VANCOUVER - British Columbia: Including the Alaska Highway - page 66

Erickson, the ultramodern concrete-and-glass building perches on a high cliff overlooking
the Pacific Ocean and mimics the post-and-beam structures favored by the Coast Salish.
The entrance is flanked by panels in the shape of a bent box, which the Salish believed
contained the meaning of life. Inside, a ramp lined with impressive sculptures by renowned
modern-day carvers leads to the Great Hall, a cavernous 18-meter (59-foot) room domin-
ated by towering totem poles collected from along the coast and interspersed with other
ancient works. A museum highlight is the collection of works by Haida artist Bill Reid, in-
cluding The Raven and the First Men, which is carved from a four-ton chunk of yellow ce-
dar, drenched in natural light, and raised above sand from the Queen Charlotte Islands. The
surrounding seats are popular spots to sit and simply stare. Other displays include intricate
carvings, baskets, ceremonial masks, fabulous jewelry, and European ceramics. Outside, a
deliciously scented woodland path on the left side of the museum leads to a reconstructed
Haida village and some contemporary totem poles with descriptive plaques.
If you have your own vehicle, make sure you have a fistful of change to park in the lot
beside the museum ($1 for every 20 minutes). The museum is open until 9pm on Tuesdays,
with admission by donation after 5pm.
University Gardens
Just south of the Museum of Anthropology is the serene Nitobe Memorial Garden (604/
822-9666, 10am-5pm daily mid-Mar.-Oct., adult $6, senior $4.50, child $3), named for and
dedicated to a prominent Japanese educator. Spread over one hectare (2.5 acres), this tradi-
tional Japanese garden of shrubs and miniatures has two distinct sections: the Stroll Garden,
laid out in a form that symbolizes the journey through life, and the Tea Garden, the place
to contemplate life from a ceremonial teahouse. The garden is surrounded by high walls
(which almost block out the noise of traffic from busy Marine Drive), making it a peaceful
retreat. Outside of summer, the garden is open limited hours (10am-2:30pm Mon.-Fri.), but
admission is by donation.
Also on campus is the delightful UBC Botanical Garden (6804 Marine Dr., 604/
822-9666, mid-March-mid-Oct. Mon.-Fri. 9am-4:30pm, Sat.-Sun. 9:30am-4:30pm adult
$20, senior $15, child $10). Set amid coastal forest, the 44-hectare (110-acre) garden dates
to the turn of the 20th century and features eight separate sections, which hold around
10,000 species of trees, shrubs, and flowers. The various gardens have themes of specific
regions or environments. Highlights include Canada's largest collection of rhododendrons;
a Native Garden alive with the plants, flowers, and shrubs found along the Pacific North-
west coast; a display of mountain plants from the world's continents in the Alpine Garden;
and medieval healing plants in the Physick Garden.