocks, koiand water lily-filled pond, and the beautiful pagoda encourage peace and tranquility.

• VanDusen Botanical Garden—This 55-acre garden oasis offers serenity and beauty with its lakes, sculptures, and over 7,500 plant species from around the world. More information including admission, activities, and bloom calendars can be found here: vancouver.ca/parks-recreationculture/vandusen-botanical-garden.aspx

• Lynn Canyon Park and Suspension Bridge (North Vancouver)—Whether you want to have a leisurely nature hike, soothe your soul in lush second-growth forest, visit the Ecology Centre, or experience the suspension bridge swaying 50 meters across the forested canyon and beautiful

Lynn Creek, this oasis in North Vancouver has no admission fee, and is well worth the trip. lynncanyon.ca/information

• Capilano Suspension Bridge (North Vancouver)—There is a lot to do at the Capilano Suspension

Bridge Park, including the 137-metre-long bridge swinging 70 metres above Capilano River, the

Cliffwalk, and the Treetops Adventure, in addition to the beautiful forest and environs. All this comes with a hefty price tag, check online for admission fees and information. www.capbridge.com/

BCTF Summer Leadership Conference 2022 67