UBC can sometimes feel a world apart from the rest of Vancouver, but when there’s so much to do up here, having a little space from the city isn’t such a bad thing.
UBC is a hidden gem, with lively restaurants, shops, and museums surrounded by nature on all sides. Grab a backpack and get ready to explore: everything you need to have a great time is right here.
Walk on the Wild Side
Visitors to UBC pass through stunning Pacific Spirit Regional Park on their way up to campus, but this lush beauty is a destination in its own right. With more than 50 km of trails through 1,850 acres of forest, the park has something for everyone, including bicyclists, runners, dog-walkers, and horse riders. If you’re feeling bold, venture over to the far side of the park and visit Wreck Beach, Vancouver’s famous “clothing-optional” beach. Nudity certainly isn’t required, though! If you plan to make a day of it, the many vendors on the beach can supply you with food, drink, and all kinds of trinkets.
Go High-Brow
If it’s culture you seek, UBC’s got you covered. Visit the Museum of Anthropology for unparalleled access to Indigenous art and objects from around the world. The giant blue whale skeleton hanging in the Beaty Biodiversity Museum is a top draw (and you don’t even have to pay the nominal admission fee to check it out!). The Belkin Art Gallery has contemporary art covered, and the Pacific Museum of Earth even has a dinosaur egg! Honestly, what more could you want?
Your Local, Sustainable Food Source
The UBC Farm, a rare working farm within city limits, is home to some of the freshest local produce around. From June through October, take advantage of the growing season and visit one of the Farm’s two weekly farmers’ markets. The Tuesday evening market is a smaller affair, but Saturdays feature multiple vendors selling local meat, cheese, mushrooms, baked goods, and more.
Wander the Gardens
If Pacific Spirit Park and Wreck Beach aren’t for you, you might like your nature a little tamer. Hey, there’s nothing wrong with that! UBC’s gardens are gorgeous and well worth a visit. Take in the view of the mountains from the Rose Garden at the end of Main Mall—be sure to visit in June or July when the garden is at its peak. The Botanical Garden has a dizzying array of plants on display, from a physic garden originally used to educate physicians and apothecaries to alpine plants from around the world. Nitobe Memorial Garden is considered one of the most authentic Japanese gardens outside Japan (according to Emperor Akihito, and we trust him). It’s beautiful in any season, even winter, and the tea house isn’t to be missed.
Grab a Bite
Feeling hungry after a full day of adventures at UBC? We don’t blame you! Check out our list of the top five restaurants on or near campus for help satisfying your cravings.
