Cherry Blossom Viewing at Queen Elizabeth Park in Vancouver
Queen Elizabeth Park in Vancouver is one of the top destinations for cherry blossom viewing in the country. It's known for its landscaped quarry gardens, and also features an upmarket restaurant, a conservatory, and multiple recreational activities. The park was once a rock quarry, but it was converted into a lush urban park. Currently, it's home to more than 6 million visitors every year, making it one of the city's most popular outdoor spaces.
One of the park's most talked-about attractions is the Bloedel Conservatory. It's located inside the park and offers an array of tropical plants, birds, and sculptures. There are more than 500 different kinds of flowers, and over 100 exotic birds. During spring, the garden is in bloom.
For those who don't want to walk all over the park, a SkyTrain line stops at Oakridge-41st Avenue Station, and it's a short walk to Queen Elizabeth Park from there. Visitors can also take a tour bus to the park. In addition, it's easy to drive to the park from various points in the city. Moovit, a travel app, makes it even easier to get to the park.
Another popular attraction at Queen Elizabeth Park is the Dancing Waters fountain. A large water reservoir surrounds the fountain, and the jets are controlled by a computer program to release the water in time. You'll find that the fountain is the perfect spot for a romantic moment, or for just taking a relaxing break from your busy day.
In addition to the gardens, the park also features an arboretum with over a thousand trees, a pitch and putt golf course, and public art. Many people come to the park for picnicking, hiking, and golfing. To find out more about the park, visit the TransLink website. Also, consider checking out Seasons in the Park, a upscale restaurant that's located right on the park's top level. This restaurant provides sweeping views of the surrounding area, and is a great place to enjoy a meal.
While at Queen Elizabeth Park, you can also explore its Bloedel Floral Conservatory. This is a large botanical garden that offers a variety of plants, including tropical rainforests, deserts, and subtropical species. It is covered by a plexiglass dome, and the conservatory itself is almost a quarter of an acre in size.
If you're interested in visiting Queen Elizabeth Park, be sure to plan ahead. There are several different entrances to the park, and parking is available at meters. However, the best time to visit is during spring or summer.
Other attractions at Queen Elizabeth Park include the Conservatory, the Quarry Gardens, and the Pitch and Putt Golf Course. Those who like to watch wildlife can also check out the Queen Elizabeth Wildlife Centre, which has exhibits of birds, fish, and other wildlife. All of the park's paths are paved, and it is wheelchair accessible.
Visitors to the park can also enjoy other amenities, such as tennis courts and lawn bowling. Visitors can take in the views from the observation decks, or they can go for a hike on the trails.