Vancouverites have stayed cozy through the winter months awaiting the first signs of spring. As daylight extends later into the day, the rewards of the city’s rainy weather erupt in verdant shades of green. Gardens come to life as perennials return to bloom, and the annuals make their homes in fresh flower beds. As the city blossoms, it’s an ideal time to stroll some of Vancouver’s most endearing garden communities. 

We share our five top neighbourhoods with marvel-worthy gardens to inspire your green thumbs.

Mount Pleasant 

Just off the bustling throughway way of Main Street, Mount Pleasant is a trove of garden-clad streets that spill out from their respective homes. With an eclectic community that has called to the hearts of growing young families, young professionals, and retirees, the range of gardens reflect the neighbourhood’s diversity. From perfectly kept lawns with clean lines, to explosions of colour in English-style gardens, each yard has a personality of its own. Here, you’re likely to spot the sunshine yellows of dandelions and daisies, and the sweet smell of honeysuckle at the peak of spring.

Arbutus Ridge 

Marked by its towering leafy treas that dapple the sidewalks below in shade and sunshine, Arbutus Ridge is replete with manicured lawns and sprawling gardens. It’s rare to find a home in the neighbourhood without an abundant garden, with  many residents’ incorporating their own  unique touches. If you look closely, you’ll pass by ‘fairy doors’ on the winding tree trunks, or old cruiser bikes re-imagined as planters. You’ll also be likely to find some indigenous blooms to the area decorating the lawns, including foxglove and lupins.

Shaughnessy 

A walk through Shaughnessy will offer a rich display of Vancouver’s heritage homes flanked by red azalea bushes and red roses. Well-kept and meticulously cared for yards are the signature of Shaughnessy’s aesthetic, and the only real shame is not being able to peek at the grande displays in their backyards too.

Oakridge 

Spanning over 400 acres, Oakridge is often overlooked as a destination for garden-enthusiasts. The neighbourhood welcomes spring with  flowering bushes of Wisteria, and hundreds of potted plants lining stairwells and paved walkways. Through its quiet residential streets, the gardens pour out into the sidewalks creating an outdoor oasis that is as much for the owner’s enjoyment as it is the passersby. Keep your eyes peeled for little book nooks peeking out from behind the hedges, where you might find your next great read.

Hastings-Sunrise  

Just east of downtown is Hastings-Sunrise, a charming and unique neighbourhood flourishing in colour. Its tree-lined streets feel a far throw from the urban centre only ten minutes down the road. As the sun returns, so too do the bright orange poppies, blue violets, and climbing hydrangea vines that paint a vibrancy throughout the neighbourhood. Enjoy a peaceful juant through its myriad gardens, or pack a picnic and find a spot adjacent to the community gardens to see the gardeners in action.




Looking for advice on finding the right neighbourhood for you? Connect with a rennie advisor to help you navigate the housing market and the home-buying journey.