I recently tried to explain to someone about the Greenheart TreeWalk and realized I never wrote this one up for the blog. If you are visiting Vancouver and you’re in the University of British Columbia (UBC) area around April to October, this is such a great place to visit. And maybe if you miss out on Capilano Suspension Bridge or you’ve been to the Capilano Suspension Bridge and want to visit something a little similar, it’s another place you can walk through trees like the Ewoks in Star Wars.
What is the Greenheart TreeWalk?
The Greenheart TreeWalk usually runs from around April through October during the day and some days it is closed so it’s always important to check opening times to avoid disappointment. It is part of the Botanical Garden but it requires a separate admission. You can also purchase a ticket that includes the Nitobe Memorial Garden as well. The Greenheart TreeWalk is 310 meters long and is made up of a suspended walkway and platforms in the treetop canopy that reach almost 20 meters off the forest floor. My family hasn’t been back yet since the 2020 pandemic but we have plans to visit this summer. This was a fabulous outdoor activity for all ages-we visited with my mom and my kids when they were about 10 years old.
Are there admission discounts?
The guys and I went with my mom in 2019, so I’m sure some things have changed but I always check before I go to places to see if there are admission discounts. I noticed on the website the other day (this is March, 2024) that there were special offers for Health Care Workers and First Responders (it was 50% off a yearly membership and you had to send an email with a copy of your ID) so make sure you check if this is still available if it is applicable to you. I think when I went I got a discount for using my Alumni card but when I checked this time it looks like admission is only discounted for current UBC card holders.
And other things to see at UBC
The Musuem of Anthropology is definitely a place I would visit and also with kids in tow (but I just read that it is closed until June 2024). The Beaty Biodiversity Museum is another a place we’ve spent some time at and there is a lot to see there and it’s also pretty kid-friendly. I have not visited the Residential School History and Dialogue Centre but this is a place I want to take my teenagers this summer to learn more about Indigenous children in BC who were forced by the Government of Canada to attend residential schools-even as recently as 1996. We also haven’t been to the Pacific Museum of the Earth and will visit that too.
And where to eat after your adventure?
I went to see if Pie R squared was still at UBC because this is where I’d suggest you get a slice of potato pizza at the end of your campus adventure but alas like most things over time it is not there anymore. Blue Chip Cafe, which might be the Blue Chip Cookies that took so much of our money during UBC days is still there but it used to only have cookies so I’ll have to see if it’s the same place this summer too. Just off campus I always recommend Grounds for Coffee for their cinnamon buns, Sophie’s Cosmic Cafe for good food and cool decor (and history! This place has been around forever!) and Granville Island is so close if you’re already in your car you might as well head there.
Are you familiar with where to eat at UBC? If yes, please let me know in the comments below or send me info at my instagram if that’s easier.
PS. just in case I forget to write this one up too, the Camosun bog is also in this area and it is an intriguing walk on a raised platform above a bog that seems like it would be good for all ages as well. Also, if you are looking for a place to stay in Vancouver, you can find my review of the Paradox Hotel here.
Terumi Pong is a Seattle-based family travel writer and mom of twin teenage boys. She loves coffee and pastries, shopping local and looking for greener ways to live. She is also known as Scout’s mom (Scout is a 5ish pound little black yorkie-poo)
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