Autumn Adventures

It’s no secret that Vancouver’s fall weather is unpredictable, but we savvy west coast moms don’t fret the wet. Instead, we head to our favourite forests for fresh air, exercise, and natural shelter. Top of our list this weekend is the UBC Botanical Garden, with its amazing Canopy Walkway, famous Apple Festival, and nearby UBC Farm.

This natural garden is not a well-manicured field of blooms—it’s an amazing collection of indigenous plants and trees, spanning 110 acres of forested trails for exploring. There are lots of benches along the way to enjoy a snack, and if the weather is nice, there’s a large grassy field along the north side of the garden for a picnic. 

For a great activity with kids four years and up, try the Canopy Walkway, an amazing suspension bridge experience which takes you on a circle tour 308 metres in length and at times, over 17.5 metres above the ground, providing a bird’s-eye view of the garden’s tallest coniferous trees and a unique perspective of the forest floor below. At each tree, there are viewing platforms (don’t look down if you’re afraid of heights).

Of course, this weekend is the garden’s annual Apple Festival (note that the hours are different: 11 am until 4 pm, Saturday and Sunday). Admission to both the garden and festival is only $2 for adults and free for kids under 12 (the Canopy Walkway is extra). Enjoy great food, musical entertainment and a fun children’s zone. For an extra $3, sample up to 60 different apple varieties or for $5, take home a booklet filled with apple facts and home storage tips. 

Finally, a visit to UBC would not be complete without a trip to the UBC Farmers’ Market (open Saturdays only from 9 am until 1 pm, May through October). This farmers’ market is fairly small, but it’s a great spot for organic produce (most grown at the farm itself), locally-made breads, baked goods, and crafts. Take the kids for a walk through the vegetable patches, small apple orchard, greenhouse, and the hen house. 

Don’t huddle in your indoor cave. Rain or shine, UBC Botanical Garden and UBC Farm are sure to be outdoor fall family faves.

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