UBC Rose Garden (solo trip)
How Solo-Friendly is UBC Rose Garden?
What makes it 90% Solo-Friendly: The tranquil rose beds, benches, and ocean-mountain views let solo guests read, photograph, or meditate for free, and the lack of onsite services is rarely a problem for independent adults.
Positives:
- Free entry: You can explore the garden without any admission fee.
- Scenic benches: Benches offer views of English Bay and North Shore mountains.
Challenges:
- No on-site restrooms: The garden has no washrooms; nearest facilities are at University Centre (5 mins walk).
- Transit frequency: Evening buses to UBC run less often; check schedules on TransLink.
What is UBC Rose Garden?
- A formal rooftop rose garden at the University of British Columbia, occupying the roof of the University Boulevard Parkade
- Showcases over 3,000 rose bushes across more than 100 cultivars, including hybrid teas, floribundas and grandifloras
- Arranged in precise geometric beds and framed by mature trees, with views of English Bay and the North Shore mountains
What is so special about UBC Rose Garden for solo trip?
- Free entry to diverse rose varieties with ocean and mountain backdrop
- Ample benches and paved paths ideal for solo reading and meditation
- Peak bloom in mid-June to early July; best in morning light
- Option to join a free guided campus tour via the UBC Welcome Centre
- Nearby forest patch adds a quick nature extension to your visit
Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours
Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for solo trip: Allows time to stroll, photograph blooms, and join a campus tour without rushing.
Solo-Friendly Activities in UBC Rose Garden
Quiet reading & meditation:
Sit on a bench under shady trees with a book or journal.
Tip: Wake up early to secure a bench facing the ocean view.
Flower photography:
Practice macro and composition shots of 12+ rose varieties.
Tip: Use a wide aperture (f/2.8–f/4) for blurred backgrounds.
Free guided campus tour:
Join a walking tour at the UBC Welcome Centre covering the rose garden.
Tip: Reserve your spot online or in person at least one day ahead.
Pocket forest walk:
Explore the small forest patch between the garden and the Chan Centre.
Tip: Follow paved paths and watch for woodpeckers in summer.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to UBC Rose Garden
- Arrive early: Get there around 8 AM to enjoy soft light and avoid crowds.
- Download campus map: Use the UBC mobile map to locate the garden and nearby restrooms.
- Pack snacks: Bring water and light snacks since there are no food outlets inside the garden.
Reviews of UBC Rose Garden
Michele Martinez
One of my favourite rose garden in Vancouver, it has a stunning view, well maintained landscape and gorgeous flowers. It’s located in the heart of UBC campus. Highly recommend it!
jiangning fu
The garden is not very big and maybe autumn is approaching, it looks a bit less beautiful now. You can come again next summer to see it
T.L.G.
Brought our son for a summer program and took a stroll. We were not disappointed!
Siddu A
The Rose Garden at UBC is truly a peaceful retreat within the campus. Surrounded by vibrant blooms, it’s a perfect spot to relax, take a stroll, or just soak in the beauty of nature. The fragrant air and stunning views of the surrounding greenery make it an ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of university life. A must-visit for anyone looking for a serene, picturesque spot on campus!
Joshua Fagan
A delightful place that demonstrates the British influence that is still so deeply felt here in British Columbia: the garden is orderly and serene, with these graceful green hedges arranged in a lab or geometric forms that become particularly visible from a higher altitude. It is the perfect place for Earl Grey tea and a pleasant afternoon conversation, as it exudes a general sense of refinement a...
When is the best time to visit UBC Rose Garden (Vancouver, Canada)?
Visit mid-June to early July for peak rose blooms; arrive in the morning for soft light and fewer visitors.
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Typical Budget for Solo Traveler (1 Adult)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Entrance fee | CAD 0 |
| Return transit fare | CAD 7 |
| Coffee at campus cafe | CAD 5 |
| Total Estimated | CAD 12 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of UBC Rose Garden
Address: 6301 Crescent Rd, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z2, Canada
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About UBC Rose Garden
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+1 604-822-600010 BEST nearby Activities
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