Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(
www.ubcbotanicalgarden.org
;
6804 SW Marine Dr; adult/child $8/4; 9:30am-5pm, reduced
hours in winter; 99B-Line, then C20)
You'll find a giant collection of rhododendrons, a
fascinating apothecary plot and a winter green space of off-season bloomers in this
28-hectare complex of themed gardens. Save time for the attraction's
Greenheart Can-
$20/6; 9am-5pm)
, which lifts visitors 17m above the forest floor on a 308m guided
eco-tour. Walkway tickets include garden entry.
Check the garden's website calendar before your visit: free tours are available on se-
lect days and they provide a great introduction to the various garden areas. And make
sure you drop into the gift shop before you leave for green-thumbed books and goodies.
BEATY BIODIVERSITY MUSEUM
MUSEUM
(
www.beatymuseum.ubc.ca
;
2212 Main Mall; adult/child $12/8; 10am-5pm, closed Mon off-
season; 99B-Line)
UBC's newest museum is also its most family-friendly. Showcasing
two million natural history specimens that have never before been available for public
viewing, there are fossil, fish and herbarium galleries here. The highlight is the 25m
blue-whale skeleton, artfully displayed in the museum's two-story main entrance.
Check the schedule for regular free tours and kids activities. Many of the museum's ex-
hibits are in high-tech pullout drawers, which means you can spend hours here poking
around seeing what's in the next one. There's also a cafe if you need to sit down and
rest your trigger finger.
NITOBE MEMORIAL GARDEN
GARDEN
(
www.nitobe.org
;
1895 Lower Mall; adult/child $6/3; 9:30am-5pm mid-Mar-mid-Nov, reduced
hours off-season; 99B-Line, then C20)
Exemplifying Japanese horticultural philosophies,
this tranquil oasis includes a Tea Garden - complete with ceremonial teahouse - and a
Stroll Garden that represents a journey through life, with little waterfalls and languid
koi (carp). It's named after Dr Inazo Nitobe, a scholar whose mug appears on Japan's
¥5000 bill. Consider a springtime visit for the florid cherry-blossom displays.
MORRIS AND HELEN BELKIN GALLERY
GALLERY
(
www.belkin.ubc.ca
;
1825 Main Mall; 10am-5pm Tue-Fri, noon-5pm Sat & Sun; 99B-Line)
F
This excellent little gallery specializes in contemporary and often quite challen-
