Rose Garden Parkade

I beg your pardon,
I never promised you a rose garden.
Along with the sunshine,
There's gotta be a little rain sometimes...

Or not. If you don't have the time or the funds to make it over to the Butchart Gardens near Victoria, then you just may want to stop and smell the roses at this stunning garden, probably just as pretty and fragrant as the elaborate English Garden over on the island with only a smidgen of the tourist traffic.

In fact, it's easy to miss this serene retreat because it sits on top of a parking garage (thus the name). Jamie W. and I accidentally came upon it after a visit to the Museum of Anthropology. We attempted to tour the expansive campus but didn't get very far. As we looped around Flag Pole Plaza, the garden came into full view with the tranquillity of the water in the background. It does make me wonder why I'm not a full-time Canuck if just for a few minutes.

Probably one of the best locations to enjoy the scenery at UBC.

Parking (paid) is available at, well, the parking lot underneath the garden. It is a rip though. Go park on Marine Drive for free, and walk over.

Yes, this garden is on top of a giant parkade. You really can't tell if you're looking down the hill. Pretty clever of the planners to do this, as this is where everyone also goes to take their graduation photos.

Definitely a must-see if you've in the vicinity.

Great Way to Improve the Roof of a Parking Lot. Stopped in today after climbing Marine Drive Hill from Spanish Banks Beach. The Roses are not even at a but stage yet but there still lot of great spaces to sit and relax and check the mountain views and blue sky's of a Sunny Spring Day.

What a lovely spot to eat a picnic lunch, read a book, or just chill and smell the roses while taking in the beautiful view! We stumbled upon the rose garden, located atop the parking garage that is catty corner from the Museum of Anthropology, while wandering the UBC campus. I wouldn't consider it a destination per se, but it's a great stop when you're in the vicinity.

OMG this is the most lovely hidden treasure in the city. I love roses. I love seeing roses in their semi natural habitat. Great place to practice some photography if you're a beginner and want something simple to practice on. So many species, all amazing in color. The view is another beauty on to itself. Be prepared to spend a good 90 minutes here looking and re-looking at things. Take you time as it is worth it. Even better on such a beautiful day.

Stunning views on a clear day. You can roam around if you want and/or sit down and relax by the perennials that come in various shades. People usually come here prior or after attending a event in The Chan Centre for the Performing Arts as it's nearby. Enjoy...and it's free for all! :)