Vancouver's hidden route | A one-day in-depth tour of the University of British Columbia (UBC) is a must-visit for young people with literary tastes

Want to take a trip to Vancouver that's away from the hustle and bustle and combines cultural atmosphere and natural scenery? The University of British Columbia (UBC) is definitely a stop not to be missed. This top Canadian university is not just a university, but also a secret town in the forest. It is suitable for a half-day to one-day in-depth tour and is loved by families, literary youths, and nature-loving travelers.

🌿 Suggested itinerary (recommended 4–6 hours)
10:00｜Arrival on campus → UBC Welcome Centre
Take the 99 B-Line or bus number 4 from downtown Vancouver, which is about a 40-minute ride. It is recommended that you first go to the Welcome Centre to get a campus map and tourist information. Next to it is the Chan Centre (Concert Hall), which has beautiful architecture and is worth stopping by.

10:30｜Museum of Anthropology (MOA)
One of the must-visit landmarks! The large collection of West Coast Aboriginal totems and handicrafts is the best starting point for understanding local culture. The museum's high-ceiling space displays huge totem poles and wooden sculptures, which are both spectacular and educational.
Opening hours: 10:00-17:00 (extended to 21:00 on Tuesdays)
Tickets: Adults $18 (free on Tuesdays from 5-9pm)

12:00｜Main Mall Stroll + Lunch
Take a stroll along the main street, Main Mall, from MOA to experience the open and natural atmosphere of the university. You can dine at the AMS Nest Student Center during your visit. We recommend the Porch Restaurant with its open balcony where you can enjoy the sea breeze and greenery.
Landmarks along the way:
Irving K. Barber Library (modern building with wavy glass curtain wall)
The Clock Tower: Gothic-style building, remains of the original campus in 1925

14:30｜UBC Rose Garden
Located on the southwest side of the campus, close to Marine Drive and facing English Bay, this rose garden is one of Vancouver's most famous. It has more than 1,200 roses and a stepped observation deck with a view of the Pacific Ocean and the North Shore Mountains.
Best flowering period: June to September (peak in July)

15:00｜Asian Centre
Near the intersection of Main Mall and University Boulevard, the iconic building was designed by Japanese architect Toshihiko Kimura, integrating Eastern and Western elements. The "Meditation Pond" in the central square was inspired by the dry landscape of Ryoan-ji Temple in Kyoto. The library has a large collection of Chinese, Japanese and Korean literature.

16:00｜Explore the sunset beach at Wreck Beach
A 15-minute walk from the west end of campus is the legendary Wreck Beach, Canada’s famous nude beach. Although there are 400 steps to climb, the scenery is worth it. In the evening, the setting sun shines on the sea, which is absolutely beautiful and therapeutic.

If time permits, you may also want to check out the following other attractions on campus that are worth visiting:

UBC Botanical Garden or Nitobe Japanese Garden
If you love plants and quiet spaces, the UBC Botanical Garden is a good choice for relaxation; if you like the oriental Zen style, the Japanese garden Nitobe Garden is a small and beautiful spiritual secret place, with spring cherry blossoms and autumn maples each having their own charm.

UBC Bookstore
It is a fairly large shop where you can buy university souvenirs, postcards, etc.

📌 Tips and Strategies
The campus mainly moves around on foot, so it is recommended to wear comfortable sports shoes.
Wreck Beach is crowded in summer, please respect the local culture and environment.

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