Discover the natural beauty and vibrant community spirit of Vancouver’s North Shore through its diverse gardens, lush parks, and scenic coastal pathways. From the tranquil Japanese serenity of Chiba Gardens to the pollinator-friendly blooms of Ambleside Butterfly Garden, each stop offers a moment of peace and connection with nature.

Many of these gardens are nestled near or along the Spirit Trail—a waterfront greenway that weaves together the cultural and ecological richness of North and West Vancouver. As you wander, take time to explore nearby parks like Waterfront Park, Ambleside Park, or Maplewood Flats, where native plant life thrives alongside breathtaking views of Burrard Inlet.

Whether you’re seeking a quiet stroll among wildflowers, a family outing with ocean breezes, or a chance to connect with Indigenous and community-led green spaces, the North Shore’s gardens are part of a larger story—one of biodiversity, accessibility, and beauty that extends from the forest to the shore. Bring a picnic, your walking shoes, and a curious heart.

Park & Tilford Gardens 

• Type: Formal botanical gardens

• Features: 8 themed gardens, including a Rose Garden, Japanese Garden, and Herb Garden.

• Notes: Originally developed by the Park & Tilford distillery; now a peaceful public space beside a shopping centre.

Maplewood Flats Conservation Area

• Type: Native plant restoration and bird sanctuary

• Features: Wetlands, nature trails, and native plant gardens

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Capilano River Hatchery Native Plant Gardens

• Type: Educational/native garden

• Features: Indigenous plantings along walkways and interpretive signage

• Notes: Enhances the educational experience near the hatchery and trails.

Loutet Farm & Garden

• Type: Urban farm & demonstration garden

• Features: Edible landscapes, flower beds, composting

• Notes: Community hub for urban agriculture and youth education.

Ambleside Butterfly Garden 

• Type: Community-managed native wildflower and pollinator habitat

• Highlights: Features native shrubs and wildflowers that bloom year-round, elevated vegetable and flower beds, bug hotels, and pollinator baths—themed to educate visitors on ecological gardening

• Volunteer & Community Focus: Run by Master Gardeners and volunteers, the garden hosts workshops, citizen science programs, scavenger hunts, and DIY pollinator education activities across all seasons

• Visitor Experience: Family-friendly, accessible oceanside vibe—TripAdvisor reviewers describe it as a “lovely garden…good area for gardeners to explore…something blooming 12 months of the year”

Chiba Gardens 

• Type: Traditional Japanese garden

• Features: Stone lanterns donated by Chiba (North Van’s sister city), Japanese maples, pines, dogwood, camellias, azaleas, rhododendrons, irises, ferns, bamboo, gravel pathways, gated entrances, a small waterfall, and dry stream beds

• Atmosphere & Size: A small yet serene hidden gem—just a few minutes to stroll but rich in traditional symbolism and ambiance. Visitors describe it as “a cozy atmosphere” and “a perfect place to unwind

• History & Cultural Significance: Opened in 1986 to embody the friendship between North Vancouver and Chiba, Japan. It houses two authentic Japanese stone lanterns and was thoughtfully designed to symbolize growth and life’s branching paths