Queen Elizabeth Park, Vancouver (must see)

Situated in Vancouver, Queen Elizabeth Park spans 130 acres as a municipal park. Perched atop Little Mountain, it rests at an elevation of roughly 125 meters (410 feet) above sea level. This area was once home to basalt quarries that were excavated in the early 20th century to source materials for the city's roads.

In its pre-European settlement days, this park thrived as an old-growth forest and served as a spawning site for salmon. Native wildlife including grey wolves, elk, and bears frequented the surroundings. Nevertheless, with the arrival of European settlers in the 1870s, the grey wolf, elk, and bear populations were eradicated, the ancient forest was felled, and salmon creeks were paved over. While the salmon creeks extending from Queen Elizabeth to False Creek still persist today, they exist beneath layers of pavement.

The notion of establishing sunken gardens within the former quarries was proposed by the BC Tulip Association in 1936 to the city's park board. By the close of that decade, the site had been entrusted to the Vancouver Park Board for recreational and park purposes. During their visit to Vancouver in 1939 as King and Queen of Canada, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth (the mother of Queen Elizabeth II) dedicated the park.

Over time, park staff meticulously converted the overgrown slopes into Canada's inaugural civic arboretum, with support from the Canadian Pulp and Paper Association. The attractive quarry gardens were conceptualized by Park Board Deputy Superintendent Bill Livingstone and were revealed in the early 1960s.

The establishment of open reservoirs and the construction of the country's foremost geodesic conservatory were funded by a generous $1.25 million contribution from Prentice Bloedel. Encircled by covered walkways, illuminated fountains, and Henry Moore's sculpture "Knife Edge Two Piece 1962–65," the conservatory opened its doors on December 6, 1969, amid widespread celebration. Within its enclosed tropical garden thrive 500 exotic plants and flowers, alongside over a hundred free-flying tropical birds.

Why You Should Visit:
Just a common garden park, but where it does win is the additional upmarket attractions within.
It's as easy as following the signs to any of them (Conservatory, Restaurant, etc.).
As an aside, the views over the city from the top of the hill are gorgeous.

Tip:
Check out the nice collection of plants, many of which you may have never seen before, such as the 'giant rhubarb'.
Also, don't miss the spot where a group of statues marks the exact point you should take a souvenir picture from.