Description:                                

Established in 1916, and spread over 70 acres amidst coastal forest, this is the oldest university botanical garden in Canada. Here’s where you’ll find 400 species of rhododendrons (Canada’s largest collection), a 16th century Physic Garden, espaliered fruit trees, a Perennial Border that lavishes the landscape with color all summer long as well as a Winter Garden where unusual trees, shrubs and perennials bloom from November to March. An Alpine Garden displays rare mountain plants from all continents; an Asian Garden houses plants from Japan, Korea and China and a BC Native Garden showcases only plants that are indigenous to the province. Across the way is the Nitobe Memorial Garden, widely regarded as the most authentic Japanese tea and stroll garden outside of Japan. Named for Dr. Inazo Nitobe, a Japanese international educator who tried to bridge the gap between East and West, Dr. Nitobe was the Japanese representative to the League of Nations in the 1920s. There are two parts: the Teahouse Garden, designed for peaceful contemplation with pleasant associations; and the Main Garden, illustrating the variety of nature and the journey of life. The garden follows traditional principles of yin and yang and its layout conforms to the map of the Milky Way. And symbolism abounds, making this somewhat of a mystical adventure. For example, according to Japanese legend, devils can only walk in straight lines so to be rid of any that might be following you, cross the ziz-zaggy yatsu-hashi bridge and the devil will fall into the water. Since devils cannot stand the touch of water, you can carry on happily.